Applied Neuroanalytics for Optimization of Naval Training and Operational Readiness - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-NV033

Disclaimer:
This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
We believe this topic is planned to be released once the SBIR program is reauthorized; however, this topic may ultimately be modified or withdrawn.

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Funding Amount:

Est. $240,000

Deadline to Apply:

Est. April 29th, 2026.

Objective:

Assess the effects of additives into 3D-printed input materials that are structurally and thermally viable for weapon system components, to determine the changes to electromagnetic (EM) properties that can be achieved based on how the additives change the material properties of 3D printed materials, and changes required to the 3D-printing process to ensure sufficient additive concentration to achieve relevant EM property changes. The end goal of this research is to establish what EM behavior effects are possible with relevant material properties for weapon systems and what additive composition are needed to obtain them. An initial use case of an antenna radome for a weapon system navigation receiver will be explored.

Description:

Many different 3D printing techniques are currently employed today and the use of this technology has progressed from niche, one-off manufacturing to producing large components, printing directly onto complex-shaped objects, and even mass manufacture. The majority of the printing that is performed, however, focuses on pure polymer materials. There is a need to develop technologies to attenuate electromagnetic (EM) radiation for relevant purposes specific to many military applications. Pure polymer materials traditionally used for 3D printing do not attenuate Radio Frequency (RF) and are often transparent to key frequencies. The incorporation of additives into the polymer input materials can change the EM properties of the bulk material as evidenced by initial research by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The full benefit applied to more relevant applications needs to be addressed. The work in this SBIR topic is meant to determine what EM attenuation behaviors are possible with the incorporation of additives, for materials intended for use in relevant environments. This includes analyzing changes to the physical properties of the produced materials to determine how the thermal and mechanical properties as well as the printability of the materials are affected, to include changes needed to the printing process to create more relevant effects.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

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