Contract Division 6, Code 260000D, Bldg. 00456, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, CA 93555-6001

A -- BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SAPPHIRE THERMAL SHOCK RESISTANCE RESEARCH SOL N68936-95-R-0346 POC Jane Price, Contract Specialist (619) 939-4267 or Patricia West, Contracting Officer, (619) 939-4276. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAVAIRWARCENWPNS), China Lake, CA is sponsoring a Broad Agency Announcement to seek proposals to improve the thermal shock resistance of single crystal sapphire without diminishing its infrared transparency or increasing its high temperature emittance in the 3-to 5-micrometer midwave infrared spectral region. A process to modify the bulk and/or the surface of single crystal sapphire in rational ways that might improve the high temperature strength and thermal shock resistance is desired. Successful proposals must be affordable and scaleable for eventual production of 8-cm-diameter domes and 16-cm-long windows. Successful processes must be capable of implementation in a manufacturing environment, but manufacturing capability is not a requirement of this procurement. It is believed that thermal shock failure of sapphire arises from rapid loss of mechancial strength above room temperature. Compression of sapphire along the c-axis of the crystal appears to be the most critical weakness. Sapphire loses 84% of its room temperature c-axis compressive strength at 400 degrees C and 97% at 600 degrees C. Loss of strength during c-axis compression has been attributed to twinning on intersecting rhombohedral crystal planes. Surface conditions are a significant factor in the initiation of tensile failures and might also play a role in the initiation of twinning. Alternate explanations of thermal shock failure or mechanical strength degradation and potential processes to mitigate them will also be considered. Resistance to thermal shock is proportional to the strength of a material and inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity. To increase the thermal shock resistance of sapphire, it will be necessary to increase its high temperature strength without degrading thermal conductivity so much that it offsets the increase in strength. Proposals should address the modification of sapphire material and appropriate testing of strength to at least 800 degrees C. C-Axis compression tests at elevated temperatures are recommended as a screening test for material improvements. Equibiaxial flexure tests at elevated temperature are required to confirm improvements seen in c-axis compression. Tests of thermal shock resistance may be included as part of the proposal or may be left for the Government to perform after increased high temperature strength has been demonstrated. Offerors may propose work at a level of 0.5 to 1.5 person-years per year for a period of up to 3 years beginning approximately January 1996. Work should be proposed in phases of 1 year each. The technical portion of the proposal may be no more than 20 pages in length. The proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria. The first criterion is the most important. Criteria 2-4 are equal to each other in importance. 1) overall scientific and technical merits of the proposal; 2) the offeror's capabilities, related experience, facilities, techniques, or unique combinations of these which are integral factors for acheiving the proposal objectives; 3) the qualifications, capabilities and experience of the proposed principal investigator, team leader, or key personnel who are critical in achieving the proposal objectives; and 4) realism of the proposed cost. Multiple awards are possible. Availability of funds will limit the number and magnitude of concepts funded. Technical questions regarding this announcement should be directed to Daniel Harris, (619) 939-1649. Contractual questions should be directed to Jane Price, (619) 939-4267. An informal information/Request for Proposal (RFP) package containing instructions for preparation and submission of proposals, will be issued for this announcement. Requests for the package should be in writing and may be sent by facsimile to (619) 939-4290, ATTN: Jane Price, or sent by mail to NAVAIRWARCENWPNS, Contracts Division 6, Code 260000D, ATTN: Jane Price, China Lake, CA. 93555-6001. The request should include whether your firm is foreign-owned and your firm's Tax Identification Number (TIN) and Commerical and Government Entity (CAGE) Code if one has been assigned. Telephone requests may not be honored if not followed up in writing. Information packages will be available on or about 17 July; proposals will be due 45 days after the first mailing of the information packages. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. (0173)

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