Department of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command, AFRL -- Wright Research Site, Det 1 AFRL/PK, Bldg 167, Area B, 2310 8th Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 45433-7801

A -- MATERIALS AND PROCESSES FOR INTEGRATED HIGH PAYOFF ROCKET PROPULSION TECHNOLOGY SOL PRDA-00-08-MLK DUE 083000 POC Susan Palmer, Contract Negotiator, Phone (937) 255-0909, Fax (937) 255-5302, Email Susan.Palmer@wpafb.af.mil -- Timothy Jones, Contracting Officer, Phone (937) 656-9002, Fax (937) 255-5302, Email WEB: Visit this URL for the latest information about this, http://www.eps.gov/cgi-bin/WebObjects/EPS?ACode=P&ProjID=PRDA-00-08-ML K&LocID=904. E-MAIL: Susan Palmer, Susan.Palmer@wpafb.af.mil. Air Force Research Laboratory, The Air Force Research Laboratory_s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/ML), Wright _ Patterson AFB, OH solicits research proposals for Materials and Processes for Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT). The purpose of this acquisition is to develop materials and processes to meet the Phase II and Phase III goals established in the IHPRPT program. These goals are identified in the Supplemental Data package of this solicitation. A collaborative Department of Defense (DOD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and propulsion industry steering committee has set forth goals for, Liquid Rocket Engine Boost and Orbit Transfer, Solid Rocket Motors for Boost and Orbit Transfer and Tactical Applications, and Spacecraft Propulsion. The topics address the development of materials to be used in critical components (identified by the IHPRPT Materials Working Group (IMWG) and approved by the IHPRPT Steering Committee, co-chaired by DOD and NASA), to meet the projected goals of the IHPRPT program. These goals include improvements in mass fractions (fuel mass to component mass), specific impulse (ISP), life cycle as well as cost reductions over the span of the IHPRPT program. The overall goal of the program is to double rocket propulsion capability by the year 2010. Interim goals for the project have been established for 2005. IHPRPT goals cannot be met using current baseline materials and processes. Materials must operate in liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and high-temperature and high-pressure environments. The materials and processes must provide a lightweight, durable and affordable alternative to the current baseline components specified in the IHPRPT program. Specific Materials and processes are needed for components in each of the following topics and subtopics; LIQUID ROCKET ENGINE BOOST AND ORBIT TRANSFER, Propellant Management Devices -- 1. Liquid Oxygen Turbo Pump Housing, 2. Liquid Hydrogen Turbo Pump Housing, 3. Lines, Ducts and Valves, Combustion and Energy Conversion Devices -- 4. Lightweight Thrust Chamber Structural Jacket, 5. High Temperature Composite Nozzle and Coatings; SOLID ROCKET MOTORS FOR TACTICAL AND BOOST AND ORBIT TRANFER 6. Nozzle Assemblies, 7. Case & Insulation; SPACECRAFT PROPULSION, 8. High Durability Catalyst Material, 9. Reduced Erosion Materials for Electrostatic Thrusters, 10. High-Temperature Oxidation Resistant Chamber Materials. Qualified potential Offerors will find specific component requirements and specific IHPRPT goals in the Supplemental Data Package. Foreign owned firms and foreign governments are advised they will not be allowed to participate as prime contractors on the Materials and Processes for Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology topics. Materials and processes resulting from this program will be expected to meet a minimum NASA Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of four (4). Small businesses and academia are encouraged to propose on all or any part of this effort, however, it is recommended they team with a rocket propulsion prime interested in applying their materials and processes to an IHPRPT identified component to ensure the materials will satisfy the component_s requirements. Interested offerors may view and/or download the full PRDA solicitation by accessing the Electronic Posting System (EPS) homepage at http://www.eps.gov/. Direct questions to the Contracting point of contact identified in the announcement Posted 05/25/00 (D-SN458632). (0146)

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