The dual use technology development program s objective is to create partnerships with U.S. Industry and academic/non-profit organizations that complement the technology development interests of…

NASA's Shared Services Center awarded a $71,863 cooperative agreement to the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) on December 2, 2024, under the Dual Use Technology Development Program (CAN24-102). The award supports the development of tailored diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings designed for dust mitigation applications, with performance extending through February 28, 2026. This cooperative agreement reflects NASA's collaborative approach to technology development, pairing the agency's research interests with UTSI's specialized aerospace engineering capabilities. The contract was awarded without set-aside designation, selected on competitive merit within the civilian-focused program framework. Work will be performed at UTSI's facility in Tullahoma, Tennessee.

The award represents a continuation of UTSI's substantial research engagement with federal agencies, particularly NASA and the Department of Defense. As a designated Land Grant institution and premier aerospace research center, UTSI brings demonstrated expertise in advanced materials science, computational modeling, and experimental testing to support federal research and development initiatives. This cooperative agreement aligns with UTSI's core competencies in materials characterization and advanced diagnostics, positioning the institute to deliver innovative coating solutions addressing dust mitigation challenges relevant to NASA's aerospace missions and broader public purposes under the Dual Use Technology Development Program framework.

The dual use technology development program s objective is to create partnerships with U.S. Industry and academic/non-profit organizations that complement the technology development interests of msfc and NASA. The goal is to support collaborative, resource-sharing projects where the NASA partner is developing a technology primarily for its own public purposes, and NASA can provide financial support or other assistance.