Face masks and respirators are frequently deployed in critical protective applications such as medical and construction environments

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) awarded a $399,998.23 Cooperative Agreement under the Science, Technology, Business and/or Education Outreach program (CFDA 11.620) to ITA International LLC, a veteran-owned small business, to develop a novel Fitted Filtration Efficiency (FFE) protocol for assessing the efficacy of face masks and respirators. The project aims to create protocols that will enable consumers and manufacturers to better understand the expected fit and filtration efficiency of these products based on face size and shape. The anticipated outcomes include expanded development of the FFE protocol and positioning the testing service for commercialization, with potential applications in medical, construction, and defense sectors. ITA International LLC will be the sole performer of the project, without any sub-recipients, over the two-year award period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026.

Expected outcomes

The achievements realized in its sbir phase i project will carry over to this phase II project where ITA international LLC will expand into to complete development of the FFE protocol and position the testing service for commercialization.

Intended beneficiaries

Recipient's intended beneficiaries include mask/respirator manufacturers, laboratories, department of defense and the medical and construction sector.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to make subawards for this phase II project.