Attach 3e - AET Task Order 5 SOO dated 5 May 2021.pdf

FA9451-21-S-0002

Attachment 3e

ADVANCED ELECTROMAGNETIC TECHNOLOGY

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

TASK ORDER 5

High Power Electromagnetics (HPEM) Fundamental Research

5 May 2021

1.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Directed Energy Directorate (RD), High-Powered

Electromagnetics Division (RDH), located at Kirtland AFB, is the Air Force’s Center of

Excellence for research in High Powered Electromagnetic (HPEM) technology and functions as the Air Force Materiel Command’s center for HPEM technology development, acquisition, transformation, and support.

AFRL/RDH is composed of highly specialized research facilities and HPEM scientists and engineers that work in close partnership with the AF, DoD, and industry to provide innovative technologies.

The objective of the AET Program is to investigate, develop, and ultimately transition new

HPEM Weapon concepts, HPEM materials and components, and compact pulsed power topologies. The program will also evaluate and leverage advances in prime power technologies to optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP) for future weapon systems. Successful transition entails transitioning the new HPEM Weapon Concept into its own program, or incorporation/use of novel HPEM components and materials into another HPEM Program.

2.0 TASK ORDER DESCRIPTION

This research effort will focus on fundamental research and development on the interactions of materials for use in next generation HPM systems. The research will include the development, modeling, and testing of materials heated using high power microwave or millimeter-wave radiation. Developing, modeling and testing novel materials and components relevant to heat exchangers capable of utilizing electromagnetic energy as a power source. Studying microwave and millimeter-wave powered plasma sources, associated high voltage power systems, magnetic field configurations, beam conditioning techniques, and beam direction techniques necessary for heating materials and generating plasmas. Studying the physics of materials in extreme environments of high power microwave tubes, computationally and experimentally, particularly extending the state-of-the-art in novel materials and condensed matter pertaining to electron field emission physics. Developing and testing improved theoretical and numerical models for neutral outgassing of various anode materials for HPM tubes. Developing and testing models to explain the relationship of the magnetic properties of ferrites to the efficiency, frequency and pulse lengths of electromagnetic radiation propagating through magnetic dispersive nonlinear transmission lines.

Exploring innovative coupling techniques for frequency selection and extraction of high power microwaves from nonlinear transmission lines.

Simulating and exploring the effects and mitigation of defects in dielectrics and insulators, particularly in relation to the mechanisms of electrical breakdown.

Due to the importance of HPEM-related fundamental research to broader research programs at

AFRL, the majority of contractor work will be performed in close collaboration with government personnel at AFRL facilities; however, it is expected that in order to achieve research goals, it may be necessary to access specialized skills and capabilities that are available in other areas such as universities.

3.0 TASK ORDER OBJECTIVES

The objective of this task order is to advance Air Force HPM capabilities by performing research and development in Topic Area 5: HPEM Fundamental Research of Technical Area, Electromagnetic Weapons Technologies (EMWT).

Develop, model, and test materials heated using high power microwave or millimeter-wave radiation.

Develop, model and test novel materials and components relevant to heat exchangers capable of utilizing electromagnetic energy as a power source.

Study microwave and millimeter-wave powered plasma sources, associated high voltage power systems, magnetic field configurations, beam conditioning techniques, and beam direction techniques necessary for heating materials and generating plasmas.

Study the physics of materials in extreme environments of high power microwave tubes, computationally and experimentally, particularly extending the state-of-the-art in novel materials and condensed matter pertaining to electron field emission physics.

Develop and test improved theoretical and numerical models for neutral outgassing of various anode materials for HPM tubes.

Develop and test models to explain the relationship of the magnetic properties of ferrites to the efficiency, frequency and pulse lengths of electromagnetic radiation propagating through magnetic dispersive nonlinear transmission lines.

Explore innovative coupling techniques for frequency selection and extraction of high power microwaves from nonlinear transmission lines.

Simulate and explore the effects and mitigation of defects in dielectrics and insulators, particularly in relation to the mechanisms of electrical breakdown.

4.0 DELIVERABLES

4.1 Data

Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) A001 – A014 are applicable to the Task Order.

CDRL A001: Presentation Materials As Required

CDRL A002: Status Report Monthly

CDRL A003: Scientific and Technical Report ETE

CDRL A004: Developmental Design Drawings and Associated Lists As Required

CDRL A005: Test Plan As Required

CDRL A006: Computer Program End Item

Documentation As Required

CDRL A007: Software User’s Manual As Required

CDRL A008: Technical Report As Required

CDRL A009: Computer Software Product End Items As Required

CDRL A010: System Safety Hazard Analysis Report

(SSHA) As Required

CDRL A011: Safety Assessment Report (SAR) As Required

CDRL A012: Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) Quarterly

CDRL A013: Operations & Maintenance Instructions of R&D equipment As Required

CDRL A014: Government Property Inventory Report Semi Annual

4.2 Software

If applicable on this Task Order.

4.3 Hardware

4.4 Other

5.0 PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Work will primarily be performed at the contractor’s facilities and Kirtland AFB. However, participation in meetings, tests, and other efforts at Kirtland AFB and other locations may be desired. The project is intended to be a 45 month technical effort, with an additional 3 months allotted for final report preparation.

6.0 BASE SUPPORT

The offeror will be offered access to AFRL facilities located at Kirtland AFB. These facilities are located where the HPEM research will primarily be conducted in buildings on Kirtland Air

Force Base.Other locations may be added depending on project requirements.

7.0 SECURITY

This Task Order effort does not require a Secret facility clearance and safeguarding capability.

Refer to 8.0 Security in the Basic SOO.

8.0 FOREIGN PARTICIPATION

Foreign participation is prohibited on this effort.

9.0 CONTRACTOR ACQUIRED PROPERTY

The offeror should propose Contractor Acquired Property (CAP) as required to fulfill the proposed effort.

10.0 REQUIRED TRAVEL

Task Order work related to technical research, expertise, or demonstration may be required at various CONUS locations. Furthermore, participation in equipment assessment, equipment removal or transport, system test studies, technical interchange meetings, and conference attendance may be required.

11.0 OPERATIONS SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

Refer to 12.0 Operations Security Considerations in the Basic SOO.

12.0 SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIRMENTS

Refer to 14.0 Supplemental Requirements in the Basic SOO.

13.0 CONTRACT HOLIDAYS

Contract Holidays: The prices/costs include holiday observances; accordingly, the Government will not be billed for such holidays, except when services are required by the Government and are actually performed on a holiday. The following days are contract holidays:

New Year’s Day

Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

President’s Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Veteran’s Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day