Attch 2- TO 0001 SOO (OPSEC reviewed).pdf

FA8650-22-S-5005

Attachment 2

FRESH TO1 – Statement of Objectives Page 1

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIVE EXPERIMENTATION FOR SYSTEMS AND HUMANS (FRESH)

TASK ORDER 0001: BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND

EXPLORATION

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES (SOO)

1.0 BACKGROUND

USAF missions require sustained operations in multiple environmental conditions and for consecutive days. Material advances are needed to optimize mission success in the area of biological technology and biomaterials. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Soft Matter Materials Branch (AFRL/RXAS) has a long-standing history of conducting research in the fields of biotechnology, synthetic biology, and molecular and chemical sensing. The capability to exploit biology and its processes for use in military applications is critical for revolutionizing the identification of hazardous materials, infectious diseases, and changes in human biological processes to detect performance decrements. In addition, biodegradable methods of sensing ensure the safety and security of military operations.

2.0 OBJECTIVES

This work shall include research and experimentation to forward the knowledge base of materials and processes related to biotechnology and synthetic biology and their applications. It will encompass, but not be limited to, developing and establishing mechanisms of biodegradation of materiel using genomic and spectroscopic techniques; identifying and functionalizing biological markers for human performance sensing; and developing new methods for creating materials molecules and chemical species. It will also include research for extraction and purification of rare earth elements using biological means and the development and characterization of biomaterials to support heavy loads. This work will seek to transition basic research principles and concepts towards applied research objectives. This effort seeks to provide comprehensive capabilities to include the research, fabrication, modeling, processing, development, characterization, and evaluation of functional and responsive biological related materials and molecular processes.

3.0 TASK AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1. BIODEGRADATION OF MATERIALS EXPLORATION: Conduct research into the mechanisms of degradation of materials, including polymer coatings, biofuels, and others. This will include investigating the genetic, protein, and metabolic expression of relevant organisms in lab and real-world environments to determine potential mechanisms of degradation. This may also include bioinformatics analysis of microbial communities and strains of interest, leveraging an in-house microbial library.

3.2. STABILIZATION OF TEMPERATURE SENSITIVE BIOLOGIC MIXTURES: Conduct research that will be focused on technologies aimed at the stabilization of biologics against adverse thermal, solvent, and storage conditions. In addition, these technologies will be applied to the incorporation of biological elements into materials to create robust bioactive composites that can be printed and molded into bespoke form factors. Interfacial interactions between biotic/abiotic materials will also be conducted with the study of biogenic organic/inorganic composites incorporating complete enzymatic control of both phases.

3.3. BIO-INSPIRED MATERIALS FOR STRUCTURAL AND INFRASTRUCTURE APPLICATIONS:

Conduct research into the development of biomaterials, such as biocements, for use in austere environments. This will include, but not be limited to, co-culturing of microbes for symbiotic feedstock production, environmental conditions for optimal growth, and characterization of created structural biomaterials. The contractor may also investigate novel methods for increased efficiency of the process.

FRESH TO1 – Statement of Objectives Page 2

3.4. SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY FOR PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS: Perform application of the synthetic biology engineering principles to investigate characteristics of natural materials, understand the design principles behind natural materials, and engineer biological systems for biomaterial production. In addition, investigate the mechanisms of Rare Earth Element binding and purification using synthetic biology tools. This includes, but is not limited to, protein engineering, genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, organism engineering, etc. To achieve this goal, state of the art techniques, including but not limited to: polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, restriction digest cloning, Gibson Assembly, Golden Gate Assembly, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), protein purification, affinity chromatography, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy will be employed.

3.5. MECHANISMS OF DEGRADATION OF CHEMICALS AND MATERIALS: Develop advanced computational models using artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms and perform experimental validation to advance per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) degradation, destruction and removal research, including biological strategies. The research will integrate computational methods, AI/ML, and is built upon the results of previously performed research and existing literature and will develop approaches against PFAS contamination. Specifically, the contractor will develop and validate PFAS biodegradation catalysts through bioinformatics and advanced computational methods. Advanced quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) techniques will be utilized to model the degradation mechanism of enzymes (e.g., fluoroacetate dehalogenases, laccases) hypothesized to defluorinate PFAS. Point mutations in these enzymes will be investigated and enzyme performance as a function of fluorination degree and chain length will be evaluated. Optimization of degradative mechanisms for relevant polymers will be achieved through engineering of biological systems (e.g. organisms, proteins).

3.6. MATERIALS FOR THERMAL REGULATION: Research the comparison of the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of natural wool fibers of similar average fiber diameter. The contractor will also biochemically isolate proteins from commercially-available, raw wool (e.g. Muskox, sheep) and determine the sequence of the keratins and keratin associated proteins through proteomic and bioinformatic methods. The contractor will develop synthetic biology approaches for expression of proteins responsible for giving thermal properties of high performing wools for application in cold region operations. Testing shall be conducted on films and nanofiber blends with traditional synthetic polymers and biologically derived proteins, comparing their thermal insulating properties to the natural fibers of origin.

3.7. MATERIALS FOR SENSING: Conduct research into biosensing applications that will include monitoring and sensing of markers related, but not limited to, stress, fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cognition. This will include investigation into biomarkers for performance degradation and development of bio-recognition elements (BREs) for detection of these markers.

Investigations to compare BRE performance based on sensor transduction sensitivity, drift, biofouling susceptibility, etc. for the selected biomarker screening pool employing appropriate analytical and characterization tools will be performed. Structural biology and chemistry techniques including, X-ray scattering and cryo-electron microscopy, to define the molecular structure, chemical reaction sequence (kinetic model/theory), and rate limiting steps critical to the sensing system and transduction mechanism may also be performed.

3.8. ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT: The contractor will mature technology through the creation of prototypes, product demonstrations, and independent testing. Promising technology will be partnered with industrial partners that will develop business models, identify markets, and create methods for production.

Topics that will be promoted include devices for human performance monitoring; aeromedicine;

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR); and materials sustainment. The desired result of this effort is devices that are reliable and available commercially.

3.9. COMPUTATIONAL MODELING AND SIMULATION: Perform computationally-based modeling and simulation to support this research work. Researchers will develop new software and algorithms, while leveraging existing models, to predict and more quickly understand material interactions, nanostructure, responsive characteristics, and other properties. Computational modeling will be conducted in close consultation with experimental work.

FRESH TO1 – Statement of Objectives Page 3

3.10. COLLABORATIONS: Collaborate outside the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (RX), Soft Matter Materials Branch (RXAS) to enhance the Air Force’s commitment to materials development by introducing a fresh expertise into the highly focused research topics of this task order. These collaborations are encouraged since they will expand AFRL/RXAS’ capabilities by allowing access to rare equipment or difficult testing conditions, while providing a motivated workforce. The contractor will also seek to coordinate technical seminars with scientists and engineers to enhance the knowledge base and build collaborative spirit. In addition, the contractor will continue to mentor research participants at education levels ranging from high school, undergraduate, to graduate levels, by hosting research internships at AFRL.

3.11. LABORATORY SUPPORT: The contractor will be responsible for maintenance of the on-base laboratory facilities where AFRL/RX research will be conducted, including storage and handling of laboratory samples, collection, storage, analysis, and documentation of data. The contractor will obtain supplies, software, equipment, and licenses required for the research mission in a timely manner. The contractor will also maintain, service, repair or replace any obsolete or outdated equipment and software as needed.

4.0 MANAGEMENT

Perform program, administrative, and financial management functions during this Task Order (TO), including establishing activities and milestones; tracking performance, cost, and schedule; overseeing quality performance; planning, forecasting, and reporting funding and funding changes; and preparing appropriate documentation. The contractor shall meet with the AFRL/RXAS Program Manager at least monthly to discuss the technical, schedule, and cost status.

5.0 DELIVERABLES

Item Description

A001 Scientific and Technical Reports – Final Report (DI-MISC-80711A/T)

A002 Funds and Man-hours Expenditure Report (DI-FNCL-80331A/T)

A003 Contract Funds Status Report (CFSR) (DI-MGMT-81468/T)

A004 Status Report – Quarterly (DI-MGMT-80368A/T)

A005 Project Planning Chart (DI-MGMT-80507C/T)

A006 Presentation Material (DI-ADMIN-81373/T)

A008 System Safety Hazard Analysis Report (SSHA) (DI-SAFT-80101B/T)

A009 Software User Manual (DI-IPSC-81443)

Software: The Contractor shall develop laboratory software as required for technique development, experimentation, data collection and data analysis to address research project needs. All software developed under this task order shall be a deliverable to the Government.

Hardware: The Contractor shall develop laboratory prototype hardware in support of research projects. All hardware developed acquired under this task order shall be a deliverable to the Government.

FRESH TO1 – Statement of Objectives Page 4

6.0 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

Operations Security Requirements: The contractor shall participate in all activities associated with the disciplines of the organization’s Industrial Security, Information Security, Personnel Security, Operations Security (OPSEC), and Antiterrorism programs, following appropriate measures in each program as required for this particular contract. Security measures are required to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection, exploitation of critical information, and violations of export control requirements. The prime contractor shall ensure all subcontractors, if applicable, conform to these requirements as required by the prime contractor.

Program Protection Plan: Any potential critical program information (CPI) generated as part of this effort will be reviewed to determine the need for a PPP or to be included as part of an existing PPP.

7.0 FUNDING

FY22: $1.52M

FY23: $2.38M

FY24: $2.38M

FY25: $2.38M

FY26: $1.34M

Total: $10M