HQ003425RFISRMETC.pdf

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI (HQ003425RFISRMETC) is posted for market intelligence and planning purposes; it does not constitute a solicitation and should not be construed as a commitment by the government to issue a solicitation or award. The government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the preparation of, or information submitted, in response to this RFI. Respondents should not anticipate feedback in response to this RFI.

Requirement Title: Solid Rocket Motor Emerging Technologies and Manufacturing Techniques

Background: Section 866 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA) directs the DoD to develop a “strategy ensuring that the defense industrial base of the U.S. can meet requirements for programs of record relating to solid rocket motors (SRMs). This strategy shall include an assessment of innovative technologies or manufacturing processes that would support the modernization and evolution of the defense industrial base of the United States.”

Desired Objective: The DoD seeks information on emerging technologies or modernization of manufacturing processes for the entire SRM or SRM subcomponents to include energetics. Responses should provide emerging technologies and/or manufacturing processes that would enhance the U.S. defense industrial base through accelerating or improving current production or suggesting new and innovative solutions. Responses should include input on the technology landscape and readiness, integration and scalability, cost and investment considerations, and timelines, as outlined below. Responses may be used to support prioritization plans and/or funding recommendations for the DoD.

1. Technology Landscape & Readiness:

To the extent possible, please address:

• Technology readiness levels (TRLs) and manufacturing readiness (MRLs) and what validation or testing milestones have been achieved.

• Relevance to the production of SRM and/or SRM component or sub-component and/or energetic for the emerging technology or manufacturing process.

• Comparisons to current approaches in terms of performance, reliability, or efficiency for SRM.

• Specific performance enhancements (e.g., increased burn rate uniformity, improved material properties, reduced defects).

2. Integration and Scalability:

To the extent possible, please address:

• Challenges and opportunities in integrating and/or qualifying these emerging technologies or manufacturing processes into supply chains and/or facilities.

• Scalability for high-volume production required by DoD programs of record.

• Potential production or supply chain bottlenecks.

3. Cost & Investment Considerations (Do not submit detailed pricing information):

To the extent possible, please address:

• Estimated cost implications (e.g., capital expenditures, operational costs) for adopting these emerging technologies or manufacturing processes compared to traditional methods.

HQ003425RFISRMETC

• Any existing budget for adoption and the mix of private and federal funds (Office of the Secretary of Defense (Research & Engineering, Industrial Base Policy or Defense Production Act Purchases), Services (Army, Navy, Air Force).

• Desirable strategies or partnerships (e.g., with academia, research institutions or other industry players) to mitigate risks.

4. Timelines:

To the extent possible, please address:

• Anticipated timeline for transitioning at scale from current manufacturing processes to these advanced methods or incorporating emerging technologies.

• Milestones or decision points that should be identified to track progress.

• Alignment with DoD program requirements.