Applied Research Transformation, PLLC

Applied Research Transformation, PLLC, a limited liability partnership based in Cary, North Carolina, is a federal grant recipient specializing in physics-informed artificial intelligence and computer vision systems for 3D concrete printing quality assurance and structural assessment. The vendor operates exclusively as a prime recipient on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and cooperative-agreement grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, with no federal contract prime awards or subcontract positions in the source record.

Applied Research Transformation's federal footprint consists of three grant awards spanning October 2023 through July 2026, totaling $805 thousand in combined dollars obligated. The vendor's current portfolio divides evenly between NIST (two cooperative-agreement awards) and NSF (one SBIR Phase I project grant). The most recent award, dated July 1, 2026, is a $305 thousand NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program grant (CFDA 47.084) running through June 30, 2027, to develop a physics-informed neural network supporting computer vision for bond-strength assessment in 3D concrete printing. The algorithm uses shortwave infrared imaging to evaluate concrete as it sets in field conditions, automating quality assurance and structural integrity verification for printed concrete structures in housing, commercial facilities, and civil infrastructure. An earlier NIST cooperative agreement from October 2024 (ultimate completion September 30, 2026) supported Phase II development of a commercial system for interlayer bond-strength measurement and control; that award funded subrecipient activities with Phil Williams LLC (prototype development) and the University of North Dakota (scanning tasks). A third NIST cooperative agreement from October 2023 (completed March 31, 2024) addressed Phase I feasibility for real-time bond-strength quality measurement and building-code optimization in the 3D concrete printing market. One of the three awards faces ultimate completion within the next twenty-four months, creating a recompete opportunity in that window. The vendor has no recorded federal contracts, IDVs, BPAs, or GWACs and operates in the SBIR/early-stage innovation space rather than production or sustainment contracting.

As experienced engineers, we believe that innovative technology will significantly improve how we design, construct, and operate infrastructure. Where innovative technology can improve efficiency, we work with governmental agencies, private corporations, and other entities who share our passion.

CONSULTING Civil/structural engineering, technical process improvements, structural reliability enhancement, construction-related decision-making optimization, operating costs reduction, jurisdictional or supervisory agency requirements, and building teams of experts to solve specific problems.

R&D We work with our network of SMEs to perform use-case related experimental and analytical work needed to justify further investment in development.

COMMERCIALIZATION Considerable experience in taking lab-proven technology to test/alter it in the field, collect/integrate user experience feedback, simplify/configure tools for feasible production, and summarize/translate results.