The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to identify, assess, develop, determine applicability, and execute testing on new, innovative advanced protective coatings and systems that exhibited improved protective properties, required fewer resources, were easier to use, and were environmentally sustainable.

The goal of proposals in response to this SON were to improve coating lifecycle weapon system compliance to applicable environmental (40 CFR, Parts I and VII) and worker Occupational Health and Safety (29 CFR, Chapter XVII) regulations when compared with current and legacy systems. In addition, successful proposals addressed one or more key technical or operational lifecycle criteria. Examples include, but were not limited to:

• Scalable, less complex application, curing and/or stripping technique(s) or method(s)
• Improved, less complex chemistry or composite configurations/layers
• Improved military operational protective properties Improved energy efficient coating methods and techniques which can reduce friction thus improving air/water flow dynamics (e.g., roughness, thickness, texturing)
• The ability to selectively strip or apply coatings

Proposals were asked to clearly document a material target, and a skeleton material and testing methodology that could lead to a demonstration which includes knowledge regarding legacy and current military and commercial corrosion protection and control (cpc) materials, techniques and practices. The proposal should have clearly explained the technology maturity level of the proposed solution and how the proposed changes reduce lifecycle military costs and improve its operational and readiness levels.

Significant technology efforts continue to be conducted through private and public research and development firms, entrepreneurs, original equipment manufacturers, venture capitalists, universities, and Department of Defense organizations. Proposals should have demonstrated an acute awareness of current and recently funded efforts to improve existing coating’s physical and chemical characteristics and should have addressed military weapons systems evolutionary mission requirements.

Proposals were required to include a go/no go task for an initial assessment of the human health and environmental impacts of proposed ingredients, formulations, and byproducts. In addition, proposals should have included a task to establish a baseline lifecycle framework and identified the elements of a lifecycle inventory that were already known, those that would be investigated during the course of the project, and those that were beyond the scope of the proposed work.

Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.