The objective of this Statement of Need was to identify alternative formulations for surface preparation and protection that did not contain chromium. Proposals should have addressed one or more of the topics below. Of particular interest were solutions that were broadly applicable to a number of materials and applications.

• Passivates for aluminum, magnesium and widely-used corrosion control coatings such as cadmium, zinc, zinc-nickel, phosphate, black oxide, etc.
• Corrosion inhibitors in paint primers
• Sealers for anodize coatings
• Adhesives, sealants and gap fillers
• Corrosion inhibitors in paint strippers

Proposals should have included a task to conduct a Sustainability Analysis of appropriate proportion for the proposed research and development. Proposals should have established a lifecycle framework that could mature as the technology or process advanced through the acquisition process. This tiered approach aimed to develop and document a minimum data set at each stage of research and development that could be used to make informed decisions and streamline transition to an acquisition program. The Sustainability Analysis could have included varying depths of data and information that could inform the goal and scope of an analysis; the identity and quantity of relevant inputs and outputs to the system; and the estimation of life cycle impacts and costs.

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