SBIR/STTR Award attributes
Diminishing manufacturing source problems continue to cause shortages for critical DoD weapons systems, negatively impacting readiness. Subcomponents become obsolete and manufacturers go out of business, and it becomes difficult for the government to acquire approved parts at a fair or reasonable price — or at any price. This is the case for a range of Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery NSNs identified by DLA previousiously manufactured by AVEX, a small defense contractor that recently ended operations. These NSNs are a critical part in more than 41 separate weapons systems. Additionally, these packs are all based on Ni-Cd chemistry cells. Ni-Cd chemistries are being phased out in the commercial market, with only a handful of manufacturers remaining, primarily in China. TAF will initially provide replacement Ni-Cd cell packs for 7 NSNs, including TDPs and SARs. In addition, TAF will also design, build, and test functional prototypes to add a straightforward upgrade path for ESAs to Alternate Chemistries (e.g., lithium) for a subset of these NSNs. TAF’s incremental approach will ensure a continued source of supply for the existing Ni-Cd packs for ESAs that may prefer to use Ni-Cd for as long as possible. TAF’s approach will also provide more flexible ESAs a rapid “way out” toward options with longer support life (eg, lithium chemistries) that can be sourced domestically.
