Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Silicon Carbide (Sic) Fiber Production for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) Project | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III Silicon Carbide (SiC) Fiber Production for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) Project led by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). It is focused on rebuilding or significantly strengthening a domestic industrial capability that the Department of Defense relies on for high-temperature advanced materials.

What is the main objective of the project?

The core objective is to establish and advance U.S.-based production of silicon carbide (SiC) fiber for use in ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), with fiber performance that can reliably withstand temperatures of 2400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

What material performance requirement is highlighted?

The project emphasizes SiC fiber that can reliably withstand 2400 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, specifically for incorporation into ceramic matrix composites.

What are ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and why are they important here?

CMCs are strategically important because they enable components that can operate at higher temperatures with lower weight and improved durability compared to many conventional metal alloys. This supports next-generation aerospace and propulsion needs for the Department of Defense.

Is the program focused only on technical performance?

No. A major theme is manufacturability and affordability at scale. The government is looking for cost-effective, repeatable production processes and the ability to meet real DoD demand in quality, delivery schedules, and competitive pricing.

What does "manufacturability and affordability at scale" mean in the context of this opportunity?

It means the effort is oriented toward establishing sustainable, scalable production capability rather than a one-off laboratory demonstration. The recipient is expected to develop repeatable processes and demonstrate that industrial manufacturing infrastructure can support consistent quality, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing.

What kind of end-state capability does the government want to see from the recipient?

The recipient is expected to be, or become through the project, a viable world-class domestic manufacturer capable of responding to customer requirements like a dependable supplier within an operational defense supply chain.

What does the opportunity say about strengthening the supplier ecosystem?

An emphasized outcome is strengthening the broader supplier ecosystem, particularly merchant supplier capabilities. The intent is to improve U.S. suppliers' ability to serve multiple DoD programs (and potentially commercial markets), increasing resilience and competition and reducing reliance on limited sources.

What are "merchant supplier capabilities" in this opportunity?

Based on the description, merchant supplier capabilities refer to suppliers that can provide SiC fiber to multiple customers and programs rather than supporting only a single vertically integrated pipeline. The program aims to enhance this broader, more accessible domestic supply.

What type of funding category does this opportunity fall under?

It was a discretionary funding opportunity under the Science and Technology/Research and Development category.

What funding instrument is used for this award?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project will be run?

The opportunity notes that a cooperative agreement typically indicates the government anticipates substantial involvement during execution, such as technical collaboration, iterative review of progress, and alignment to defense needs as the project matures.

How many awards were anticipated?

The opportunity anticipated a single award.

What was the estimated total funding level?

The estimated total funding level was $22,000,000.

Does the opportunity require cost sharing or matching?

Yes. The opportunity required cost sharing or matching, meaning the recipient would be expected to invest alongside the government to help ensure commitment, reduce risk, and support long-term viability after the period of performance.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any clarifications in the full announcement.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on March 25, 2014.

What is the creation date listed for the opportunity?

The creation date was April 10, 2014.

What was the original closing date, and was it extended?

The original closing date was May 8, 2014, and it was later extended to June 12, 2014.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on July 12, 2014.

What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?

The associated CFDA number was 12.800 (Air Force Defense Research Sciences Program).

Who is the point of contact for access issues related to the full announcement?

The listed point of contact for access issues was Laura Ortiz, Agreements Negotiator, at (937) 656-9883.

What agency is leading this effort?

The effort is described as a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) project.

What broader defense need is this opportunity trying to address?

The opportunity is intended to rebuild or significantly strengthen domestic industrial capability that the Department of Defense depends on for high-temperature advanced materials, with a focus on creating a sustainable U.S.-based production capability for SiC fiber used in CMCs.