NCDMM Soliciting RFI on Advancing Metal Alloy Systems and Processes

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office, in collaboration with the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM), is currently soliciting technical White Papers for a Request for Information (RFI) to explore the development and transition of metallic alloys and manufacturing processes that can enhance the capabilities of current and future defense platforms and weapon systems.

Many current U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) platforms are still built using material systems and manufacturing methods that date back to the pre-Cold War era, limiting their performance potential. Despite advances in material research and processes, these innovations often struggle to make it into weapon systems because of the need for mature material systems and specifications early in the design process. Another challenge is the lack of early-stage funding to bring materials to a Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) that aligns with key program milestones.

“For the past generation, most DOD-funded materials development has focused on cost savings and reducing construction timelines,” said Matthew Draper, Technical Director – Metallurgy and Manufacturing, ICAM. “However, in today’s era of renewed global power competition, there’s an urgent need to accelerate the transition of breakthroughs and discoveries into deployable equipment and capabilities.”

The RFI for Accelerated Capability Metals Enterprise (ACME) aims to accelerate the transformation of innovations, inventions, and scientific discoveries into operational equipment and capabilities, specifically seeking to advance the development and transition of new, high-performance metallic alloy systems and associated manufacturing processes with enhanced properties. The request is open to all application domains, including sea, air, land, and space.

The deadline to submit responses is 5 p.m. EST on Friday, January 31, 2025.