Nickel Molybdenum Hard Chrome Alternative

SBIR topic from AFWERX, solicitation 26.BZ. Closes 2026-07-22.

Component (WERX)
AFWERX
Agency
USAF
Program / Phase
SBIR
Solicitation #
26.BZ
Topic #
DAF26BZ03-DV021
Status
Closed
Pre-release date
2026-06-03
Open date
2026-06-24
Close date
2026-07-22 · Add to calendar · See all deadlines
Set-aside
NAICS
Direct-to-Phase II brief

Topic brief

This looks like a Direct-to-Phase II (or Phase II-heavy) opportunity. Agencies expect a mature prototype path and evidence you can execute without a classic Phase I on DAF26BZ03-DV021.

Direct-to-Phase II focus: Treat maturity and transition evidence as gate criteria. Phase II-scale budget and schedule realism matter more than exploratory R&D framing.

Who this is for

  • Firms with a working prototype or strong TRL evidence already
  • Teams that can fund or evidence prior R&D equivalent to Phase I
  • Companies ready for a larger budget and tighter delivery schedule

Capture playbook

  1. Inventory prior art, demos, and test data that substitute for Phase I
  2. Budget and schedule like a Phase II from day one
  3. Identify transition customer and path before writing the abstract
  4. Study median Phase II award sizes in this agency (competitive intel)
  5. Only bid if you can show execution risk is controlled

pWin cues

  • Demonstrated system or subsystem, not a paper concept
  • Credible Phase II cost realism and staffing
  • Named transition stakeholder or follow-on vehicle

Watch-outs

  • D2P2 is not a shortcut for early-TRL ideas
  • Incumbents with prior Phase I on related topics may dominate
  • Underestimating Phase II documentation load sinks first-time bidders

Peer open topics

Topic brief FAQ

What is Direct-to-Phase II?

A path that allows firms meeting eligibility and maturity criteria to propose Phase II without a new Phase I award on that topic.

Do I still need a Phase I somewhere?

Rules vary by agency; many D2P2 paths require equivalent prior work. Read the solicitation carefully.

How do I compare award sizes?

Use competitive intel and related awards on this page for Phase II dollar context in the same agency/domain.

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Go / No-Go decision pack

One-click pack: competitive field, conversion signal, related awards, and (Pro) a full GO / MAYBE / NO-GO verdict against your capability.

Open scorecard Match my capability

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Incumbent detector

No adjacent award history found for this topic yet. Use the decision pack and scorecard to build your own go/no-go case, and re-check after the next data refresh.

Description

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. The objective of this topic is to advance the development and validation of a nickel molybdenum plating alternative to traditional hard chrome plating, specifically targeting aerospace applications such as landing gear actuators. This Phase D2P2 effort aims to address the critical need for eliminating hexavalent chromium usage by 2030 in Army facilities and phasing out chrome plating in Navy facilities by 2039. The research will focus on thorough fatigue testing and performance evaluation of the newly developed Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating chemistry. By achieving these goals, the initiative will support broader DoW modernization priorities in advanced materials and manufacturing, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing operational readiness.

View / apply on DoD DSIP ↗

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