DMEA
SBIR 09.2 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
INTRODUCTION
The DMEA SBIR Program is implemented, administrated, and managed by the DMEA Program Control Division. If you have any questions regarding the administration of the DMEA SBIR Program, please contact the DMEA SBIR Program Manager (PM), Mr. Gene Graham, graham@dmea.osd.mil.
For general inquiries or problems with electronic submission, contact the DoD Help Desk at
1-866-724-7457 (1-866-SBIRHLP) between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET. For questions about the topic during the pre-solicitation period (20 April 2009 through 17 May 2009) contact the Topic Authors listed under each topic on the http://www.dodsbir.net Web site prior to the solicitation. Information regarding the DMEA mission and programs can be found at http://www.dmea.osd.mil.
As funding is limited, DMEA will select and fund only those proposals considered to be superior in overall technical quality and most critical. DMEA may fund more than one proposal in a specific topic area if the technical quality of the proposal is deemed superior, or it may fund no proposals in a topic area.
PHASE I GUIDELINES
DMEA intends for Phase I to be only and examination of the merit of the concept or technology that still involves technical risk, with a cost not exceeding $100,000.
A list of the topics currently eligible for proposal submission is included in this section followed by full topic descriptions. These are the only topics for which proposals will be accepted at this time. The topics are directly linked to DMEA’s core research and development requirements.
Please assure that your e-mail address listed in your proposal is current and accurate. DMEA cannot be responsible for notification to companies that change their mailing address, their e-mail address, or company official after proposal submission.
PHASE I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Read the DoD front section of this solicitation for detailed instructions on proposal format and program requirements. When you prepare you proposal submission, keep in mind that Phase I should address the feasibility of a solution to the topic. Only UNCLASSIFIED proposals will be entertained. DMEA accepts Phase I proposals not exceeding $100,000. The technical period of performance for the Phase I should be no more than 6 months. DMEA will evaluate and select Phase I proposals using review criteria based upon the technical merit and other criteria as discussed in this solicitation document. Due to limited funding, DMEA reserves the right to limit awards under any topic and only proposals considered to be of superior quality will be funded.
If you plan to employ NON-U.S. citizens in the performance of a DMEA SBIR contract, please identify these individuals in your proposal as specified in Section 3.5.b(7) of the program solicitation.
It is mandatory that the ENTIRE Technical Proposal, DoD Proposal Cover Sheet, Cost Proposal, and the Company Commercialization Report are submitted electronically through the DoD SBIR Web site at http://www.dodsbir.net./submission. If you have any questions or problems with the electronic proposal submission contact the DoD SBIR Helpdesk at 1-866-724-7457.
This COMPLETE electronic proposal submission includes the submission of the Cover Sheets, Cost Proposal, Company Commercialization Report, the ENTIRE Technical Proposal and any appendices via the DoD Submission site. The DoD proposal submission site http://www.dodsbir.net./submission will lead you through the process for submitting your technical proposal and all of the section electronically. Each of these documents is submitted separately through the Web site. Your proposal submission must be submitted vial the submission site on or before the 6:00 am deadline on 17 June 2009. Proposal submissions received after the closing date will not be considered.
PHASE II GUIDELINES
DMEA makes no commitments to any offeror for the invitation of a Phase II Proposal. Phase II is the prototype/demonstration of the technology that was found feasible in Phase I. Only those successful Phase I efforts that are INVITED to submit a Phase II proposal or Fast Track will be eligible to submit a Phase II proposal. DMEA does encourage, but does not require, partnership and outside investment as part of discussions with DMEA sponsors for potential Phase II invitation.
Invitations to submit a Phase II proposal will be made by the DMEA Procuring Contracting Officer (PCO) in accordance with the process outlined below. Phase II proposals may be submitted for an amount not to exceed $750,000. Fast Track will be for $750,000 maximum, unless specified by the DMEA SBIR PM.
PHASE II PROPOSAL INVITATION
The DMEA topic manager and topic author will begin the process for a Phase II invitation by reviewing the Phase I work of each contractor, and will recommend which Phase I efforts should continue into Phase II. The DMEA recommendation is based on several criteria, including the Phase II Prototype / Demonstration (What is being offered at the end of Phase II?), Phase II Partnership (Who are the partners and what are their commitments? Funding? Facilities? Etc.? This can also include Phase III partners), and the potential Phase II cost.
The DMEA PM recommends the Phase II invitations, based on the above criteria and funding availability, to the DMEA Chief of Program Control. The DMEA Chief of Program Control has final approval authority. If approved, the DMEA PCO will send a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) to the selected offeror.
PHASE II PROPOSAL SUMMISSION
If you have been invited to submit a Phase II proposal, please contact the DMEA SBIR PM for further instructions.
All Phase II proposals must have a complete electronic submission. Complete electronic submission includes the submission of cover sheets, cost proposal, company commercialization report, the entire technical proposal, and any appendices via the DoD submission site (http://www.dodsbir.net/submission). The DoD proposal submission site will lead you through the process for submitting your technical proposal and all of the sections electronically. Each of these documents are submitted separately through the Web site. Your proposal must be submitted via the submission site on or before the DMEA-specified deadline or it will not be considered.
DMEA will evaluate Phase II proposals based on the Phase II evaluation criteria listed in paragraph 4.3 of the solicitation preface.
COST PROPOSAL GUIDELINES
The on-line cost proposal for Phase I and Phase II proposal submissions must be at a level of detail that would enable DMEA personnel to determine the purpose, necessity, and reasonability of each cost element. Provide sufficient information (a through i below) on how funds will be used if the contract is awarded. Include the itemized cost proposal information (a through i below) as an appendix in you technical proposal. The itemized cost proposal information (a through i below) will not count against the 25-page limit.
a. Special Tooling and Test Equipment and Material: The inclusion of equipment and materials will be carefully reviewed relative to need and appropriateness of the work proposed. The purchase of special tooling and test equipment must, in the opinion of the Contracting Officer, be advantageous to the government and relate directly to the specific effort. They may include such items as innovative instrumentation and / or automatic test equipment. Title to property furnished by the Government or acquired with Government funds will be vested with the DoD Component, unless it is determined that transfer of the title to the contractor would be more cost effective than recovery of the equipment by the DoD Component.
b. Direct Cost Materials: Justify costs for materials, parts, and supplies with an itemized list containing types, quantities, price, and where appropriate, purposes.
c. Other Direct Costs: This category of costs includes specialized services such as machining or milling, special testing or analysis, costs incurred in obtaining temporary use of specialized equipment. Proposals, which include teased hardware, must provide an adequate lease versus purchase justification or rationale.
d. Direct Labor: Identify key personnel by name if possible or by labor category if specific names are not available. The number of hours, labor overhead and / or fringe benefits and actual hourly rates for each individual are also necessary.
e. Direct / Indirect Rates: If a recent Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit has been done, provide a copy and / or point of contact for the DCAA.
f. Travel: Travel costs must relate to the needs of the project. Break out travel cost by trip, with the number of travelers, airfare, and per diem. Indicate the destination, duration, and purpose of each trip.
g. Cost Sharing: Cost sharing is permitted. However, cost sharing is not required, nor will it be an evaluation factor in the consideration of a proposal.
h. Subcontracts: Involvement of university or other consultants in the planning and /or research stages of the project may be appropriate. If the offeror intends such involvement, describe the involvement in detail and include information in the cost proposal. The proposed total of all consultant fees, facility leases, or usage fees and other subcontract or purchase agreements may not exceed one-third of the total contract price or cost, unless otherwise approved in writing by the Contracting Officer.
NOTE: The Small Business Administration has issued the following guidance:
“Agencies participating in the SBIR Program will not issue SBIR contracts to small business firms that include provisions for subcontracting any portion of that contract award back to the originating agency or any other Federal Government agency.” See Section 2.6 of the DoD program solicitation for more details.
Support subcontract costs with copies of the subcontract agreements. The supporting agreement documents must adequately describe the work to be performed (i.e., cost proposal). At the very least, a statement of work with a corresponding detailed cost proposal for each planned subcontract must be provided.
i. Consultants: Provide a separate agreement letter for each consultant. The letter should briefly state what service or assistance will be provided, the number of hours required, and the hourly rate.
DMEA FAST TRACK DATES AND REQUIREMENTS
The complete Fast Track application must be received by DMEA 120 days from the Phase I award start date. The Phase II proposal must be submitted within 180 days of the Phase I award start date. Any Fast Track applications or proposals not meeting these dates may be declined. All Fast Track applications and required information must have a complete electronic submission. The DoD proposal submission site http://www.dodsbir.net/submission will lead you through the process of submitting your technical proposal and all of the sections electronically. Each of these documents is submitted separately through the Web site. Your proposal must be submitted via the submission site on or before the DMEA-specified deadline or will not be considered.
The information required by DMEA is the same as the information required under the DoD Fast Track described in the front part of this solicitation. Phase I interim funding is not guaranteed. If awarded, it is expected that interim funding will generally not exceed $30,000. Selection and award of a Fast Track proposal is not mandated and DMEA retains the discretion not to select or fund any Fast Track proposal.
DMEA SBIR PHASE II ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
To encourage transition of SBIR into DoD systems, DMEA has a Phase II Enhancement policy. DMEA’s Phase II Enhancement program requirements include: up to one year extension of existing Phase II, and up to $500,000 matching SBIR funds. Applications are subject to review of the statement of work, the transition plan, and the availability of funding. DMEA will generally provide the additional Phase I Enhancement funds by modifying the Phase II contract.
PHASE I PROPOSAL SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
All of the following criteria must be met or your proposal will be REJECTED.
_____1. Your Technical Proposal, the DoD Cover Sheet, the DoD Company Commercialization Report (required even if your firm has no prior SBIRs), and the Cost Proposal have been submitted electronically through the DoD submission site by 6:00 am ET on 17 June 2009.
_____2. The Phase I proposal does not exceed $100,000.
DMEA SBIR 092 Topic Index
DMEA-092-001 Series Resistance Reduction in Tunable Radio Frequency (RF) Capacitors
DMEA-092-002 Low-noise amplifier (LNA) and Power amplifier (PA) for Radio-Frequency (RF)
System-on–Chip (SoC) Applications on Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) Substrates
DMEA-092-003 Long-Range Magnetic Communications System
DMEA SBIR 092 Topic Descriptions
DMEA-092-001 TITLE: Series Resistance Reduction in Tunable Radio Frequency (RF) Capacitors
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Sensors, Electronics
OBJECTIVE: Develop manufacturing processes to reduce or eliminate series resistance in Barium Strontium Titanate (BST)-based RF devices.
DESCRIPTION: The goal is to develop improved manufacturing processes to dramatically reduce the series resistance of BST capacitor material interfaces in circuit. RF components utilized in the analog RF front end of a radio are highly sensitive to unwanted resistance in the circuit. Series resistance is the major contributor to degraded Q and RF losses in a filter. BST-based tunable filters have shown promise in reducing the size and component count of broadband-tunable filter assemblies relative to existing legacy technologies. Though these BST filters show considerable promise it is necessary to reduce RF losses and thereby improve the RF performance. .
Material interfaces at the wafer level are very important to BST device performance. Current technology for the production of BST capacitors does not address this issue adequately. Reducing series resistance will improve capacitor performance, reduce RF losses and improve tunability, which would significantly improve the performance of analog phase shifters and tunable filters.
PHASE I:
1. Develop a strategy to reduce the series resistance of BST capacitor material interfaces and improve BST capacitor performance while retaining desirable performance such as good linearity and low control voltage.
2. Determine the resulting impacts to BST manufacturing processes and equipment.
PHASE II:
1. Design and develop any modifications to BST manufacturing equipment necessary to produce improved BST capacitors.
2. Characterize material performance and determine optimum processes to improve capacitor performance.
3. Fabricate prototype test devices and measure improvements from the new processes.
4. Perform basic reliability testing on the devices and compare to existing devices.
PHASE III: There may be opportunities for the further development of this concept for use in both military and commercial activities. During a Phase III program, the contractor will further refine processes or designs, or apply the technology to specific applications.
POTENTIAL DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: These improved tunable filters will be applicable to cellular telephones and state of the art communication devices as well as military communication as Joint Tactical Radio System handheld devices.
REFERENCES:
1. York, R. A. "Tunable Dielectrics for RF Circuits." Multifunctional Adaptive Microwave Circuits and Systems. Ed. M. Steer and W. D. Palmer. Raleigh: Scitech Publishing, Inc., 2008. Chapter 6.
2. N. K. Pervez, R. A. York, "Geometry-Dependent Quality Factors in Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3 Parallel-Plate Capacitors." IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques 55 (2007) 410-417.
3. Pervez, N. K., P. J. Hansen, R. A. York. "High Tunability Barium Strontium Titanate Thin Films for RF Circuit Applications." Applied Physics Letters 85 (2004) 4451-4453.
4. Tagantsev, A. K., V. O. Sherman, K. F. Astafiev, J. Venkatesh, N. Setter. "Ferroelectric Materials for Microwave Tunable Applications." Journal of Electroceramics 11 (2003) 5-66.
5. Chase, D., L.-Y. Chen, R. A. York. "Modeling the Capacitive Nonlinearity in Thin-Film BST Capacitors," IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Technicques 53 (2005) 3215-3220.
KEYWORDS: Semiconductors, semiconductor fabrication, semiconductor processing, microelectronics, Barium Strontium Titanate, BST, Communication, frequency agile materials, tunable materials
DMEA-092-002 TITLE: Low-noise amplifier (LNA) and Power amplifier (PA) for Radio-Frequency (RF) System-on–Chip (SoC) Applications on Silicon on Sapphire (SOS) Substrates
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Electronics
OBJECTIVE: Research and develop two amplifiers suitable for fabrication using an industry-utilized SOS process. The first amplifier will be low-noise for use in an RF front end, and the second will be a power amplifier suitable for use as a final amplifier, directly driving an antenna element.
DESCRIPTION: The development of RF system-on-chip (SoC) devices, which includes all elements required for operation, continues to be a goal for commercial and military designers. The advantages of a comprehensive RFSoC are ease of manufacture, lower production cost, and improved reliability. Two design areas that have proven to be challenging in the development of RF system-on–chip (SoC) integrated circuits (ICs) are low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and power amplifiers (PAs). In particular, the availability of LNAs and PAs fabricated using SOS appears limited. Development of a low-noise amplifier that can be fabricated using SOS processes will allow the further development of an RF SoC by reducing the number of peripheral parts needed to support an IC radio. Likewise, a power amplifier suitable for use as a transmitter final stage will also reduce parts count, and will allow further gains towards the goal of an RF SoC.
PHASE I:
First, research the feasibility of developing a low noise amplifier using an industry-utilized SOS process. Goals for such an amplifier are:
• Noise figure of less than 1.5
• Gain of +30dB
• Operate with a 3V supply,
• Operate in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.
Research device physics, design approaches, develop models, and simulate the models and present results. If the any of the goals listed above cannot be met, the contractor will present relevant research and establish parameters that are attainable.
Second, research the feasibility of developing a power amplifier an industry-utilized SOS process. Goals for such an amplifier are:
• 1dB compression point of +30dBm
• Minimum gain of +10dB
• Operate with a 3V supply
• Operate in the ISM band of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz.
Research device physics, design approaches, develop models, simulate the models, and present results. If the any of the goals listed above cannot be met, the contractor will present relevant research and establish parameters that are attainable.
PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototypes based on Phase I research, modeling and simulations. The contractor will fabricate prototypes using an SOS fabrication line approved by the Government. The contractor will test and characterize the prototypes. The contractor will deliver the prototypes to the Government for further testing and characterization.
PHASE III: There may be opportunities for the further development of these devices for use in both military and commercial applications. During a Phase III program, the contractor will refine the design of the devices and produce pre-production quantities for evaluation by the Government.
POTENTIAL DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The LNA and PA will be applicable to both commercial and military semiconductor device research and development. Commercial applications might include any device with wireless connectivity such as personal computers, cell phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
REFERENCES:
1. Jinho, Jeong, Pompromlikit Sataporn, Peter M. Asbeck., Kelly Dylan. “A 20 dBm Linear RF Power Amplifier Using Stacked Silicon-on-Sapphire MOSFETs.” IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters 16 (2006) 684-686
2. Tsui, Kenneth, Kevin J. Chen, Sang Lam, Mansun Chan “0.5 µm Silicon-on-Sapphire Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor for RF Power Amplifier Applications.” Japan Journal of Applied Physics 42 (2003) 4982-4986
3. Lagnado, Isaac, Paul R. de la Houssaye, S. J. Koester, R. Hammond, J. O. Chu, J. A. Ott, P. M. Mooney, L. Perraud, K. A. Jenkins. “Silicon-on-Sapphire Technology: A Competitive Alternative for RF Systems” Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego, Report Number: A342434, Accession Number: ADA434243 (August 2001)
4. Adan A.O., T. Yoshimasu, S. Shitara, N. Tanba, M. Fukumi, "Linearity and Low-Noise Performance of SOI MOSFETs for RF Applications." IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices 49 (2002) 881-888
KEYWORDS: RF Integrated Circuit, RF System on Chip, Low Noise Amplifier, Power Amplifier, Microelectronics, Silicon on Insulator, Silicon on Sapphire, Transmitter, Receiver, Communication, Sensor, Semiconductors
DMEA-092-003 TITLE: Long-Range Magnetic Communications System
TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Sensors, Electronics
OBJECTIVE: Recent research surrounding magnetic transfer of energy over non-negligible distances implies that communication using these concepts is feasible [1]. Such communication would be impervious to extraneous environmental objects, including ferrous materials [2]. Potential applications exist in which a highly sensitive, long-range communication system based on this technology would be beneficial to the military and commercial industry. The objective of this effort is to develop a portable, magnetics-based communications system with the capability to transmit and receive data at 10,000 bits per second (10kbps) at a distance of 1 kilometer (km) without the use of repeaters. The system will be capable of communication through earth, soil and buildings. The system will be portable to the extent that it is easily carried by a single person.
DESCRIPTION: Develop a portable, long range magnetics-based communications system consisting of a battery powered transmitter and receiver, small enough and light enough to allow the transceiver system to be transported by a single person. The system will support communications with the following technical characteristics:
• Communication over a minimum distance of 1km in free-space without the use of any repeating mechanisms
• Communication accomplished through earth, soil and buildings.
• Capable of data transmission at a minimum rate of 10kbps in order to support voice transmissions.
• A variable modulation method to support data transfer, in order to provide enhanced Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) and Low Probability of Detect (LPD) characteristics.
• Appropriate for tactical deployment, to support soldier-to-soldier communications.
PHASE I: Research concepts and develop a magnetics-based communications system that has the potential to accomplish the objectives stated above. Present studies and conclusions.
PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate prototype hardware in order to validate the concepts developed in Phase I. Demonstrate ability to meet transmission distance goal of 1km without the use of repeaters, transmission rate of 10kbps, and the ability to communicate through earth, soil and buildings. Prototype hardware will be delivered to the Government for further test and evaluation.
PHASE III: There may be opportunities for the further development of this concept for use in both military and commercial communications. During a Phase III program, the contractor will refine the design of the system and apply the concepts demonstrated in previous phases to produce the system in low volume. Low-volume production systems will be delivered to the Government for test and evaluation.
POTENTIAL DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Products resulting from this effort will be applicable to both commercial and military research and development. Potential military applications include covert communication when standard methods of communication or communication using repeaters is not possible, such as communication with covert sensor devices in underground locations. Commercial applications include communications between emergency response personnel when standard methods of communication are hindered, such as mines or other underground facilities.
REFERENCES:
1. Karalis, Aristeidis, J. D. Joannopoulos, Marin Soljacic. “Efficient Wireless Non-radiative Mid-range Energy Transfer.” Annals of Physics 323 (2008): 34-48
2. Gaydecki, Patrick, Graham Miller, Muhammad Zaid, Bosco Fernandes, Haitham Hussin. “Detection of Weak Magnetic Fields Propagated Through a Ferrous Steel Boundary Using a Super Narrowband Digital Filter.” Journal of Physics: Conference Series 15 (2005): 119–124
3. Kurs, Andre, Aristeidis Karalis, Robert Moffatt, J. D. Joannopoulos, Peter Fisher, Marin Soljacic. “Magnetic Resonances Wireless Power Transfer via Strongly Coupled Wireless Power Transfer via Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonances.” Science 317 (2007) 83-86
4. R. Bansal. “Near-field Magnetic Communication.” Antennas and Propagation Magazine, IEEE 46 (April 2004) 114-115.
KEYWORDS: Magnetics, communications, data transmission, LPI, LPD, microelectronics