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MATERIALS ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES CORP.

Address

300 WESTDALE AVE
WESTERVILLE, OH, 43082-8962
USA

View website

UEI: FQ1PKJZ9XME3

Number of Employees: 25

HUBZone Owned: No

Woman Owned: No

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No

SBIR/STTR Involvement

Year of first award: 1995

102

Phase I Awards

Phase II Awards

45.1%

Conversion Rate

$10,509,233

Phase I Dollars

$38,548,289

Phase II Dollars

$49,057,522

Total Awarded

Awards

Up to 10 of the most recent awards are being displayed. To view all of this company's awards, visit the Award Data search page.

Advanced Technology for Extending Shelf Life of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables During Storage and Transportation

Amount: $99,831 Topic: DLA254-005

The DLA is seeking safe, affordable technologies to reduce spoilage of fresh fruits and vegetables (FF&V), with particular emphasis on technologies that capture or mitigate ethylene gas produced by climacteric FF&V. The technologies should be cost effective, scalable and compatible with current supply chain processes, including refrigerated storage and transportation. METSS is proposing the introduction of a novel chlorine dioxide generation device into existing supply chains that will increase the shelf life of FF&Vs. Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) has been shown to be effective in reducing the ethylene generation of climacteric produce that directly leads to increased ripening. ClO2 is also a known antimicrobial and, at low levels, has proven to be efficacious against organisms that contribute to spoilage. Under the Phase I effort, METSS will demonstrate the ability to generate and maintain safe levels of ClO2 and demonstrate the suppression of ethylene biosynthesis and inhibition microbial growth inhibition as a result of low level ClO2 exposure. METSS will provide quantitative data in support of the proposed solution’s operational compatibility and perform a cost assessment to ensure that the technology is cost-effective.

SBIR

Phase I

2025

DOD

DLA

High Energy Density Synthetic Fuel Development

Amount: $146,259 Topic: N251-022

The U.S. Navy is seeking alternative/renewable fuels to JP-10 that have an increased volumetric net heat of combustion (NHOC) while maintaining the low freezing point and low viscosity of JP-10. METSS is proposing to synthesize novel, bioderived, high-energy-density (HED) fuel molecules with volumetric NHOCs greater than that of JP-10 and create synthetic blends to take advantage of higher NHOCs while maintaining the desired low temperature properties. Phase I efforts will demonstrate the synthesis and blending of the fuel molecules along with full characterization of density, volumetric NHOC, flash point, and viscosity at the 250-mL scale. This laboratory-scale synthesis, characterization, and delivery of material to the U.S. Navy will demonstrate the production feasibility of the improved HED fuels, setting the stage for large-scale development work in the future.

SBIR

Phase I

2025

DOD

NAVY

Improved Towed Array Acoustic Hose

Amount: $1,187,818 Topic: N221-055

The objectives of SBIR Topic N221-055 include developing improved acoustic hoses for U.S. Navy (USN) towed array systems. Current hoses are manufactured using an extrusion process and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with a variety of reinforcement cords. While acoustic hoses vary in terms of TPU and reinforcement cord types, each hose exhibits an unreliable life cycle as they are vulnerable to mechanical creep, water saturated Isopar (WSI), and physical damage (i.e., cuts and abrasion). METSS will investigate acoustic hoses filled with Isopar L and M as these fluids are hypothesized to exasperate degradation of critical acoustic hose performance. To achieve the project objectives, METSS will leverage practical material approaches to examine current and alternative TPU matrices, as well as reinforcement cord treatments to improve synergistic adhesion. METSS will leverage existing commercial relationships to build prototype and full-scale acoustic hoses for advanced testing by the Navy as well as Prime contractors. This collaborative approach inherently reduces risk, maintains processing methods and infrastructure, controls costs, streamlines technology transition, and encourages adoption into the Fleet.

SBIR

Phase II

2024

DOD

NAVY

Collapsible and Protective Portable Canine Shelter

Amount: $705,152 Topic: CBD222-003

Military Working Dogs (MWDs) are a critical part of modern defense strategy. There is a need for transportable MWD shelters that provide the same level of protection as warfighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against chemical and biological (CB) threats, including filtered air supply and other features to ensure the health and safety of the MWD. During the Phase I project, METSS designed a collapsible, protective canine shelter that meets all threshold requirements of the SBIR solicitation, with demonstrated potential to achieve the more strenuous objective requirements through Phase II optimization. To facilitate technology transfer and acceptance, METSS has emphasized the use of commercial off the shelf products (COTS) and materials that have been already proven to protect against CB threats in an operational environment. The Phase I shelter is primarily constructed using a structural barrier material that is commonly used in CB PPE and collective protection solutions with proven protection against numerous chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). The shelter frame is modeled after an existing, folding cot design that can support the weight of a large breed dog on tension-mounted fabric and presents a familiar deployment mechanism for the handler. In Phase I, METSS evaluated COTS filtered air systems to provide airflow to the shelter during use and integrated sensors into the shelter design to provide feedback to handlers on the temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentration inside the shelter. Having effectively demonstrated the proposed concepts and threshold requirements in Phase I, the Phase II effort will focus on optimizing materials and system design to reduce weight, stowed volume, and operability in the field. The goal of the Phase II effort is to generate prototypes for the collapsible and protective canine shelter that are representative of Phase III commercial production units. These prototypes will demonstrate the form and function of the final shelter systems and serve as platforms for field performance testing and evaluation in operationally relevant environments.

SBIR

Phase II

2024

DOD

CBD

Collapsible and Protective Portable Canine Shelter

Amount: $182,939 Topic: CBD222-003

The objective of SBIR topic CBD222-003 is to develop a chemical-biological (CB) protective kennel for Military Working Dogs (MWDs) that collapses into a backpack format that can be readily transported and deployed by a single person. The kennel should provide the same level of protection as the warfighter/handler personal protective equipment (PPE) with adequate space and filtered airflow to comfortably accommodate a canine in duress (high respiration rate) for up to 4 hours. The system should be designed with the maximum protection and comfort with the lowest burden of size, weight, and power (SWaP). The proposed Phase I project is built around an existing CBRN Escape Shelter for MWDs designed by P2 Mission Systems that already meets or exceeds many of the stated requirements. Therefore, the Phase I effort can be focused on critical updates, like air handling, to meet the current requirements.

SBIR

Phase I

2023

DOD

CBD

Non-Destructive Propellant Sensor

Amount: $146,417 Topic: N222-121

Many rocket motors used by the Navy are powered using solid rocket propellants (SRP). Over time and with exposure to varying environmental conditions, the elastomeric binder material undergoes oxidative degradation leading to embrittlement of the SRP. Current methods of non-destructive testing (NDT) using ultrasound exist to inspect SRPs for major defects that occur when aged SRPs exhibiting such brittleness experience failures such as, large cracks, fissures, and delamination in normal transportation, storage, and operating situations. However, these methods do not provide a mode of inspection to reliably detect changes in the mechanical integrity of the propellent prior to the point of failure. METSS is proposing an optimized method of ultrasonic NDT to detect and correlate aging with mechanical degradation of SRP materials. Monitoring changes in ultrasonic wave velocity is a well-supported method of detecting aging in SRP. METSS seeks to fill the technology gap by connecting ultrasonic measurements to mechanical degradation and integrating it with a compact, field deployable system focusing on ease of use for a single operator. This will allow for fast, efficient, and accurate field testing of the SRP motors to monitor propellent properties that could lead to mechanical failure or alter the response of the propellant.

SBIR

Phase I

2023

DOD

NAVY

Non-PFAS Elastomeric Chemical Barrier Materials

Amount: $182,927 Topic: CBD222-001

Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, and Nuclear (CBRN) protective items are typically comprised of an elastomeric element to impart barrier properties, while allowing a range of movement and flexibility to the person wearing the wearing them. The elastomers used in protective equipment often have fluoropolymer components or fluoropolymer-based coatings applied to enhance their barrier properties. Fluoropolymers and the fluorinated compounds used in their production are in a class of chemicals called per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and have been used in industry and commercial products for many years, and they are emitted into the environment and people are exposed to them at all stages of a fluoropolymer’s life cycle. The discovery of the widespread presence of PFAS in the environment, wildlife, and human blood triggered large-scale investigations into their persistence and health effects. The results have prompted increased scrutiny of the usage and disposal of PFAS-containing materials by governmental agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), which may impact the procurement and use of clothing treated with PFAS-containing materials. The Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBD) is seeking to address this issue through the development of a novel, non-PFAS elastomeric barrier material for CBRN protective items that provides protection against liquid and vapor chemical threats while maintaining flexibility and durability. The new elastomeric barrier material should possess the properties for protective materials described in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1994 Class 1 standard, including chemical permeability, puncture, tear, and flame resistance. Methods to integrate the non-PFAS elastomeric material with other functional materials used in CBRN protective equipment will need to be developed. METSS will meet CBD’s requirements by leveraging its significant experience in the development of chemical-resistant elastomeric laminate materials, including CBRN gloves, and chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulant testing. DoE statistical analysis will be used during development efforts to streamline product selection, optimize material components, and identify any synergies between them.

SBIR

Phase I

2023

DOD

CBD

Improved Towed Array Acoustic Hose

Amount: $246,399 Topic: N221-055

The U.S. Navy is seeking innovative methods to reduce the susceptibility to physical damage, deformation (creep), and water permeability to extend the useful life of acoustic hoses. Nearly all hoses and modules associated with towed array systems are vulnerable to cuts, slices, and punctures from fishhooks secured to discarded monofilament longlines that often span for miles and contain thousands of sharp fishhooks. Other forms of physical damage originate from marine life (e.g., shark bites), as well as normal wear and tear from axial twisting and longitudinal vibrations while the array is deployed. If an acoustic hose wall is breached for any reason, seawater intrusion will degrade or destroy the internal ceramic hydrophones responsible for detecting faint sounds, which will in turn dramatically alter the ship’s mission profile. METSS is proposing a materials-based approach to extend the useful life of acoustic hoses, starting with low-risk strategies to augment or replace the current acoustic hose jacket materials, as well as the reinforcement fabrics and strands, which will integrate within existing manufacturing processes. All laboratory results will be validated using statistical design of experiments, among other numerical methods.

SBIR

Phase I

2022

DOD

NAVY

Critical Supply Chain - Clamp Cushion

Amount: $99,980 Topic: DLA222-001

The DLA would like to broaden the Small Business Manufacturer (SBM) base to address the Agency's need to develop qualified sources of supply to improve product availability, to provide competition for reduced lead times and cost, and to address lifecycle performance issues. NSN: 5340-01-504-4221 Loop Clamps are used for Weapons System 40A applications and provide vibration dampening support and restraint for cables, conduit, pipes, hoses, tubes, and pneumatic and hydraulic lines. The SBIR project provides small business the opportunity to become a qualified part provider for NSN: 5340-01-504-4221 loop clamps, as well as the opportunity to address the service life limitations associated with legacy clamp cushion materials subject to the applicable MIL-DTL-85052B product requirements. METSS will address the opportunities presented under DLA222-001 with a new manufacturing capability to produce NSN: 5340-01-504-4221 loop clamps with enhanced service life capability to reduce future aircraft O&M costs related to premature clamp failure and replacement. The proposed effort will leverage a MIL-DTL-85052B/1C clamp cushion rubber formulation that METSS has already developed and demonstrated to be more resistant to environmental exposure than currently used materials, as well as our existing DLA-approved manufacturing base for other mil-spec products.

SBIR

Phase I

2022

DOD

DLA

Lubricating Oil Study

Amount: $1,599,977 Topic: DLA211-002

DLA is seeking to prevent product waste and replacement of lubricating oils like 2190-TEP by 1) understanding the degradation processes for lubricating oils and their additive packages, 2) establishing effective screening methods to identify premature product degradation, and 3) implementing measures to bring the oil back into specification if it occurs. The Phase II approach is built upon the successful completion of two Phase I projects by METSS Corporation and FTL Labs Corporation. The two projects showed complementary strengths that DLA recommended be combined in Phase II. Specifically, METSS conducted extensive fluid studies in Phase I: modifying existing formulations, simulating thermal degradation of commercial oils, and correlating physical property changes to changes in the composition of the oil and the most responsive laboratory screening methods. In Phase I, FTL conducted proof-of-concept studies with various portable analysis techniques and developed a product concept in which a hardened spectrometer and particle imager system are used to extract spectral and contaminant information from a small sample of oil: the SpOilEye system (Spectral Protection OilEye). As envisioned, the Phase II project will combine the strengths of these two companies, resulting in a hardware solution from FTL whose development will be advanced and validated through METSS’s expertise in oil composition, failure modes, and fluid analysis.

SBIR

Phase II

2022

DOD

DLA