Award Data

Current artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are built to align with ground truth or consensus of trusted human decision-makers. This is not effective for difficult decision domains, such as patient triage, where even experts disagree on the best course of action. A key reason human experts disagree is that their individual attributes influence their decision-making. To develop human-off-the-lo ...

Extending research on scalable Transformer models performed on previous SBIR-funded work for DARPA, Soar-Tech proposes an investigation into Scalable Language Association Models for Domain-specific Utterances in Novel Contexts (SLAMDUNK), a Phase II SBIR research effort focused on developing novel synthetic data generating pipelines and extending these pipelines with novel index-learning, token gr ...

If civilian and military equipment and personnel are to be effectively shielded in a high radiation environment- such as that found in space, or in a nuclear-powered naval vehicle, or in a nuclear-active battlefield environment- then protection against high-energy photons must be enhanced well beyond that currently delivered by existing materials. Materials that are highly effective in stopping th ...

This SBIR project will exploit the nanoscale physics delivered by percolating networks of PbTe nanoparticles to develop an efficient, low-cost imager of hard x-rays (5 – 300 keV) that has high spatial (< 55 mm) and energy resolutions (< 2 %). We developed methods to assemble PbTe into scalable solids using either templated growth or self-assembly. PbTe gels self-assembled from colloidal nanopart ...

A combination of DOD modernization priorities and supply chain assurance will require unprecedented development in production of new materials for tomorrow’s warfighter. The legacy chemical industry has assumed a paradigm of mega scale factories which has led to supply chain vulnerabilities due to centralization of manufacturing activity. On the other hand, biological manufacturing paradigm, wit ...

In recent years, the nuclear power industry has been exploring the use of conventional powder metallurgy and hot-isostatic press technologies to fabricate large, near net shape components for high pressure components and other applications pertaining to the generation of electric power. Powder metallurgy has many manufacturing consistency and reliability advantages over other large-scale manufactu ...

Viable Gear will provide proof-of-concept for a seaweed-based bioplastic to be used in manufacturing a compostable biotwine for marine equipment, designed to replace petroleum-based plastics. This addresses NOM-SBIR research topic area 9.3, The Changing Ocean - specifically to "support increased protection and restoration of marine and coastal habitats to enhance vital ecosystems", by helping decr ...

The marine microalgae Chrypthecodinium conhii (C. cohnii) contains high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA synthase enzymes (DSe). Finfish have shown de novo synthesis of DHA when fed a C. cohnii product, KoniSap™, developed by FPN LLC. KoniSap™ is unique to the aqua-feed market as it is produced under low temperature and inert gas to prevent lipid oxidation and avoid enzyme denatura ...

Demand for seaweed products has dramatically increased in the U.S.; however, domestic production from both wild harvests and aquaculture operations only supplies 1% of this demand. To meet demand, expansion of seaweed aquaculture is crucial to protect wild populations from extinction by overharvesting, which impacts entire marine ecosystems. Currently, U.S. kelp aquaculture methods rely on wild ha ...

Hard X-rays are the highest-energy X-rays with wavelengths of 0.1 to 0.01nm with an energy range above 5KeV or 10KeV to hundreds of KeV (up to 300KeV for this solicitation). Hard X-rays can penetrate deeper into the matter as compared to Soft X-rays. This advantage of hard X-rays finds applications in Medical radiography, airport baggage screening, Industrial Computed Tomography, Non-destructive t ...