Award Data

A development program is proposed for a design automation software package that enables the generation of complex surfaces, with user defined or automated definition of point charge and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties, using DNA origami as a presentation substrate. Building upon Parabons existing software for DNA origami design, this project will result in software that can be used to design a ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to utilize an innovative LWIR hyperspectral technology coupled with advanced data processing algorithms for non-contact, standoff detection of liquid/solid contaminants on surfaces. The technology will address the US Army"s need for fast, on-the-move, non-contact detection of ground contamination during reconnaissance missions. The Phase I effort demonstrated ...

Many protein-based drugs have limited efficacy due to a short half-life or require intravenous delivery because of low bioavailability. Extend Biosciences is developing proprietary carrier molecules that allow proteins to access an intrinsic transport pathway for efficient delivery to the vascular space and then maintain a sustained presence in circulation. This novel technology would be of partic ...

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the atmosphere are primary drivers of global climate change and hence there is a crucial need to quantify their sources and sinks. A general technique to constrain source and sink strengths is the analysis of the relative proportions of isotopic variants of GHG's. These measurements must be performed with extremely high precision. The gold standard technique, i ...

There are currently no inexpensive observing systems that detect temperature, salinity and currents under the ocean's surface - all important factors in predicting the intensity of hurricanes. Boston Engineering proposes to develop the Multi-Purpose Above Surface/Below Surface Expendable Dropsondes (MASED). Our design builds on the highly successful air dropsondes already in use, combined with a ...

Polestar Technologies Inc. proposes a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project to develop a chemical sensor for detection of chemical-warfare agents. The designed sensor combines selectivity of Molecularly-Imprinted Polymer (MIP) with sensitivity of single-layer graphene sheet. Detection will be based on radio frequency (RF) based impedance. The proposed sensor will be robust, highly dep ...

The mechanics of single photons can be used to entangle information carry quantum states, allowing for quantum computation or random number generation. Quantum communication utilizes the quantum nature of single-photons to retain information, particularly in the form of quantum key distribution protocols. High-efficiency, low-noise single photon detection at high efficiency is critical for the app ...

NOAA can reduce costs and improve efficiency by remotely monitoring harbors, navigation channels and coastlines for bathymetric changes. This will aid NOAA and its mission to maintain waterways and assure maritime safety. This remote sensing can be accomplished by implementing a new radar derived bathymetry capability. Areté Associated proposes to implement an advanced algorithm to derive bath ...

During the Phase I program, Aurora conducted a comprehensive survey of potential platforms that included government owned and furnished UAVs and manned aircraft as well as Aurora’s Centaur Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA). The survey concluded, in part, that UAVs offer a significant improvement in data collection capability when compared to manned aircraft that are currently fielded by NOAA. ...

While many inspection technologies are available to find corrosion in steel tendons of prestressed concrete, no single technology has shown consistent results over the wide range of prestressed structures and inspection settings that are required from the bridge infrastructure market. However, a new NDE method – Nonlinear Impact Resonance Spectroscopy (NIRS) – shows promise in identifying corr ...