AKTOptimize will highlight live technology insertion and maintenance process learning applications that grab interest and enable participants to personally experience impact of this innovative training approach.

FRC challenges and shortfalls frequently result from deficiencies in human performance caused by lack of understanding new technology equipment/processes and complex or infrequently performed maintenance procedures. We enable artisans, Sailors and Marines to instantly understand new technologies and optimally perform new, complex and/or infrequently performed procedures through accelerated knowledge transfer.

Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) optimizes user learning and enables peak performance of all production and maintenance tasks in the FRCs. AKTOptimize demonstrations/discussions will cover overall AKT approach and include development details, along with specific Job Performance Aid (JPA), Learning Performance Aid (LPA), Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) examples successfully deployed across the DoD.

Focus Area: Workforce Development/Visualization

Michael Leigh
michael.leigh@aktoptimize.us
678-361-4322

Problem Statement:

Key FRC problem areas and challenges include:

• New technologies and capabilities such as fiber optic repairs and additive manufacturing
• Productivity issues
• Slow or inconsistent processing / high cycle times
• Achieving industrial / shop floor Quality Assurance
• Overall cost, readiness and/or safety concerns
• Effectively communicating lessons learned

Benefits Statement:

• Rapid learning optimizes technical understanding and maintenance productivity
• Enables consistent human performance with speed and accuracy of best-of-best maintenance subject matter experts (SMEs)
• Ensures correct first-time production/maintenance procedure completion and delivery
• Significantly improves production/maintenance quality and long-term effectiveness/reliability
• Reduces overall production/maintenance and material costs, while improving readiness and safety

Technology Solution Statement:

Innovative Maintenance Training Solution:

• Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) augments tech data, enabling visual/digital learning for fastest learners and users
• Modular approach / instant navigation provides self-paced capability that doesn’t leave slower or first timers behind
• Interactive & easily accommodates all four (4) learning preferences of reading, hearing, seeing and doing to overcome all challenges / problem prone areas and impart critical techniques
• Delivers just-in-time understanding at point of use/need
• Hardware agnostic and displays anywhere from all devices
• Rapid/easy updating ensures configuration management

Andromeda Systems Incorporated provides tools and services to assist Physical Asset Owners, Fleet Managers, and Military Program Managers in gaining critical insights into their equipment’s performance, identifying system improvements, optimizing operations & support, making better business decisions, and achieving measurable life-cycle cost savings.

As a leading provider of professional and high technology services and solutions, ASI serves the Department of Defense, U.S. civilian agencies and private industry. ASI is a NSAI ISO 9001:2015 Certified company.

Focus Area: Workforce Development/Visualization

Dennis West
dennis.west@androsysinc.com

Problem Statement:

The blasting and finishing industry faces critical challenges, including manpower shortages, downtime from faulty equipment, environmental and dust concerns, and significant operator safety and health risks. Facilities are expected to deliver more productivity, cost efficiency, and safety, yet struggle with inconsistent performance and equipment reliability.

Benefits Statement: 

BlastOne’s integrated solutions, including the innovative Velocity™ System, provide significant benefits by streamlining the blast and paint portion of production. This targeted approach reduces manual labor and enhances throughput in these critical processes. Proactive maintenance via BlastShield™ packages ensures reliable performance and minimizes downtime. Additionally, our solutions improve environmental outcomes and operator safety while supporting facilities in achieving their productivity and cost-efficiency goals.

Founded in 1997, Compass Systems, Inc. is a small business defense contractor delivering advanced engineering, manufacturing, and R&D services to the Department of Defense and commercial sectors. Headquartered in Lexington Park, MD, with an AS9100-certified manufacturing facility in Johnstown, PA, Compass Systems specializes in unmanned systems, air vehicle engineering, contract manufacturing, and robotics integration. Our team supports both manned and unmanned platforms, providing comprehensive lifecycle services from concept through deployment.

Compass Systems’ core capabilities include advanced aerospace structures, subsystem integration, autonomous and unmanned technologies, and rapid prototyping for electromechanical defense systems. We provide field-tested and mission-ready solutions tailored to enhance operational readiness and reduce downtime.

Our client base includes major DoD agencies and Tier 1 defense contractors such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Leonardo DRS, Verge Aero, Hurley IR, and Ghost Robotics. Our agile team and innovative technologies—such as our Augmented Reality Companion (ARC) System—position us to meet evolving mission demands and operational challenges in dynamic environments.

Focus Area: Workforce Development/Visualization

Johnny Lange
Johnny.lange@compass-sys-inc.com
240-496-3305

Problem Statement:

• Limited access to technical documentation in the field
• High downtime due to complex or unfamiliar maintenance procedures
• Inefficient workflows during time-sensitive missions
• Lack of real-time collaboration with remote experts

Benefits Statement: 

• Field-tested reliability in real-world military environments
• Reduced maintenance time and equipment downtime
• Increased task accuracy and technician confidence
• Seamless integration with existing workflows and tools
• Scalable for future collaboration and data-sharing capabilities

Technology Solution Statement:

The ARC System delivers immediate access to equipment manuals, schematics, and technical guidance through an intuitive augmented reality interface, enabling users to complete complex tasks efficiently. Streamlining maintenance procedures with step-by-step visual overlays minimizes downtime and reduces the need for extensive training. Built-in compatibility with existing workflows ensures smooth integration, while planned upgrades, such as real-time remote support, will further enhance collaboration, decision-making, and operational effectiveness in challenging environments.

Problem Statement:

The integrity of spherical bearing liners used in the swashplate/pitch assembly of aircraft is critical to ensuring safe and reliable operation. However, current methods for evaluating bearing liner thickness and radial wear are limited in accuracy, efficiency, standardized tools and processes, and practicality, particularly for on-aircraft inspections. These limitations pose significant challenges to maintenance crews, increasing the risk of undetected wear, premature component failure, and reduced operational readiness.

Technology Solution Statement:

The Spherical Bearing Liner Integrity Evaluation Project delivered a specialized inspection and measurement tool designed to evaluate the integrity of spherical bearing liners used in the swashplate/pitch assembly of aircraft. The tool addresses the challenges of accurately measuring bearing liner thickness and radial wear, in a controlled consistent manner. The tool can be used to determine “good” and “bad” bearing liners, as well as gather critical information for evaluating lifecycle and maintenance planning.

Problem Statement:

DoD branches utilize low and high strength steel alloys on different weapon system components that require corrosion protection and cadmium has been the baseline coating for decades.  The DOD typically brush plates steel parts from these weapon systems with Cd and outsources Cd tank plating to vendors.  Cd is a toxic metal and known carcinogen that poses environmental, safety, and occupational health risks throughout the life cycle of the plated parts.

Technology Solution Statement:

The Dripless Repair System (DRS) for LHE alkaline Zn-Ni application is a system designed and manufactured by ES3.  The system places a handheld plating applicator over the metallic surface intended to be coated.  The DRS applicator forms a seal around the surface to prevent dripping of the solution from the aircraft component.  The DRS can controllably apply Zn-Ni plating to metallic substrates on aircraft without removing the components and without uncontrollable waste that requires chemical containment and hazardous waste disposal.

Benefits Statement:

Project has significant positive impacts to mission and readiness.

• Potential to result in elimination of brush cadmium across the USAF and DoD
• Reduction in hazardous waste disposal and ESOH compliance costs associated with the use of brush Cd and hexavalent chrome.
• Eliminates the legal liabilities associated with cadmium, worker safety and health, cradle to grave management of previously Cd-plated parts, international requirements, etc.
• Allows for environmentally friendly, on aircraft repair saving time/cost compared to immersion Zn-Ni

FLX Solutions develops advanced robotic systems that enhance mission readiness and safety by minimizing maintenance disruptions across defense operations — with expanding applications in industrial, transit, and construction sectors.

The FLX BOT is a compact, snake-like collaborative robot (cobot) that transforms inspection and maintenance for defense and industrial environments. Just 1″ in diameter, it navigates confined or hazardous spaces on ships, bases, and aircraft. Operated by a single technician via handheld control or extension pole, it reduces labor and improves safety.

Its modular design includes interchangeable links with advanced cameras and sensors for autonomous obstacle avoidance. Plug-and-play end effectors — such as 4K, 360°, and 3D cameras, NDT sensors, thermal imaging, grippers, leak detectors, and sprayers — enable rapid adaptation for diverse tasks.

The FLX BOT minimizes the need for dangerous teardown or scaffolding and enables quick, accurate inspections. Designed for grab-and-go deployment, it reduces downtime and supports preventative maintenance. Its patented design offers greater articulation, lighter weight, and a smaller footprint than competing robots — at a fraction of the cost.

Field-ready and validated, FLX BOT has completed and launched pilots with the U.S. Navy (corrosion assessment, 3D tank mapping), U.S. Air Force (aircraft wing fuel tank inspections), and a major DoD Prime. It is ideally suited for multi-branch use across the DoD.

With seamless integration into current workflows, FLX BOT delivers immediate impact — enhancing safety, efficiency, and operational success.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Erik Hummel
erik@flxsolutions.com
267-733-3981

Problem Statement:

Maintenance and DoD technicians face major challenges inspecting and sustaining critical equipment on aircraft, ships, and remote bases. Many areas are confined, hidden, or too dangerous to access safely. Tight turnaround times and unsafe conditions increase risk. Current methods rely on costly teardowns and hazardous scaffolding. There is a need for high-resolution inspection tools that access hard-to-reach spaces efficiently. A compact, handheld robot offers a safer, faster, and customizable solution for inspection and maintenance tasks.

Benefits Statement: 

FLX BOT improves inspection quality while reducing maintenance damage, injuries, and costs. Navy pilots showed 90% savings in time and expense for hard-to-reach areas. It decreases downtime through efficient preventative maintenance and faster recovery. Technicians stay safely on the ground when inspecting elevated spaces. The robot collects sensor data for predictive maintenance and documentation—even at the front lines. With strong ROI and lower QA/QC costs, FLX BOT enhances safety, speed, and operational readiness.

Technology Solution Statement:

The FLX BOT is a handheld, snake-like robot that navigates confined spaces in aircraft, ships, and bases with minimal training. Its slim, modular design uses interchangeable links with cameras and sensors for autonomous movement. Swappable end effectors—360°, 3D, thermal cameras, NDT tools, grippers, and more—enable diverse maintenance tasks. Lighter, smaller, and more flexible than robots costing 10x more, it fits in a briefcase. Programs are underway across defense, transit, and industry.

At LMI, we’re creating innovative solutions to transform emerging needs into extraordinary impacts at The New Speed of Possible™. Combining a legacy of federal expertise with an innovation ecosystem, we minimize time to value and accelerate mission success. With an emphasis on agile development and human-centered design, we enable agencies to experience solutions faster and conquer their toughest challenges sooner.

Benefits Statement: 

NADACS transforms connected logistics by implementing a flexible, near real-time system that provides asset location and condition details using wireless sensor mesh and pRFID devices to collect data.

At LoneStar NDE Innovations, we blend cutting-edge software and hardware to redefine the future of inspection technology. Our story is rooted in a commitment to simplify complexity—providing CAD-free inspection path planning that allows for seamless operations. With minimal setup and no required programming, efficiency is our hallmark. Our collaborative robotic (Cobot) inspections are designed to complement human expertise, ensuring that every endeavor is productive and intuitive. LoneStar NDE Innovations offers a variety of products from portable handheld units to scalable robotic systems. We also work on custom solutions. Our products are designed to support the inspection of components through their entire lifecycle, from development to in-service. We serve a variety of industries from aerospace (i.e., aircraft, rotorcraft, launch vehicles) to renewables (i.e., wind energy), and more.

Focus Area: Enhanced Inspection

Ben Blandford
bblandford@lsnde.com
972-400-2130

Problem Statement:

• Difficult interpretation of traditional A-scan data. Wrong decisions can be made. Significant time required for A-scanning of structure.
• Time intensive engineering decisions based on A-scan inspection. Disposition of anomaly is a significant challenge.
• Technician fatigue during inspection.
• Lack of drawings/CAD for legacy platforms, make automating inspection very difficult.

Technology Solution Statement:

The LSDNE collaborative robot inspection tool (Orion) is rapidly deployable (< 10min set up), fast (up to 40 in/sec), and provides intuitive results (3D C-scans for rapid decision making). Using a 3D depth camera, novel path planning software, and novel sensor end effectors make the setup, process of inspecting. and disposition streamlined. Data is archived in open data HDF5 format that can be analyzed using the LSNDE or with custom algorithms that the user may already have.

MxD advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. An independent, nonprofit 501(c)3, public/private partnership with OSD-Research & Engineering’s Manufacturing Technology Program, we convene the industrial base to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing as designated by Congress and DoD. Located in Chicago, and driving innovation across the nation, MxD’s 22,000 sq. ft. factory floor is a dynamic showcase of advanced manufacturing technology use cases, shaping the future of American industry. We are on a mission to modernize the organic industrial base (OIB) including America’s public and private shipyards, airfields, arsenals, and depots using bleeding edge digital transformation techniques, processes, workforce development, and change management.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Chris Dufour
chris.dufour@mxdusa.org
312-281-6887

Problem Statement:

How to maximize machine uptime, and therefore minimize sustainment time, with a labor shortage, machine maintenance requirements, and unknown machine utilization. This challenge is resident at every FRC or Naval MRO facility with legacy equipment.

Benefits Statement:

• Digitalization method for OT machinery
• Low-code, easy-to-use
• Networked or air-gapped
• Data able to be integrated into dashboards and APIs
• 42 different use cases including pressure, hydraulics, weight, vibration, current, amperage, and more
• Simple RED-YELLOW-GREEN stacklight configurable to the use case
• Proven on the shop floors of several manufacturers and Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
• Low-cost, highly configurable

Technology Solution Statement:

The MxD Sensor Kit uses data driven, closed loop analytics to understand machine usage, prevent downtime, optimize maintenance, and better plan schedules. One kit, many use cases​. Gain real-time equipment data to inform and improve operations and achieve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).​ Data collection and analysis helps enhance efficiency, productivity, and integration for future digital manufacturing modernization. Designed to be a simple, no-code solution that can be plugged in to any machinery, even legacy equipment​. Provides a cost-effective solution to gather data and monitor various processes in an effort to reduce downtime and failures​. Data-driven insights illuminate machine usage, minimize downtime, and improve scheduling to help reduce time spent on planned and unplanned work packages. Sensor Kits are made in America and infinitely scalable at affordable mass.

Naval Systems, Inc. (NSI) was founded in 2004 as an technical services company with the Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) as its primary customer.  Since then, NSI has grown to over 300 employees and some 200 subcontractors, with its headquarters near NAS Patuxent River, MD, and personnel and satellite offices located across the U.S. and overseas.  NSI supports USN, USMC, USAF, and US Army programs and associated Department of Defense (DoD) agencies responsible for delivering and sustaining advanced defense systems across warfighting domains.

NSI’s Score Technology and Analytics Center (STAC) empowers warfighters with superior analytics and business solutions.  These efforts support the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) with Big Data Analytics leveraging data from operational, maintenance and supply systems to provide key measures to decision makers.

NSI performs systems integration on multiple unmanned/autonomous systems out of its ISO 9001/AS9110 Panama City, Florida Product Integration Facility (PIF) and performs repair and rework as well as supply chain management activities out of its 60,000 SF ISO 9001/AS9120 facility in Jacksonville, Florida. These efforts are complemented by NSI’s core capabilities in logistics/integrated product support, maintenance planning and analysis, supply chain digital tool development, FMS case development and sustainment, and international airworthiness.

Focus Area: Business IT and Analytics

Ed Nork
enork@n-s-i.us

Problem Statement:

• The current Navy-maintained Aerial Refueling Stores (ARS) are over 20 years old and many components are no longer manufactured.
• Corrosion on mission-critical assets often remains undetected until severe damage occurs.
• Traditional inspections lack continuous, actionable data, hindering maintenance prioritization.
• This gap increases unexpected downtime, repair costs, and reduces overall readiness.
• Defect detection is inconsistent, causing delayed repairs, increased costs, and reduced operational readiness across critical assets.
• Incomplete or inaccurate corrosion documentation limits root cause analysis and impedes long-term maintenance planning.

Benefits Statement: 

• An upgraded ARS and its components result in increased readiness, greater decision advantage, decreased risk, and cost optimization due to upfront resolution of structural and material issues.
• Quality control and safety go hand in hand as the ARS is revitalized and NSI provides solutions for engineering gaps and damaged or ineffective components.
• Increased reliability of the ARS, as well as upfront precise and comprehensive understanding of all actionable insights and solutions across varying levels of urgency.

Technology Solution Statement:

• The FQLS enables rapid reverse engineering and reconfiguration of ARS pods by capturing components for redesign
• Supports full structural and material assessments to modernize a 20+ year-old system
• Identifies imperfections during MRO using 3D scanning, digital reproduction, and CAD
• Enhances durability, efficiency, and adaptability through precise analysis and redesign of ARS components
• Analytics- FQLS identifies hidden corrosion patterns and predicts high-risk areas, solving the challenge of unpredictable asset failures and enabling timely, targeted maintenance to prevent costly downtime.

Oerlikon is a market leader in surface technologies. Our solutions encompass materials, coating equipment, coating services, and the engineering of entire plants. We build our business on unique technology competencies, a wide global reach and trusted customer relations in highly demanding industries, such as aerospace, automotive, energy, medical and luxury. Every day, we develop new materials, new surface technologies and new applications to empower our customers to create and innovate better products.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Brian Crozier
brian.crozier@oerlikon.com
704-957-3873

Problem Statement:

Lack of access to additive manufacturing and advanced coatings impacts supply chain management, component durability, operational costs, coating quality,​ performance and environmental safety.

Technology Solution Statement:

Oerlikon understands the properties of materials on the smallest scale and is a world-class materials manufacturer of metal- and ceramic-based powders and wires for coatings and other industrial applications. Oerlikon provides hundreds of diverse products, including thermal spray coating materials, auxiliary products and materials specifically for additive manufacturing.

Oerlikon offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of surface technologies. Together with customers, Oerlikon develops customized solutions for multiple industries. We offer a standard portfolio and customized materials and surface solutions.

Benefits Statement:

• Additive Component Manufacturing (Laser-Bed, DED, MMC) ​
• Thermal Spray
• Thin Film Coatings & Equipment
• Advanced Materials for the Defense Industry

Precision Additive Solutions, Inc. is advancing the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) ecosystem with the first platform engineered specifically for the safe, repeatable, and high-quality production of aerospace-grade parts at scale. Our system is built to process reactive alloys (magnesium, aluminum, titanium), non-reactive alloys (Inconel, copper), and refractory metals (tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt) with precision, consistency, and industrial throughput.

We integrate three core innovations that set us apart:
Selective Stepped Laser Melting (SSLM™) – A proprietary process for adaptive melt control that enhances material integrity.
Specialized Architecture for Reactive Material Handling – Enabling safe and efficient processing of challenging alloys.
Precision Additive Qualification – A rigorous methodology that ensures repeatability and part certification for aerospace and defense.

Our founder brings over two decades of experience in additive manufacturing, casting, and aerospace engineering. His patented technologies have supported national security and aerospace missions, including India’s Moon and Mars programs with ISRO.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Mike Simek
mike.simek@precisionadditive.com
317-319-3953

Problem Statement:

Aerospace and defense platforms depend on lightweight, high-performance materials, but the U.S. industrial base is no longer equipped to meet growing demand using traditional manufacturing methods. The supply chain for critical components has eroded due to domestic facility closures, reliance on foreign sources, and extended lead times. Meanwhile, additive manufacturing—particularly laser powder bed fusion (LPBF)—has not yet matured into a scalable, certifiable solution for standard aerospace metals such as aluminum and titanium.

Today’s production landscape faces four critical barriers:

• Diminishing Domestic Manufacturing Sources
• Raw Material Shortages and Extended Lead Times
• Material and Process Complexity
• Limited Scalability

Technology Solution Statement:

Our 3D+™ hybrid printing technology (currently in development) sets us apart. This integrates reactive and refractory material processing, in-situ quality monitoring, real-time adaptive print parameter adjustment capability, in-process machining, small, medium, and large-scale Laser Powder Bed Fusion (up to 1.2m x 1.2m x 1.2m build volume), and a new, high-speed, extremely low spatter laser printing technology in Selective Stepped Laser Melting (SSLM™). SSLM™ provides position-by-position melt pool control through dynamically adjusted colinear beam parameters. It enables spatial variation in energy delivery, adaptive focus diameter control, and real-time thermal regulation. These capabilities predict and minimize porosity, suppress spatter, and allow for both high-fidelity feature resolution and high-rate deposition. This results in exceptionally high-quality finished parts, and a digital twin of the entire build process.

To address throughput, stabilize production, improve safety, and minimize operator touch times throughout the part manufacturing life cycle, PA systems integrate the necessary post-processing steps as part of the printer and factory design, including automated de-powdering, stress relief, and heat treatment. Our machines are further optimized to match the needs of each material, allowing PA to specialize in printing reactive (e.g. magnesium, titanium, aluminum) and refractory (e.g. molybdenum, cobalt, tungsten) alloys.

Benefits Statement: 

Precision Additive addresses enabling true viability for alloys already in use, and pioneering pathways for materials previously inaccessible to additive manufacturing. We have developed a holistic qualification strategy that reduces reliance on coupon testing and instead emphasizes robust process controls, in-situ monitoring, and quality assurance integrated into the machine design. In practice, this approach means strengthening QMS certifications, ensuring regulatory compliance, establishing material traceability, machine-specific baselining, statistical process control, qualifying final part performance, and fortifying data management and cybersecurity. By shifting from labor-intensive coupon testing with limited process knowledge to advanced process monitoring and strict process discipline for informed testing, we can accelerate deployment, reduce costs, and deliver greater confidence in flight-critical AM components.

Problem Statement:

Systems engineers, developers, and data scientists currently face significant bottlenecks when attempting to extract structured, queryable “knowledge packets” from unstructured data sources. These processes often require:

• Manual extraction
• Time-intensive annotation
• Resource-heavy quality assurance

Benefits Statement:

Redshred dramatically reduces the time and resources required for these essential data transformation processes, providing:

• Accelerated access to actionable intelligence
• Reduced manpower requirements
• Enhanced data utilization capabilities

Technology Solution Statement:

From Documents to Data – Built from the ground-up to be API-first, Redshred offers your team a powerful solution that goes beyond just text and object recognition.

Get to Higher ValueWork Faster – Data scientists and developers can use unstructured data to build new models and smart applications without the hassle of extracting, cleaning, and aligning content from documents.

• Extract Layers of Interconnected Metadata.
• Structured & Searchable.
• Collaborative & API-First.

Our API-First Platform makes it easy to integrate with existing platforms & technologies

Easy Document Upload API:

• Simply upload your documents into Collections on RedShred

Tailored Configuration:

• Targeted extraction and enrichment tailored to your document types

Supports Common Formats:

• Scanned Images, PDFs, Spreadsheets, Plaintext, etc.

Developer Friendly:

• API endpoints return structured JSON data for easy integration

Redshred specialzes in maintenance and sustainment transformation with proven use cases:
System Manuals- Access Alerts, Diagrams, and Tables; Custom Language Models; Structured & Semantic Search

Fault Trees – From Static Documents to Interactive Applications; Link to Historical Maintenance Records; Simplified Navigation

Procedure Steps – Identify Tools, Parts, and Consumables; Flatten Hierarchical Procedures; Easy Checklist Extraction

Link Content – Navigate Through Entities; Attach Custom Metadata;
Cross-Reference Pages Across Documents

Focus Area: Business IT and Analytics

Chris Root
chris.root@redshred.com
619-750-2390
www.redshred.com

TurnAround Factor (TAF) is a small business based in Richmond, Virginia that provides engineering consulting and R&D services. We are experts at developing new ideas and creating prototypes that can be tested with the user and ultimately transitioned to the field. We have an extensive team of engineers and developers that support a variety of Federal customers. Our team is evenly split between developers, electrical engineers, and mechanical engineers, allowing us to bring an effective multidisciplinary approach to produce complex systems. Over 80% of our staff are engineers or developers including most of our senior leadership. Our multidisciplinary team allows us to effectively deliver technologies from the lab to the field. We strive to provide robust, practical solutions that can withstand the realities of field operations. TAF also provides manufacturing support services for low rate initial production and specialized parts at our assembly facility in Ashland, VA. Our team has reverse-engineered and modernized several legacy systems to ensure continuing support for critical Nuclear Enterprise systems. We currently support several DLA and Navy activities including DLA Troop Support Subsistence, DLA BATTNET (Battery R&D Network Program), and DLA Disposition Services. Our products have been used worldwide by DLA and support several Navy weapons systems.

Focus Area: Enhanced Inspection

Chris Richardson
chris.richardson@turnaroundfactor.com
804-404-6756

Problem Statement:

Many battle damage assessments, repair, and maintenance functions require depot maintenance or fly-away teams that might not be possible to provide when a near-peer adversary is denying access to the area that needs the repairs.

Benefits Statement: 

Against peer adversaries that disrupt our logistical tail and require forces to operate on their own, the Distance Support Toolkit provides the warfighter access to the best engineering resources to undertake complex repairs and create field expedient repairs that meet safety and operational requirements. Expeditionary teams and warfighters will need the ability for organizational personnel to repair mission critical weapons systems and equipment while assisting in battle damage assessments. The Distance Support Toolkit enables the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to get closer to the equipment in operation, virtually on a moment’s notice, to return it to operation faster. The Distance Support Toolkit saves valuable time repairing and maintaining equipment, along with the costs of sending SMEs to location, returning vital equipment to the fight faster than currently possible. The Toolkit accomplishes this by providing the virtual presence of the most seasoned depot SME anywhere in the world, including in denied environments. The Toolkit also allows for remote access to specialized tools and diagnostics equipment in use by the field user, with the work instructions and documents that they need. It is perfect for island hopping expeditionary missions in the South Pacific. The Toolkit allows for depot level repair and maintenance tasks to occur in active operations against peer adversaries, saving valuable time and resources to get the equipment back into the fight faster.

SME Connect greatly improves maintenance activity efficiency, getting equipment back into the fight faster.

SME Connect improves maintenance activity by bringing remote tools and the virtual presence of a depot level SME to the equipment instead of having to wait to return the equipment back to depot

Navy FRC-East and NAVSEA 05T have tested and are working towards acquiring the Distance Support Toolkit technology. FRC-East has an IATT for non-operational testing and work is actively being carried out to fit this into PHD’s existing Azure Gov ATO. COMFRC and NAVAIR have expressed long-term interest in using this product once fielded.

SME Connect can also be used with any U.S. partners or allies over the internet or other networks to provide them with the same level of support as they would get in a depot in the U.S. during their maintenance and repair training. Support for live translation is in development by TAF under an IR&D effort. The Distance Support Toolkit has been tested over Sat Comm and can be used anywhere the sky can be seen.

SME Connect is designed from the ground up to improve logistics by reducing the costs and time of maintenance and repair, thus minimizing down-time and returning vital equipment to operations faster, without having to remove equipment from the fight.

Technology Solution Statement:

SME Connect allows sailors and marines shipboard or at remote locations to receive engineering assistance and support from engineers and technical experts at the ESAs and Fleet Readiness Centers. It also improves Maintenance Activity, creating a flexible, extensible framework allowing for deployable hardware and software capability packages.

SME Connect is an all in one solution that allows on-site users to interact with remote experts in an AR environment. The system provides remote access to specialized tools and diagnostics by the remote expert(s) while in use by the on-site user. Tasks can be assigned and triaged, documents and workflows are shared, and the flexible framework for the system will greatly speed adoption of moving a growing range of maintenance processes further forward. Work instructions and document review can be carried out and connectivity and custom tool measurement is handled with SME Connect. This approach minimizes initial specialized equipment and allows the Navy to hit the ground running with immediate wins of new capabilities and operational efficiencies.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) provides advanced research, education, and technical services across ocean-related disciplines. SOSE has faculty expertise in hydrography, as well as the design, operation, and coordination of autonomous underwater and surface platforms. A particular strength lies in the development of small AUVs, to support high-resolution seafloor mapping and coastal monitoring.

SOSE operates a diverse fleet of autonomous systems and develops oceanographic models to predict and optimize operational conditions. These capabilities enable the execution of collaborative, multi-platform missions in complex marine environments.

SOSE also has access to a dedicated test range operated by the University of Southern Mississippi in the northern Gulf of America, equipped with a permanently installed ocean sensor network. This infrastructure provides real-time environmental data and forecasting tools that support the testing, validation, and operation of autonomous platforms under realistic and challenging conditions.

Through a combination of platform innovation, predictive modeling, and field operations, SOSE delivers cutting-edge solutions for ocean observation, resource management, and marine autonomy.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Gero Nootz
gero.nootz@usm.edu
407-463-6834

Problem Statement:

Challenges when serving complex ocean environments such as harbors include:

• Objects of interest may be located on the seafloor, in the water column, at the surface, or above water.
• Most commercial LiDAR systems have narrow fields of view, limiting detection to a single plane (e.g., just the seafloor or surface).
• Observations from traditional systems are often difficult to align within a unified coordinate system.

Benefits Statement: 

• Enables full 360° sensing from a compact form factor on small AUVs
• Detects and maps objects on the seafloor, in the water column, and at the surface simultaneously
• Provides consistent georeferencing of all observations in a unified frame
• Increases situational awareness in complex, cluttered environments like harbors
• Reduces survey time by eliminating the need for multiple passes or sensor reorientation
• Successfully field-tested on a commercial Iver3 AUV platform under real-world conditions

Technology Solution Statement:

The compact 360° LiDAR system addresses these challenges by:

• Providing a cylindrical field of view for full-volume coverage across seafloor, water column, and surface.
• Enabling simultaneous detection of targets throughout the environment from small AUVs.
• Delivering consistently georeferenced data within a unified coordinate frame, improving spatial context and usability.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) provides advanced research, education, and technical services across ocean-related disciplines. SOSE has faculty expertise in oceanography, ocean engineering and hydrography and the design, operation, and coordination of autonomous underwater and surface platforms. A particular strength lies in the development of small AUVs, to support high-resolution seafloor mapping and coastal monitoring.

SOSE operates a fleet of autonomous systems and develops oceanographic models to predict and optimize operational conditions. These capabilities enable the execution of collaborative, multi-platform missions in complex marine environments.

SOSE also has access to a dedicated testbed in the northern Gulf, equipped with a permanently installed ocean sensor network. This infrastructure provides real-time environmental data and forecasting tools that support testing, validation, and operation of autonomous platforms under realistic and challenging conditions. The testbed combines in-situ and autonomous measurements, ocean model products and satellite imagery to study shallow & complex estuarine/inner-shelf environments. Observations from buoy systems for wave/current/atmosphere, moored sensors/instruments (e.g. CTD, ADCP) for temperature/salinity/velocity, and water quality (e.g. PH) are combined with measurements from autonomous underwater/surface vehicles (e.g. Iver-3/WAM-V), operational ocean model products, and satellite imagery. An implementation of COAWST for near-coastal operational forecasts provide a high-resolution solution (O(100m) horizontal, O(10cm) vertical, O(1hr) temporal) and may include sediment transport and biogeochemical modules. The model dates back to 2015 allowing machine learning studies for sustainment studies.

Through a combination of platform innovation, predictive modeling, and field operations, SOSE delivers cutting-edge solutions for ocean observation, resource management, and marine autonomy.

Focus Area: Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety

Gero Nootz
gero.nootz@usm.edu
407-463-6834

Problem Statement:

Shallow water near-coastal and estuarine environments present unique challenges for fleet readiness and sustainment:

• varying salinity conditions may affect equipment performance and corrosion,
• high levels of sediments and marine life both reduce visibility and make maintenance difficult,
• strong waves and currents making navigation, operations and maintenance difficulty in complex shallow water environments,
• estuarine environments can accelerate equipment wear and require specialized maintenance.

Therefore, it is critical to efficiently observe and accurately predict the dynamics of such complex environments.

Benefits Statement: 

Ocean modeling combined with autonomous and remote sensing measurements may support maintenance efforts as well as help optimize readiness where in-situ observations are not available. The testbed:

• Enables improvement of a predictive dashboard of environmental degraders in complex shallow water environments,
• Provides operational forecast and improve fleet readiness ahead of time,
• Allows integration of in-situ measurements (e.g. buoys, moorings) and autonomous vehicle data with satellite remote sensing and ocean model products within a testbed for emerging technologies.

Technology Solution Statement:

• Advancements in operational coastal ocean forecast models may help accurately predict the shallow water marine environments of navy operations and may help streamline maintenance needs and processes,
• Observations from remote sensing, in-situ and autonomous measurements will allow data assimilation into operational ocean models to improve accuracy,
• Long-term model data creation and synthesizing with satellite data and field measurements will allow development of machine learning strategies to fill future observational gaps and contribute to overall sustainment and readiness of the fleet.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) offers DoD a defense friendly university R&D infrastructure at the CUI level of security. DoD programs span “basic research through technology demonstration” and focused upon rapid development of strategic priorities for next generation polymers, composites and coatings. We maintain a team of ten full-time US citizen professionals with an average >17 years of experience who manage a unique advanced development infrastructure designed to accelerate the advancement of strategic polymer materials needs for the US military. We maintain long-standing relations with DoD program managers and defense laboratories to cultivate cross-functional USM-defense personnel team communications, coordination of personnel and project prioritization, streamlined resource/project management techniques that expedite material development timelines, coordinated budgetary actions to rapidly achieve go- or no-go decisions, and uphold perpetual assessments of promising new technologies that expedite field-level demonstration for validation of performance protocols established by DoD. USM excels in the laboratory-to-pilot-scale field demonstrations for polymer, composite and coating materials combined with advanced development capabilities for processing, part fabrication, product/process engineering, material and part specifications, and health & environmental safety. SPSE has a “molecules-to-field demonstration” approach that is proven to reduce cost for the “timeline-to-prototype” and is distinctively positioned to integrate a multiscale methodology linking quantum/molecular level variations with process and continuum level engineering responses. Specifically, a rapid development infrastructure arranged to create new polymeric materials at the research level through advanced development levels for new polymeric materials for DoD evaluation is established at USM.

Focus Area: Energy, Environmental, Health, and Safety

Jeff Wiggins
jeffrey.wiggins@usm.edu
601-266-6960

Problem Statement:

COMPOSITE REPAIR AND MANUFACTURING

• Repair of Composite Structures Requires Is Time Consuming and Cost Prohibitive
• Traditional Crosslinked Thermoset Polymer Composite Matrix Chemistries Do Not Repair
• Composite Repair Methods are Time Consuming and Cost Restrictive
• Field Repair of Composite Structures is Very Difficult
• Repair Techniques are Limited by Durability and Performance Requirements
• Inspection of Damaged Zone Areas is Challenging
• Repair Requires Highly Skilled Personnel, New Materials and Difficult in the Field
• Composite Damage Often Requires Detection and Repair Experts

Benefits Statement: 

COMPOSITE REPAIR AND MANUFACTURING

• Solvent and Chemical Free Repair Approach
• Low-Cost Repair Capability
• Same Repair Technique Applied to All Structural Product Forms
• No Chemical Reactions or Condensates
• High Strength Repairs in a Broad Range of Field Requirements
• Repeated Repairs Shows a High Degree of Healing Efficiency
• Thermally Stable Repairs to Original Capability
• Fast and Effective Field Repair Feasibility
• Eliminates Solvents, Chemicals and Harsh Environmental Concerns
• Provides Simplicity with Remarkable Modularity and Tailorability
• Pilot Scale Demonstration and Favorable Economics

Technology Solution Statement:

COMPOSITE REPAIR AND MANUFACTURING

• Self-Healing High Strength Vitrimer Polymers Are Thermally Repaired In-Place
• Heating Blankets and Low-Pressure Structural Repairs are Feasible
• Repair Methods are Fast, Reliable and Low Cost for >85% Original Strength Recovery
• Repair Methods are Capable to be Performed in the Field With Limited Technical Knowledge
• Repair Methods are Immediate and Do Not Require Special Preparation or Materials
• Repair Methods Do Not Require Advanced Tools or Techniques
• Repair Methods are Feasible in a Broad Range of Physical Environments

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Polymer Science and Engineering (SPSE) offers DoD a defense friendly university R&D infrastructure at the CUI level of security. DoD programs span “basic research through technology demonstration” and focused upon rapid development of strategic priorities for next generation polymers, composites and coatings. We maintain a team of ten full-time US citizen professionals with an average >17 years of experience who manage a unique advanced development infrastructure designed to accelerate the advancement of strategic polymer materials needs for the US military. We maintain long-standing relations with DoD program managers and defense laboratories to cultivate cross-functional USM-defense personnel team communications, coordination of personnel and project prioritization, streamlined resource/project management techniques that expedite material development timelines, coordinated budgetary actions to rapidly achieve go- or no-go decisions, and uphold perpetual assessments of promising new technologies that expedite field-level demonstration for validation of performance protocols established by DoD. USM excels in the laboratory-to-pilot-scale field demonstrations for polymer, composite and coating materials combined with advanced development capabilities for processing, part fabrication, product/process engineering, material and part specifications, and health & environmental safety. SPSE has a “molecules-to-field demonstration” approach that is proven to reduce cost for the “timeline-to-prototype” and is distinctively positioned to integrate a multiscale methodology linking quantum/molecular level variations with process and continuum level engineering responses. Specifically, a rapid development infrastructure arranged to create new polymeric materials at the research level through advanced development levels for new polymeric materials for DoD evaluation is established at USM.

Focus Area: Advanced/Additive Manufacturing

Jeff Wiggins
jeffrey.wiggins@usm.edu
601-266-6960

Problem Statement:

Corrosion control/prevention science are stagnated without a direct and discernable method to detect and quantify the effects of substrate, coating formulation, application, annealing/cure, layering, and environmental conditions in situ. The primary coatings research achievements were systematic and incremental improvements in asset preservation. Unfortunately, the result of indirect corrosion quantification has been improved screening methods, ASTM requirements, and military specifications that supported existing corrosion control technology (i.e., strontium chromate) and reduced the rate of development or eliminated many new technology advances.

Benefits Statement: 

The measurement and evaluation protocol using applied location specific fluorescence characterization of coated substrates, measures corrosion initiation, corrosion onset, migration, and spatial and temporal corrosion rates most often detected within 24 hours. Substrate-polymer combinations also exhibit self-passivation under certain conditions when the electrolyte, oxygen or water content are managed appropriately. These methods will provide direct and definitive quantification and understanding of the polymer corrosion protection process. Dramatic cost savings for novel material development and conventional material assessments.

Technology Solution Statement:

We have developed a reliable early corrosion detection and quantification characterization protocol that discerns between spatial and temporal metal dissolution rates for polymer coated substrates with/without intentional defects. Reflectance fluorescence detects and quantifies pH changes associated with corrosion onset and migration e.g., SAE 1010 steel and has been applied to oxygen, water, substrate, polymer variables with success in measurement within 24 hours. The adaptable approach includes electrolyte type and concentration, substrate composition and defect analysis from a variety of fluorescent indicators at low concentrations (0.002 wt. %, 10 µM) within a coating in a passive (more like nature) rather than active (EIS) manner. We propose to define the controlling variables for corrosion processes and corrosion prevention with our current emphasis on measuring differences between substrate preparation mode/methods, polymer type/structure/properties, application conditions, and cure/annealing processes, plasticizer and solvent effects on performance, and environmental conditions each individually.

Westbrook RDC is an aerospace materials company dedicated to advancing next-generation solutions for the 21st century and beyond. We develop innovative materials and processes that meet customer requirements, reduce long-term hazards, and prioritize the use of U.S.-sourced components. Founded in 2024 by a former U.S. Navy engineer, Westbrook RDC brings a deep understanding of the operational and regulatory needs of the Department of Defense and U.S. aerospace industries—including OEM and MRO sectors. Our mission is to bridge innovation with practicality, delivering materials that are safer, more sustainable, and aligned with national security priorities. This approach has led to the companies first Phase I SBIR related to cadmium and zinc-nickel coating removal, as well as various levels of partnerships with commercial aerospace entities.

Focus Area: Coating and Corrosion Prevention

Alexander Westbrook
ajwestbrook@westrdc.com
240-435-2358

Problem Statement:

Conversion coatings and sol gels are challenging to remove, whether for repair or fluorescent penetrant inspection. The current method of removal, abrasive pads, creates a significant risk of maintainer exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. This risk requires excellent controls to prevent cross-contamination of the workspace, as well as solvents that are becoming more restricted under the limits set by the California Air Resource Board.

Benefits Statement: 

Technique can double both as an inorganic finishes removal method and a spot check pre-penetrant etch for NDI techniques (ideal for battle damage combat repair)

• Result is a highly active surface (over 15 minutes) that can be used for direct to metal painting, or repair of inorganic finishes.
• All waste is captured in a disposable wipe reducing, which is more affordable to dispose of than the current liquid waste.

Technology Solution Statement:

This process controllably applies a small amount of self-limiting chemical etchant. This etchant dissolves the coating and when it begins to etch/activate the aluminum the surface turns gray. The etchant is then wiped with a solution that absorbs the dissolved material while neutralizing any remaining active etchant material. The wipe is then disposed of, and the process is complete. There is no dust generation, no dripping liquid waste, no roughened surface risking dimensional tolerance.