The US Department of Defense is partnering with industry and academia on an initiative to advance state-of-the-art in the development and testing of new metal alloys in ways that can reduce the overall costs and time required for this critical field. The desired overall approach is to utilize an industrial scale production facility to produce heat lots that are smaller than is typical for large industrial producers, yet are large enough to produce near full-size components for testing purposes.

The selected industry team will be expected to have the following capabilities:

• Engineer and modify a VIM furnace such that it will be capable to produce one-ton or two-ton ingot sizes utilizing a six-ton crucible.
• Procure necessary ingot hardware and related casting equipment to produce one-ton or two-ton ingot sizes utilizing a six-ton crucible.
• Develop melting and casting practices using existing and purchased equipment and hardware with the intent to mimic full-scale industrial production.

If you feel your organization has the technical capabilities and would like to be considered for this project, please complete the form below and upload your organization’s technical capabilities statement.

Interested Submissions Due by 7/17/25.

We encourage participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), including Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women’s Business Enterprises (WBEs).