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Find similar grantsDomestic Production of Plant-based Carbon Fiber Precursors in Support of Hypersonic Applications (NAVY SBIR) is sponsored by Department of the Navy. This topic seeks innovative solutions for the domestic production of plant-based carbon fiber precursors to support hypersonic applications.
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Domestic Production of Plant-based Carbon Fiber Precursors in Support of Hypersonic Applications Domestic Production of Plant-based Carbon Fiber Precursors in Support of Hypersonic Applications AI Analysis Solicitation Details Details SBIR Documents ( 1 ) Documents ( 1 ) SBIR Opportunity Analysis The Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of the Navy, is seeking proposals under the SBIR program to develop an environmentally friendly, domestic processing method to produce plant-based carbon fiber precursors for hypersonic thermal protection systems.
Awardees will be required to establish a proof of concept for processing cellulose or lignin precursors that meet EPA standards in Phase I, progress to weaving and carbonizing the precursor into fabric prototypes in Phase II, and scale production for integration into polymer matrix composites in Phase III.
To participate, contractors must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence, possess CMMC Level 2 (Self) certification, and have the ability to acquire and maintain a Secret-level facility and personnel security clearance. Applications must be submitted through the DOD SBIR/STTR portal by the closing deadline of August 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time.
This Navy SBIR solicitation (Topic DON26BZ04-NV066) seeks to develop an environmentally friendly, domestic processing method to produce plant-based carbon fiber precursors (such as cellulose or lignin) for hypersonic thermal protection systems. Currently, the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial space sectors rely heavily on rayon-based carbon fibers due to their superior thermal performance.
However, domestic production of rayon ceased in 1997 due to environmental concerns, leaving the U.S. dependent on volatile foreign textile markets. To address this supply chain vulnerability, the project is structured in three phases: - Phase I focuses on establishing a proof of concept for processing plant-based precursors that meet EPA effluent standards, ensuring the resulting fibers can be carbonized and characterized.
- Phase II involves weaving and carbonizing the precursor into a fabric prototype, followed by comprehensive material and structural characterization. - Phase III aims to scale production, integrate the fiber into polymer matrix composites, and transition the technology to the Navy following arc jet testing. Due to the critical nature of this technology, the project requires a projected CMMC Level 2 (Self) certification.
It is subject to ITAR/EAR export controls, and work in Phase II is likely to become classified, requiring the contractor to be U.S. owned and operated with the ability to secure and maintain a Secret-level facility and personnel security clearance. Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities View Documents Access 1 attachments Source System Official Link Application Due Aug 19, 2026
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Small business concerns. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
The current listing shows typical Phase I funding is $250K over ~6 months. Typical Phase II funding is $1.8M over 24-36 months, which may include co-funding. Verify award ceilings, matching requirements, and allowable costs in the official notice.
The published deadline was August 19, 2026, which has passed. Check the official notice for any future application windows before investing time in a proposal.
Domestic Production of Plant-based Carbon Fiber Precursors in Support of Hypersonic Applications (NAVY SBIR) is funded by Department of the Navy. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
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