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Multipurpose Non-Destructive Inspection Test Kit

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: FA8117-11-C-0006
Agency Tracking Number: F103-239-0780
Amount: $100,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: AF103-239
Solicitation Number: 2010.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2010
Award Year: 2011
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2010-12-15
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
9063 Bee Caves Road
Austin, TX -
United States
DUNS: 625120902
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 David Forsyth
 Principal Investigator
 (512) 263-2101
 dforsyth@tri-austin.com
Business Contact
 Monte Fellingham
Title: Contracts Administrator
Phone: (512) 263-2101
Email: mfellingham@tri-austin.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

A wave of new inspection requirements is anticipated in the near future, accompanied by an increase in the number of candidate inspection techniques. Qualification of these will require an increasing number of QAPA studies. The lack of QAPA studies forces an overly conservative inspection strategy, adding additional maintenance costs and decreasing fleet readiness. However, the empirical nature of those studies, as currently defined in MIL-HDBK-1823, makes them very costly in terms of both time and dollars. A similar need arises as the USAF fleets age: new areas must be inspected, and cracks are found where they have not been found before. NDI is called upon to provide a quick response in terms of deploying inspection techniques to maintain operational capability, and NDI engineering must provide estimates of capability quickly. Typically it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to make a significant sample set and may take many months to specify and procure. Texas Research Institute, Austin Inc. (TRI/Austin) in collaboration with Dr. Floyd Spencer of sfHire and APES, Inc. propose to design Multi-Purpose NDI Test Kits to enable fast and cheap QAPA"s for new inspection requirements and for quick response for inspection issues in the depot and field. BENEFIT: The TRI Team approach of modular, scaleable coupons to specimens for the implementation of universal testing kits with accompanying POD analysis software will provide the USAF with rapid response capability for QAPA studies at much reduced cost over existing alternatives.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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