UES to Develop Flash Protection System for AFRL

UES Inc, Dayton, Ohio, has been awarded a $49,057,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for research and development associated with the Flash and Laser Airborne Protection System program. The contract is for exploratory and advanced research and development of materials and technologies to control, manipulate, and protect against photonic energy. Research involved in the processing, structure, properties and performance of photonic materials will provide a means to mature and transition the highest priority products needed by the Air Force. These efforts will ultimately result in developed technologies that can be transitioned to legacy, developmental and future Air Force system components to provide an increase in aircrew protection, performance and efficiency while reducing cost and accelerating manufacture.  The objective of this program is to increase aircrew survivability to flash-blindness and directed energy threats through unique and innovative research and development solutions, and to advance the current state-of-the-art in photonic materials technologies, interactions, and applications. Work will be performed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by November 10, 2024. The award is the result of a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal year 2018 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,072,134 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8650-18-D-5424).