Project Objective
A limited-time opportunity exists in the form of potential licensing to manufacture and/or distribute a new submersible matting system (SUBMAT) for which a non-provisional application has been filed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). This solicitation seeks to identify business entities with the capacity to play a role in this innovation’s commercialization.
ERDC’s SUBMAT serves as a temporary “roadway” to support the offloading of military vehicles and supplies in austere coastal environments.
Qualified parties will be invited to express interest with an initial assessment of SUBMAT market potential, commercialization concepts and proposed options for production, distribution, service, and supply chain. The submission of proprietary or confidential information is discouraged.
Importance and Relevance
SUBMAT was developed to facilitate mobility across shorelines and wet/dry gaps by combining current soil stability technology and mobility matting into a single product. It is anticipated that this solution, if commercialized, could be useful to the military, disaster relief, humanitarian organizations, emergency response, shipping, and transportation.
The SUBMAT design has been produced and tested in prototype form. The advancement of this innovation may benefit from collaboration with external partners to:
- develop a plan for commercialization that meets the needs of the federal government and the commercial marketplace
- identify potential improvements that may enhance manufacturability and cost reduction
- ascertain the potential for market viability and additional applications
Requirements
Appropriate respondents will have experience and capability in the manufacture and/or distribution of products that involve the same or similar components, materials, or customer base.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on their suitability for potential collaboration with ERDC. Suitability will be determined as follows:
- Amount of experience and insight exhibited regarding options for the design, production, and/or distribution of similar products
- Business viability and strengths capable of successful commercialization
Expected Result
Inquiring parties may be contacted by ERDCWERX for ascertaining the level of interest and/or to support license application steps as needed.
Notional Project Schedule
Proposed project milestones include:
| March 28, 2024 | Project Announced, Submissions Open |
| April 23, 2024 | Informational Webinar (Register) |
| May 1, 2024 | Question Period Ends |
| May 8, 2024 | Submissions Close |
*Dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.
Resources
How to Participate
ERDCWERX does not require that the applicant be certified to do business with the federal government. Industry, academia, national labs, individual innovators, and other parties are invited to apply for consideration.
- View SUBMAT details
- Register to attend informational webinar (optional)
- Complete the preliminary application (non-binding)
ERDCWERX may contact submitting parties to introduce additional opportunities for collaboration such as cooperative research, prototype development, etc. This process does not obligate or commit ERDC or participating entities to any certain form of collaboration or engagement.
Questions: Interested parties may submit questions using this form until May 1, 2024.