SBIR-STTR Award

GDCA is pleased to submit this SBIR Phase I proposal in response to a call for submission from the defense logistics agency (DLA) for ongoing manufacturing and support of the NSN 5998014258044, an obsolete Circuit-Card-Assembly (CCA) needed to support the Ticonderoga class CG (47) Guided Missle Cruiser application. New-Source-of-supply (NSOS) as a resolution pathway was added to the SD-22 (OSD’s DMSMS Guidebook for Program Managers) as a viable option for programs to deal with the need for obsolete electronics assemblies, and where the USG doesn’t have the data rights. NSOS involves the USG engaging a 3rd party to secure proprietary technical data for CCAs that cannot feasibly be sourced, resolve any electronics parts/skills obsolescence/DMSMS issues that affect the CCA design, and then to restart the production line so programs can once again get reliable spares and repairs. NSOS is different from reverse-engineering because it involves rebuilding the manufacturing and/or repair capability by using the OEMs technical data rather than recreating this data from a physical unit. Therefore, NSOS involves lower risk, cost, and lead-time than reverse engineering. This innovative approach has been successfully utilized to the benefit of several USG programs, both directly and via Prime contractors. However, many DoD agencies are still unaware of the option to develop an NSOS to resolve CCA DMSMS issues. Our success within the USG can best be represented by the support we provided NAVY IWS-10 with the following NSOSs: Abaco PMC-663ST – Restarted production line and are currently delivering 63 units. Acromag AVME9432-I-L and AVME9427-I-L – Restarted the production line and are currently delivering 30 units of each. Mercury ECDR-GC214-PMC 4 - Currently restarting the production capability. The first articles are expected in February 2022. NAI (5 cards) - brokered transfer for 3 cards, and support contracts for the remaining 2. Contract award TBD. The solution presented within this phase 1 proposal is unique because it offers the DLA an approach to combat CCA obsolescence and qualify a new supplier without pursuing a costly and risky reverse-engineering effort. Once solved, these CCAs will never fall out of support again. GDCA proposes to work with B1 Program Office, DLA weapon system program manager, and the ESA to explore the NSOS process, not only for the problematic CCAs requested but also for any other CCA that are affected by DMSMS issues.

Following the research performed in Phase I, GDCA proposes to rebuild the supply chain and manufacturing capability to create a form-fit-functional New Source of Supply for NSN 7730-01-532-4524 to avoid CASREPs and provide a long-term manufacturing source. GDCA will accomplish this by using the original technical data to rebuild the manufacturing capability as the OEM did, and solve DMSMS components with the appropriate data. The result will be an OEM-authorized, form-fit-functional manufacturer for these parts that does not require requalification. Once the source of supply is developed at GDCA, all affected USG customers will be able to procure production units and repairs of NSN 7730-01-532-4524 through DLA and other contracting sources.