Portable Digital Metrology System for Measurement of Defects on Optically Transparent Canopies and Windscreens

# Q&A Section Changes Summary **New Questions Added (Q1):** - Phase I TABA eligibility impact on Navy SBIR Transition Program - TABA budget treatment: whether $6,500 is in addition to $315,000 cap or included within it - Off-aircraft validation acceptability for Phase I - Depth accuracy/repeatability requirements relative to incumbent optical micrometer - Restrictions on temporary surface treatments and adhesive references during measurement **Key Clarifications:** - TABA funding treatment (critical for budgeting) - Off-aircraft Phase I testing permitted if Phase II demonstrates on-aircraft capability - New performance comparison baseline: accuracy/repeatability relative to current method, not absolute values

# Q&A Changes Summary **New/Updated Answers in A1:** - Clarified that one "measurement" = complete defect characterization (length, width, maximum depth), with 3-5 repeats for confirmation - Defined "crack depth" as penetration below local outer surface, measured normal to surface - Specified transparency thickness range: 0.25–0.50" - Confirmed controlled lab illumination sufficient for Phase I (outdoor testing deferred to Phase II) - Confirmed head-to-head incumbent comparison would be useful; no preference on operator/measurement count **No Changes:** - A2 and A3 remain identical to previous version **Key Impact:** A1 provides critical clarification on measurement definition and Phase I scope, reducing ambiguity for proposal development.

**Key Changes to Q&A:** Added A2 with critical technical specifications: - Depth range target: 1–100 mils; Phase I accuracy goal: ±0.001" - Defect size minimum: 0.125 sq in (measurement requirement, not inspection area) - Multi-placement measurements acceptable for larger defects - Phase I focus: scratches, pits, abrasions, cracks only (exclude coatings) - Repeatability and reliability: Phase I establishes baselines (no preset targets) A3 remains unchanged. No new Q&As added beyond original Q1–Q3.

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

# Q&A Changes Summary **New Questions Added (Q1):** - Clarified "3–5 measurements/hour" benchmark: whether one "measurement" means complete defect characterization (length, width, depth) or single-point dimensional reading - Defined "crack depth" for surface-breaking cracks: penetration below local outer surface measured normal to that surface - Requested nominal thickness range of MIL-PRF-25690 acrylic for Phase I testing - Asked whether Phase I performance must be demonstrated under direct outdoor sunlight or controlled lab conditions - Proposed direct head-to-head comparison experiment (proposed system vs. optical micrometer vs. benchtop-microscope reference) **Key Clarifications:** No substantive changes to previous answers in Q2/Q3/Q4. Government maintained flexibility on measurement approach, hybrid optical-ultrasonic solutions, and Phase I setup (handheld/benchtop options). Depth range clarified as 1–100 mils; defect size range 0.125–dollar-bill area.

**Key Changes to Q&A:** Added Q1 with 6 new clarifying questions on: - Crack-depth measurement range and accuracy requirements - Multi-placement measurement methodology for defects larger than field of view - Definition of 0.125 sq in minimum (defect size vs. inspection area) - Phase I defect scope (scratches, pits, abrasions, cracks only—excluding coating damage) - Repeatability and reliability targets for Phase I Reorganized previous Q2-Q4 as new Q2-Q3, consolidating technical specifications without substantive answer changes.

# Q&A Changes Summary **Questions 1-9 received detailed answers** (previously "Response Pending"): - **Measurement specs**: 1-100 mils depth range, ±0.001" resolution/accuracy, 0.060" minimum field of view - **Material scope**: Bare/uncoated stretch acrylic (MIL-PRF-25690) only; complex curvatures (F-16/F/A-18 style, 15-17° surface slope) - **Access & fixtures**: Both sides accessible; contact permitted with temporary fixtures/markings allowed - **Functionality**: Must measure visible surface geometry and crack depth; defect location and classification optional for Phase I - **Performance baseline**: Optical micrometer (3-5 measurements/defect in ~1 hour); benchtop microscope for coupon testing - **Setup flexibility**: Handheld or benchtop acceptable for Phase I - **Operator**: Minimal/no aircraft maintenance experience assumed - **Data**: Unclassified/non-CUI only; standard DoD security protocols apply - **Government support**: Will provide scrapped transparency or representative coupons

Added comprehensive Q1 with 9 detailed sub-questions clarifying measurement requirements: defect dimension thresholds, permissible errors, baseline instruments, damage detection vs. classification functions, crack depth assessment, access constraints, material/environmental test specimens, hybrid sensor acceptability, and operational limits (size, weight, battery, training, data handling).

Q1 received answer clarifying form-factor flexibility: Phase I open to handheld, benchtop, or other setups with expectation of future portable development for on-aircraft use. Q2 received answer declining pre-release technical feedback on specific solutions but offering general requirement clarifications via email.

These Q&As clarify that handheld form factors are acceptable for the inspection tool and that applicants may propose solutions for metals-focused applications initially, with non-metal testing optional rather than mandatory for Phase I submission.

New opportunity: Portable Digital Metrology System for Measurement of Defects on Optically Transparent Canopies and Windscreens