The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) released a supplemental solicitation on May 29, 2025 seeking proposals to develop and test the feasibility of technologies and methodologies that enhance material resilience and streamline resource capabilities across Department of Defense (DoD) installations. The specific topics are:

Barrier Membranes for Chem/Bio Applications: This topic focuses on identifying and developing elastomeric barrier materials for protecting first responders from a variety of chemicals and fuels while maintaining adaptability to changing operational conditions. Successful project outcomes will ensure continued availability of protective equipment used across the DoD.

Demilitarization of Plastic Bonded Energetics: SERDP is seeking methodologies to effectively degrade plastic bonded energetics, including rocket propellants and explosives, into non-energetic products that could be utilized in the future as a closed destruction technology (CDT) for the DoD. These methodologies should be efficient alternatives to the current open burn and open detonation (OB/OD) standard. Successful project outcomes will enable cost and resource effective demilitarization operations to maintain optimal combat readiness.

Saltwater Compatibility for F3 Products: The goal of this topic is to identify why PFAS-free firefighting formulations, such as fluorine-free foams (F3), have been found to be incompatible with saltwater dilution or have significantly reduced firefighting performance. These insights should lead to the development of PFAS-free firefighting formulations for use with saltwater dilution that can extinguish class B fuel fires across multiple scenarios, particularly those involving DoD vessels and marine locations. Successful project outcomes will advance product performance, supply chain resilience, and mission readiness.

SERDP funds innovative solutions that support and secure DoD installations by improving operational efficiency and reducing reliance on chemicals and materials with supply chain risks. For more information about this funding opportunity, visit the solicitation page here.

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About SERDP & ESTCP

The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) develop and demonstrate innovative, scalable technologies that enhance military readiness, improve warfighter capabilities, and strengthen defense infrastructure. SERDP invests in basic and applied research to secure military installations, and ESTCP puts innovations to the test, fielding real-world solutions that enhance military operations. The programs report to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy Resilience & Optimization headquartered at the Pentagon. For more information, visit https://serdp-estcp.mil.