Innovative Use of Surface Coatings to Reduce Exposure to Beryllium in the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle Supply Chain

The technical objective of this proposal is to determine if innovative applications of temporary and/or permanent surface coatings could reduce or eliminate the potential for beryllium (Be) exposure in some segments of the ballistic missile manufacturing supply chain. A unique team of supply chain managers, materials scientists and industrial hygienists from PrSM Corporation and the Colorado School of Mines will work with Raytheon Company and Brush Wellman, Inc. to demonstrate the feasibility of this technical approach. The work plan includes: 1. Task 1 - Define the supply chain for Be and Be alloy components for the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) 2. Task 2 - Research coatings to identify applicable temporary and permanent coatings 3. Task 3 - Identify where beryllium exposure can occur in the EKV supply chain 4. Task 4 - Determine where in the EKV supply chain these coatings should be applied 5. Task 5 - Develop the work plan for the proof-of-concept demonstration in Phase II 6. Task 6 - Reporting This opportunity is significant because companies in the ballistic missile manufacturing supply chain are reluctant and often unwilling to handle beryllium-containing parts because of the regulatory, legal and financial risk. This limits competition and leaves the Federal Government vulnerable to business interruption if key suppliers elect to withdraw from the business.