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SDC was started in 2002, although the first contracts were awarded to the company in early 2003. These three Phase I SBIRs, to develop carbon-carbon optics, to develop micro-heat pipes for high heat flux electronics applications, and to develop a high temperature polymer control surface for a high speed missile, provided a foundation that we have continued to build upon four years later. Two of the three immediately transitioned from PI to PII awards, while the third PI eventually became a PII three years later. These three phase I contracts, evolved into three of our five business areas, including:
• Space structures and optics
• Electronics enclosures and thermal management
• Tactical missiles systems materials and structures
Since then, two other business areas have evolved, including:
• Missile Defense Systems materials and structures, and
• Testing services
| In the early years, SDC relied heavily on the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, winning numerous PIs, PIIs and a PIII. As the capabilities and staff has grown, so has the type of contracts with an ever increasing customer base and service provided. While SDC continues to perform on R&D types of contracts, other types of services provided during the last year include: |
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Quick response trade study comparing aluminum and composite for an entire missile airframe application |
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Fabricating test articles to verify structural integrity of critical joints for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft |
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Developing a complete design for a monorail structure on a new system that is being introduced in the Far East; traveling to the Far East country to implement a manufacturing facility used to produce the prototype composite monorail structure. |
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Developing a complete SDD design for a missile canister that incorporates a variety of unique features required to meet the performance specification, including: |
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A wedge bumper concept that constrains the missile during transportation shock and vibration, but enables the canister to accommodate composite motor case growth during missile egress, |
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A pressure blown cover that eliminates any interference with the sensitive sensor dome during missile egress and relies on pressures from the motor, |
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A shock isolation system that protects the missile sensitive electronics and sensor if dropped over a wide range of temperatures, |
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Provides long term moisture control for storage, transportation, and operation in all environments |
Each year SDC has grown, diversified, and added new staff and capabilities. Sales and profits have grown as well each year providing a strong financial condition. One of the first objectives in 2003 was to implement an accounting system and management information system (MIS) that could be used by management and program managers to track financial information. In 2007, SDC has replaced that early system and implemented one of the more sophisticated accounting and project management systems available called JAMUS, which is oriented to government type contracts. The key advantage of this system is single entry electronic time cards and a tremendous flexibility to obtain project and financial reports.
Also, in the early years, SDC obtained a facility security clearance, which enables SDC to participate on a wide variety of government programs.
In 2007, SDC added testing services as a business area and has been catering to both prime contactor as well as small business needs. Contract diversification has continued to add sales, but also reduce risk to any one customer and or business area. This will continue to be the objective in the future, to leverage our heritage to continue to expand the business to meet government and industry future needs.
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