Core4ce Expands Air Force Research Laboratory Contract With $98.7 Million Award

Insider Brief

• Core4ce, through Azimuth Corporation, received a $98.7 million contract modification under the Air Force Research Laboratory’s MaRSS II program, raising the total value to $196 million and extending research through March 2032.
• The MaRSS II program advances photonic and optical materials to improve survivability, sensor performance, and protection for U.S. aircrew and mission systems in extreme environments.
• Core4ce combines AI, data expertise, and advanced materials research to accelerate innovation, including protective coatings for hypersonic systems and AI-driven design tools that reduce metasurface development time.

PRESS RELEASE — Core4ce, through its acquired company Azimuth Corporation, was awarded a ceiling contract modification of $98.7 million to an existing contract sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Materials Research and Survivability Studies (MaRSS) II program. The modification brings the cumulative contract value to $196 million and extends research efforts through March 2032 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

The MaRSS II program is driving innovation in advanced photonic materials to enhance the protection and performance of U.S. aircrew, sensors, components, and mission systems. Through cutting-edge research in advanced optical and photonic materials – including engineered structures, non-linear electromagnetic technologies, and advanced laser components – the program is ensuring U.S. forces can withstand the most extreme environments.

“Every material we develop begins with the end mission in mind, which includes protecting against extreme environments, enabling next-generation sensors, or enhancing survivability,” said Valerie Rossi, senior vice president of Advanced Mission Solutions at Core4ce. “This contract award builds on our decades of collaboration with AFRL and ensures that the warfighter has access to cutting-edge photonics technologies to meet tomorrow’s operational challenges.”

“Our decision to join forces with Azimuth Corporation last year was rooted in the unique expertise and trusted relationships they’ve built across the defense community. This contract modification reflects how that foundation is enabling us to broaden the scope and impact of our work together,” said Mike Morehouse, CEO of Core4ce. “Within Core4ce’s Advanced Mission Solutions unit, we are combining our strengths in data and AI with Azimuth’s materials science capabilities to deliver reliable innovation. This award underscores AFRL’s confidence in our team and the progress we’re making to keep U.S. forces ahead of evolving threats.”

Core4ce’s Advanced Mission Solutions team has long partnered with the Air Force Research Laboratory to push the boundaries of materials science, delivering breakthroughs that strengthen national defense. From developing novel protective coatings for hypersonic systems to creating AI-driven design tools that cut metasurface development time by 90 percent through the MAISY project, the team has consistently accelerated innovation. With a strong track record supporting a wide range of DoD programs and unique expertise at the intersection of advanced materials and artificial intelligence through the AAIM Lab, Core4ce is redefining how critical materials are discovered, designed, and deployed to ensure mission success.

For more information on Core4ce’s work with advanced materials and characterization expertise, visit https://www.core4ce.com/our-work/advanced-materials-and-characterization-expertise/.