SOC26BZ01-DV002 TITLE: IRONWALKER

Award Maximum: $3,500,000 | Period of Performance: Not to exceed 12 months | Phase Type: Direct to Phase II

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to conduct applied research to an innovative capability for a deployable, and user-friendly manufacturing system that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance advanced additive and subtractive machining capabilities. This system will provide each operator with AI-driven advanced manufacturing expertise and AR-based work instructions to train, certify, and guide them in operating complex machinery for the production of air, ground, and maritime components.

DESCRIPTION: This effort will explore, design, and evaluate an innovative manufacturing capability that combines Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) to enhance advanced additive and subtractive machining operations. As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications that enable rapid deployment, ease of use, and minimal training burden while maintaining the precision and repeatability required for air, ground, and maritime component production. The research will focus on integrating AI-driven advanced manufacturing expertise with AR-based work instructions to guide operators through the full lifecycle of production—from setup and calibration to machining, quality assurance, and certification. The system shall leverage modular, transportable platforms suitable for forward-deployed or austere environments, with consideration for integration into both manned and autonomous (e.g., bipedal robotic) operations in future phases. Proposers shall detail specification for key system attributes, including but not limited to: AI Capability: Real-time adaptive guidance, error detection, and optimization based on operator input and environmental factors. AR Work Instructions: Interactive overlays for step-by-step tasks, safety checks, and certification pathways. Machining Integration: Compatibility with advanced additive and subtractive manufacturing processes using multiple metal and composite materials. Deployment and Sustainment: Footprint, power requirements, portability, and environmental resilience. Cybersecurity and Data Management: Secure handling of operational data, digital twin integration, and compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements.

PHASE I (FEASIBILITY STUDY): As a requirement of this Direct to Phase II (DPII) proposers must include a feasibility study that assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled "Objective" and "Description." The objective is to document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write-up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit.

PHASE II: Develop, integrate, and demonstrate a fully functional IRONWALKER prototype system based on the optimal solution identified in the completed Phase I feasibility study. This effort will focus on merging mature additive and subtractive machining systems, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) augmented reality platforms, and advanced AI-driven manufacturing guidance engines into a cohesive, operator-centric solution.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where rapid, deployable, and precise manufacturing capabilities are needed to sustain operations in contested, remote, or resource-limited environments. In the commercial sector, IRONWALKER's portable, AI/AR-guided manufacturing capability could support industries such as aerospace, maritime shipping, oil and gas, construction, heavy equipment repair, and disaster recovery operations. Its ability to integrate with both human operators and future autonomous robotic platforms allows for flexible deployment in locations where skilled machinists are unavailable or where traditional manufacturing facilities are inaccessible.

SOC26BZ01-DV001 TITLE: Compact UUV Borne LiDAR System

Award Maximum: $1,000,000 | Period of Performance: Not to exceed 12 months | Phase Type: Direct to Phase II

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to develop applied research towards a low cost and compact Laser interferometric Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) system for rapid clearance of undersea terrain and checkout by divers and vessel operators. To this end, this effort is developing a compact, low-cost LiDAR package for available Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) systems that can be utilized for offboard collection and inspection of the entire water column, particularly in ports, harbors and confined waterspaces.

DESCRIPTION: As a part of this feasibility study, the proposers shall address all viable overall system design options with respective specifications is needed to both understand the safe operation, maintenance and general use of LiDAR based payloads for man portable UUV systems from Fast Attack Craft (FAC). Further, standardized collection methods and accessible UUV frame integration is needed. This effort seeks to secure designs and rapidly procurable, safe to operate and relatively low cost & compact systems to this end, particularly for shallow water and littoral operational depths (nominally optimal for surf zone to VSW depths, but functional to 200m).

PHASE I (FEASIBILITY STUDY): As a requirement of this Direct to Phase II (DPII) proposers must include a feasibility study that assess what is in the art of the possible that satisfies the requirements specified in the above paragraphs entitled "Objective" and "Description." The objective is to document the results of a thorough feasibility study ("Technology Readiness Level 3") to investigate what is in the art of the possible within the given trade space that will satisfy a needed technology. The feasibility study should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified in this write up. It should also address the risks and potential payoffs of the innovative technology options that are investigated and recommend the option that best achieves the objective of this technology pursuit.

PHASE II: Development of a low cost, man portable (ideally 5" maximum Outer Diameter (OD)) 360-degree scanning LiDAR Systems that can integrate available sonar data into the overall image generation are preferred. The entire kit should be capable of being integrated onto modular UUV frames with open architecture design elements, be fully self-contained and capable of being submitted for laser safety reviews during the execution of the planned effort. The developed prototype will be installed, and demonstrate the most feasible solution for diver borne or UUV borne LiDAR scanning. Emphasis on fused solutions that incorporate additional sensing, such as side scan sonar (SSS) will be given. This effort will generate two (2) end user prototype systems for modular use in unmanned and diver (e.g. diver propulsion vehicle) applications for survey beneath the waterline. Systems utilized under test and demonstration will not be counted towards the deliverable of two (2) end user evaluation systems.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This system could be used in a broad range of military applications where undersea survey is required, to include environmental monitoring, salvage and with the oil and natural gas business.

ARM26BX02-NV005 — Multifrequency Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Antenna Solution

Award Maximum: $300,000 Period of Performance: 1-6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: Develop a multiple Radio Frequency (RF), aka "Multifrequency," configurable patch antenna that can be utilized in cannon and missile-based Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) to support Multi Global Navigation Satellite Systems (M-GNSS) Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) signals and PNT Signals of Opportunity (SoOp), with minimal impact to received signal power.

DESCRIPTION: The modern battlefield includes Electronic Warfare (EW) targeting a variety of RF signals, making single-frequency systems vulnerable to brute-force jamming. PGMs require frequency diversity in small, gun hardened, PGM Form Factor (FF) patch antennas to support a variety of M-GNSS and SoOp PNT signals and ensure successful operations in a contested EW environment. To maximize the capabilities of PNT systems, the Multi-frequency antenna should be tunable (or configurable) such that desired frequency bands can be determined at the time of mission execution.

As an objective requirement, support continuous frequencies from UHF to X-band.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit up to $300,000 and a 1-6-month period of performance.

In Phase 1, modeling and simulation (M&S) should be used to show expected performance of a candidate multifrequency antenna design. Analysis should be performed to show the capabilities and limitations that are inherent in such a design. Analysis should also show related design trade-offs. For example, analysis might show that more frequency bands that can used effectively by limiting peak antenna gain, or that increasing the frequency selectivity of the antenna affects gain or phase linearity.

At the end of Phase I, firms will provide the results of their analyses and M&S, showing anticipated performance of their prototype design, overall mechanical/physical dimensions, a ROM unit cost for the candidate design, and a risk assessment for a potential Phase II effort.

PHASE II: In Phase 2, prototype antennas should be fabricated and tested to confirm the accuracy of Phase 1 M&S results. Testing should show the ability of the antenna to operate effectively in multiple bands based on its configured settings. Testing should include, at a minimum, full pattern & gain, Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR), and gain/phase linearity vs frequency. Three (3) prototype antennas will be delivered to the sponsor for testing under extreme environmental conditions.

At the end of Phase 2, firms will provide documented test results, updates to M&S conducted during Phase 1, an updated ROM cost estimate, and a risk assessment for production of their design.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

• Law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency management personnel could use this technology to ensure that they are able to maintain situational awareness of their location when responding to emergencies, particularly when there are disruptions to civil infrastructure or when located in remote areas.

• Civil aircraft and maritime could use this technology to ensure continuous availability of their location as they move through areas of limited satellite coverage.

ARM26BX02-NV004 — Scalable Agile Manufacturing of Launched Effects

Award Maximum: $300,000 Period of Performance: 1-6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is to demonstrate mass production of launched effect airframes at high rates (objective: 10,000 / month) and low cost (objective: $2,000) while also quickly accommodating design changes.

DESCRIPTION: Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) are expected to play an increasingly significant role on the future battlefield. Launched Effects (LEs) are UAS launched from a tube either from air or ground platforms and can perform a variety of missions. The attritable or optionally recoverable nature and desire for "swarming" of LEs means the Army will need large numbers of them produced at high rates and for low cost, and a rapidly changing battlefield will require an agile manufacturing process.

Current airframe manufacturing approaches that use high-performance carbon fiber composite material are challenged by high material costs, long lead times on tooling, labor-intensive fabrication techniques, scaling challenges.

This topic seeks to develop and demonstrate mass-manufacturing approaches for LE airframes that retain high structural efficiency and sufficient capability to operate in demanding environments. The total cost of the assembled airframe (which includes skins, stiffening elements, frames, control surfaces, bulkheads, clips, brackets, and other structural features but does not other non-structural systems) is desired to be $2,000, and the desired maximum production rate is 10,000 vehicles per month. Additionally, the manufacturing process should be modular and adaptable such that it is able to adjust to a minor design change rapidly in a matter of hours or days.

Proposals should provide an overview of the entire manufacturing approach with enough detail to substantiate that the proposer has considered all pertinent aspects of the design, such as critical interfaces, space, weight and power allocations, assembly constraints, and manufacturing limitations. Considerations are expected to include balancing fabrication of components with assembly into a full airframe and may include automated techniques. LE designs should be structurally representative, and the effort should present a baseline vehicle performance to be compared to the final design performance.

PHASE I: This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit up to $300,000 and a 1-6-month period of performance.

The outcome of Phase 1 is expected to be a representative LE design and feasibility study that details how the proposed manufacturing approach achieves the desired rate, cost target, and design modularity and ability to adapt to design changes. The manufacturing approach should include fabrication and assembly processes that are already matured or sufficiently mature such that negligible development is needed during Phase 2; fabrication and assembly processes requiring significant development before they could be implemented are not desired. Documentation from prior efforts that supports the analyses used in the feasibility study is encouraged. Small-scale feasibility demonstrations may also be conducted.

PHASE II: In Phase 2, firms are expected to refine their design and manufacturing approach and conduct a manufacturing demonstration that substantiates the ability to make at least 80 articles in one week and incorporates one design change in the process. The final report shall include a detailed technical data package that documents the manufacturing processes with sufficient detail to justify the cost, manufacturing rate of 10,000 per month, and design adaptation targets.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

• The LEs manufactured using this technology can have non-military uses, such as surveillance and communication during emergency response, guarding secure installations, and border protection.

• The manufacturing capability can be used to mass-produce UAS for many commercial applications, such as package delivery, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and mapping.

DLA AI-Driven Manufacturing Capacity Visibility System

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to develop and prototype a secure, AI-driven system that provides DLA with real-time visibility into untapped manufacturing capabilities and capacities from tertiary sources like educational and research institutions. The final system should be able to map these resources to specific defense-related manufacturing demands and facilitate their rapid and secure engagement.

DESCRIPTION: DLA needs to quickly find and use extra manufacturing capacity from places like universities and research labs, especially during national emergencies or when demand for military parts suddenly increases. Currently, there is no easy way to know what machines, skills, or production time are available at these facilities, or to securely and quickly bring them into the defense supply chain. This project aims to create a centralized, secure data system that provides real-time visibility into this untapped manufacturing power, allowing DLA to rapidly match available resources to critical defense needs, reducing risk and increasing the agility of the U.S. industrial base.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 6 months and a cost of $100,000.

Phase I: Proof of Concept

The goal of Phase I is to conduct a feasibility study that proves the core concepts of the proposed system are viable. This must be accomplished within 12 months for a cost not to exceed $100,000.

Phase I Deliverables:

A detailed report identifying and documenting available tertiary manufacturing capabilities from a representative sample of educational and research institutions.

A document defining the proposed secure protocols for real-time data exchange and a report on their feasibility.

A template legal framework, including a sample Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), designed to facilitate data sharing between institutions and the DoW.

A preliminary, proof-of-concept demand-mapping system that demonstrates the ability to correlate available capabilities with defense manufacturing needs.

A comprehensive Phase II development plan detailing the technical milestones, performance goals, and resource requirements for building the full prototype.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and a cost of $1,000,000.

Phase II: Prototype Development

The objective of Phase II is to develop, test, and demonstrate a functional prototype of the system in a relevant environment.

Phase II Deliverables:

A functional prototype of the manufacturing capacity database and mapping system, developed and demonstrated within the DLA J68 ARTET environment.

A final report detailing the results from real-world scenario testing with academic and institutional partners, validating the system's functionality, security, and efficiency.

Test data demonstrating that the prototype can successfully receive continuous data updates, map capacity to demand, and operate under the developed security protocols.

A validated and refined set of data management and advanced cybersecurity protocols that meet DoW compliance standards.

A detailed Phase III commercialization and transition plan outlining the strategy for full-scale implementation within DLA and potential expansion to other government and commercial markets.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A successful project has a direct path to a follow-on Phase III award with the DLA to transition the technology into a fully operational system.

Beyond its immediate use within DLA, this system is a foundational technology for a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network. It would provide the necessary infrastructure for identifying, vetting, and mobilizing civilian industrial capabilities in response to national emergencies or defense surge requirements.

Furthermore, the developed system has significant commercial potential outside of government applications. It could be adapted to enhance manufacturing resource management and supply chain security in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, which face similar challenges in managing distributed manufacturing capacities and require greater supply chain resilience.

DAF26BX02-NV504 — Project Able Baker: Maritime Re-purposing of Offshore Infrastructure for Resilient Launch-Vehicle Recovery

Award Maximum: $150,000 Period of Performance: 3 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate the feasibility of a Sea-Based Recovery Station (SBRS) prototype capable of repurposing decommissioned offshore oil platforms into resilient landing pads for reusable launch-vehicle boosters. The solution should include structural modification approaches and analytical models capable of supporting the impact-load requirements of heavy-lift launch stages (current and next-generation heavy-lift launch stages). The resulting capability should enable scalable maritime recovery operations that support the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) objectives for Space Access and cost-effective launch sustainment.

DESCRIPTION: This project seeks to enhance launch cadence and operational flexibility by exploring innovative maritime recovery options. Simultaneously, hundreds of offshore oil and gas platforms in federally controlled waters are reaching the end of their operational lifecycle. Traditional decommissioning and full-removal processes are capital-intensive, costing upwards of $1.6 billion per platform, and often cause significant disruption to established marine ecosystems.

Project Able Baker seeks to address these challenges by developing a Sea-Based Recovery Station (SBRS) framework—a modular, resilient, and environmentally conscious solution that repurposes existing offshore infrastructure into landing pads for heavy-lift launch vehicles. This approach aims to provide the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and its commercial partners with a distributed network of recovery sites that enhance launch cadence, reduce sonic-boom exposure, and leverage existing maritime infrastructure to lower operational costs. The solution should be capable of:

• Structural Engineering & Load Management: Designing reinforcement protocols to accommodate the specific plume, vibration, and high-intensity point-load dynamics of modern heavy-lift stages (e.g., Falcon 9, Vulcan, and New Glenn class).

• Maritime Infrastructure Integration: Utilizing existing topside platforms for station-keeping, power, and logistics support to minimize the need for new construction.

• Environmental & Ecosystem Preservation: Aligning with "Rigs-to-Reefs" precedents to ensure that the repurposing process preserves established artificial reef habitats; integrating continuous monitoring systems (e.g., pH, turbidity, and high-fidelity imaging) to ensure ecological health.

• Advanced Safety & Operational Control: Implementing passive/active flame deflection, remote fire suppression systems, and precision navigation aids for autonomous landing guidance.

• Rapid Turnaround Logistics: Establishing a framework for rapid deck-turnaround logistics, utilizing integrated barge or Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) systems to move boosters from the landing pad to transit vessels.

• Regulatory & Strategic Alignment: Navigating the regulatory landscape for federal-waters operations to streamline permitting and avoid the catastrophic decommissioning costs associated with full platform removal.

This topic seeks a robust framework that delivers structural resilience, cost-avoidance, and environmental stewardship. By repurposing legacy offshore assets, Project Able Baker will directly support the USSF's objective for Space Access while providing a scalable, sustainable model for future maritime launch recovery.

PHASE I: Establish the technical and economic feasibility of the Sea-Based Recovery Station (SBRS) framework, a solution for repurposing decommissioned offshore oil platforms into landing pads for reusable launch vehicles. This Phase I effort focuses on structural load analysis, environmental impact assessment, and the development of a regulatory roadmap for operations in federal waters. Key activities may include:

• Site Selection & Structural Modeling: Identify a minimum of three candidate offshore platforms and perform Finite Element Method (FEM) load modeling to evaluate their capacity to withstand the plume, vibration, and impact dynamics of heavy-lift launch vehicles.

• Environmental & Ecosystem Analysis: Conduct a baseline survey of target offshore sites to document existing reef ecosystems; develop strategies to align platform repurposing with "Rigs-to-Reefs" precedents to preserve marine habitats.

• Operational Risk & Safety Modeling: Analyze range-safety constraints, including acoustic impact and sonic-boom footprints, to determine site viability relative to maritime traffic and coastal populations.

• Economic Feasibility Study: Perform a life-cycle cost comparison between SBRS conversion and traditional platform removal/disposal methods to quantify cost-avoidance benefits for the DAF and commercial launch partners.

• Regulatory Pathway Formulation: Engage with key oversight authorities, including the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to map the permitting requirements and develop draft memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for federal-waters operations.

Deliverables may include:

• Feasibility & Trade Study: A comprehensive report ranking candidate platforms based on structural capacity, logistical accessibility, and cost-avoidance potential.

• Environmental Baseline Report: Geographic Information System (GIS)-layered survey data documenting ecosystem health and proposed strategies for habitat preservation.

• Range Safety & Acoustic Assessment: Integrated Keyhole Markup Language (KML) overlays detailing sonic-boom footprints and zone-specific range-safety models.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: A data-driven update on lifecycle expenditures contrasting SBRS conversion against legacy removal/drone-ship alternatives.

• Regulatory Roadmap: A detailed strategy document including draft MOUs, Request for Modification (RFM) templates, and a timeline for necessary federal permitting.

PHASE II: Advance Project Able Baker from a Phase I feasibility study to the development and physical validation of a Sea-Based Recovery Station (SBRS) prototype. This phase will focus on engineering the structural modifications required for platform repurposing and conducting representative testing to confirm the platform's resilience against the mechanical and acoustic loads of heavy-lift launch vehicles. Key activities may include:

• Engineering Design & Certification: Develop a Class III SBRS design package, including detailed structural modifications, and initiate the formal certification path with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

• Modular Infrastructure Prototyping: Fabricate and install a modular reinforcement kit on a representative deck section of an offshore structure to validate construction techniques and material resilience.

• Physical Validation Testing: Execute controlled testing—such as inert-mass drops (10–25 tons) or static-fire simulations—to capture high-fidelity strain, vibro-acoustic, and plume-interaction data.

• Environmental Mitigation & Monitoring: Refine the reef-impact delta assessment, implementing concrete mitigation strategies and integrating continuous sensing hardware (e.g., pH and turbidity sensors) to monitor ecological health in real-time.

• Digital Twin Advancement: Update the system's digital twin model to incorporate physical test data, ensuring it accurately simulates impacts from boosters with a gross lift-off mass of up to 300 tons.

Deliverables may include:

• Class III SBRS Design Package: Comprehensive blueprints and structural specifications validated for maritime offshore deployment.

• Prototype Test Report: Detailed analysis of vibro-acoustic, strain, and plume-interaction data captured during inert-mass or static-fire testing.

• Certification Strategy Document: An executed plan outlining the steps for final ABS/application programming interface (API) compliance.

• Environmental Impact & Mitigation Report: A finalized plan for maintaining local marine ecosystems, including hardware specifications for continuous reef-health monitoring.

• Updated Digital Twin & Simulation Suite: A high-fidelity model capable of predicting structural stress under various heavy-lift launch vehicle recovery scenarios.

• Operational Transition Plan: A roadmap for moving from prototype testing to a full-scale offshore landing pad facility, aligned with DAF and commercial launch requirements.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Project Able Baker will transition into an operational maritime infrastructure network, providing a distributed, scalable capability for the recovery of heavy-lift launch vehicles. By repurposing legacy offshore assets, the system provides a strategic alternative to traditional coastal launch-landing operations, significantly increasing launch cadence while reducing acoustic and debris risks. Potential military applications include:

• Space Access: Provides a resilient, secondary network of recovery pads that function independently of contested or congested coastal infrastructure, ensuring persistent capability for USSF and Joint launch missions.

• Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS): Enables rapid recovery and turn-around of launch hardware in deep-sea or high-latitude environments, critical for responsive space access.

• Logistics & Strategic Basing: Offers a novel framework for maritime logistics, repurposing platform topsides for autonomous refueling, staging, and booster processing support.

The repurposed SBRS infrastructure offers a high-value, dual-use utility for the global maritime and aerospace sectors. Potential commercial applications include:

• Commercial Launch Recovery: Provides launch providers with a scalable, modular solution for stage recovery, reducing dependence on expensive, custom-built drone ships and facilitating higher launch frequencies.

• Infrastructure Decommissioning & Environmental Stewardship: Offers a repeatable, low-cost "Rigs-to-Reefs" model for offshore energy decommissioning firms, transforming a massive liability (removal cost) into a high-utility asset.

• Environmental & Oceanographic Research: Serves as a platform for environmental agencies and research institutions to deploy permanent ecological monitoring stations, leveraging the SBRS power and data connectivity for long-term reef and marine health studies.

Project Able Baker will be transitioned through coordination with Space Systems Command (SSC), the Space Access Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) office, and relevant maritime regulatory bodies. In parallel, commercial licensing and facility-sharing opportunities will be explored with aerospace launch providers, offshore energy firms, and environmental stakeholders interested in sustainable maritime infrastructure.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at Phase III Entry: TRL 8–9, following successful validation of structural reinforcement protocols, certification by maritime authorities, and demonstration of multiple-cycle booster recovery operations.

DAF26BX02-NV503 — Project Celestial: Multi-Domain Site Selection Framework for Terrestrial and Maritime Spaceport Infrastructure

Award Maximum: $150,000 Period of Performance: 3 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate the feasibility of an integrated survey platform and decision-support framework—Project Celestial—to identify, evaluate, and rank optimal global locations for future terrestrial and maritime spaceports. The framework should model and evaluate multi-variable site-selection criteria—including geospatial, political, environmental, security, and logistical factors—to enable objective, data-driven analysis of candidate launch locations. The resulting capability should support strategic military and dual-use infrastructure planning for future terrestrial and maritime spaceport operations.

DESCRIPTION: This project seeks to broaden global launch opportunities and enhance operational flexibility for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and its allies. Current site-selection processes are often siloed, manual, and lack the multi-domain granularity required to assess the complex interplay between geographic, political, and logistical variables at operational planning scale. To ensure persistent access to space and support expeditionary launch capabilities, there is a critical need for a centralized, data-driven decision-support framework.

To address this gap, the DAF seeks the development of Project Celestial: an integrated survey platform and decision-support framework capable of identifying, evaluating, and ranking global sites for terrestrial and maritime spaceport operations. The system must synthesize multiple data streams to provide commanders and planners with high-confidence assessments for both military and dual-use infrastructure development. The solution should be capable of:

• Comprehensive Data Synthesis: Integrating multi-domain data, including:

• Geographic & Logistical: Latitude, proximity to the equator, downrange hazard modeling, range safety, and existing site infrastructure (port access, fuel, power, and road/rail connectivity).

• Political & Legal: Host nation stability, international treaty constraints, regulatory compliance, and overflight rights.

• Maritime Specifics: Analysis of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), sea state variance, and proximity to major commercial shipping lanes.

• Environmental & Societal: Population density, ecological protection zones, and indigenous land rights impact.

• Security & Threat Modeling: Assessing site resilience in contested environments, the ability to secure critical launch technology, and evaluating dual-use risk profiles.

• Collaboration Analytics: Identifying opportunities for allied and commercial partnerships based on local aerospace presence, commercial provider accessibility, and international agreement frameworks.

• Dynamic Decision Support: Providing a customizable interface that allows users to weigh different criteria based on mission-specific requirements (e.g., prioritizing "rapid response" versus "long-term sustainment").

• Scalability: Maintaining accuracy and reliability when transitioning from localized survey datasets to global, theater-level analyses.

This topic seeks a robust decision-support framework that enables objective, data-driven site analysis. By standardizing the evaluation process, Project Celestial will directly support the DAF's objective to expand space access and enhance the resilience of the nation's launch infrastructure through informed, strategic site selection.

PHASE I: Establish the technical feasibility of Project Celestial, a comprehensive, multi-domain survey platform and decision-support framework for identifying and ranking global spaceport locations. This Phase I effort focuses on designing the foundational system architecture, codifying site-selection logic across disparate data sets, and demonstrating the platform's capacity to support strategic infrastructure planning. Key activities may include:

• Methodology Development: Formulate the core geospatial and analytical methodology for evaluating terrestrial and maritime spaceport suitability, defining the weighting logic for diverse variables such as assessing sites based on a range of operational, logistical, and environmental factors.

• Architecture & Data Integration: Design the framework's technical architecture, focusing on the ingestion and synthesis of diverse data streams (e.g., maritime EEZ data, environmental constraints, and infrastructure readiness).

• Stakeholder Engagement: Conduct collaborative sessions with key organizations—including USSF Space Systems Command (SSC) S4, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), and the USSF Space Access Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) office—to ensure alignment with mission-critical requirements.

• Prototype Mockup Design: Develop interface mockups or dashboard logic to demonstrate how users will interact with the data and influence site-ranking outputs.

• Feasibility & Concept Validation: Document an initial Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for the platform, detailing how it will be utilized for global site analysis and demonstrating the capability to integrate commercial, allied, and open-source datasets relevant to site selection.

Deliverables may include:

• Feasibility Study: A technical report detailing the proposed geospatial methodology and the framework's ability to handle multi-domain data ingestion.

• System Design Document: Architectural specifications outlining the data-handling processes, security protocols, and decision-support logic.

• Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Document: A detailed plan outlining the role of Project Celestial within military and dual-use planning workflows.

• Interface Mockups & Initial Dashboard Designs: Visual demonstrations of the system's decision-support capabilities and output visualizations.

• Stakeholder Alignment Report: Summary of findings and requirements derived from engagement with USSF, DIU, SSC, and Space Access stakeholders, including early feedback from potential commercial or allied partners.

PHASE II: Advance Project Celestial from a Phase I conceptual framework to a fully operational, high-fidelity survey and decision-support platform for global spaceport site selection. This phase will deliver a functional software prototype capable of multi-domain site analysis, providing commanders and planners with actionable intelligence for both military and dual-use space infrastructure development. Key activities may include:

• Develop and Deploy Functional Prototype: Build a working version of the Celestial platform, incorporating a map-based interface that supports dynamic, layered data visualization (e.g., infrastructure, political risk, weather, and orbital geometry).

• Implement Scoring & Ranking Engine: Develop and integrate the core analytical engine to produce automated site suitability scores, enabling users to generate and compare "scorecards" for both terrestrial and maritime locations.

• Enable Scenario Planning: Expand system functionality to support region-specific modeling, allowing users to run military, humanitarian, and commercial launch scenarios to evaluate suitability against specific operational constraints.

• Integrate with Mission Systems: Enable export of platform recommendations into planning environments, including the Spaceport of the Future's Common Operating Picture (SPOF COP).

• Conduct Prototype Validation & Testing: Validate platform efficacy through rigorous testing across varied geographical regions, ensuring the tool's output remains accurate under diverse regulatory, environmental, and security conditions.

• Align with U.S. Department of War (DoW) Infrastructure Planning: Ensure seamless interoperability with SSC, USSF Field Command, and Space Launch Delta priorities, facilitating a clear transition path for operational adoption.

Deliverables may include:

• Functioning Software Prototype: A fully interactive, user interface (UI)-driven decision-support platform ready for operational evaluation.

• Candidate Site Library: A baseline repository of ranked terrestrial and maritime spaceport candidates, scored based on the validated multi-variable methodology.

• Regional Case Studies: Validate top-tier candidates using advanced modeling and simulation.

• Integration Roadmap: Detailed plan for ingesting classified data overlays and ensuring interoperability with DAF command-and-control systems.

• Operational Transition Plan: A roadmap for formal transition to SSC and other USSF stakeholders, including pathways to reach TRL 6-7 by completion of this phase.

• Updated CONOPS: Refined Concept of Operations reflecting lessons learned from the prototype deployment and integration exercises.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Project Celestial will transition from a high-fidelity prototype into an operational, enterprise-grade decision-support platform for use across the USSF, DAF, and broader Joint and commercial logistics communities. Potential military applications include:

• Strategic Basing Analysis: Enables planners to identify optimal locations for contested logistics and rapid launch operations, supporting resilient access in diverse theaters, including the Indo-Pacific and polar regions.

• Campaign & Contingency Planning: Supports mission rehearsal and infrastructure development for initiatives such as Rocket Cargo, Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS), and integrated logistics node planning within the Space Joint Movement Complex (SJMC).

• Enterprise Infrastructure Synchronization: Enables seamless integration with DoW command-and-control ecosystems, providing objective site assessments that inform long-term MILCON (Military Construction) and expeditionary base investment.

The platform's analytical engine and data-synthesis capabilities provide significant dual-use value for the expanding global space economy. Potential commercial applications include:

• Commercial Launch & Vertical Integration: Assists launch providers in identifying strategic sites that optimize orbital geometry, regulatory compliance, and local industrial support.

• Maritime Launch & Risk Management: Provides maritime launch firms with specialized data sets for assessing navigational safety, sea-state variance, and international legal risk.

• Allied & Institutional Infrastructure Planning: Offers a collaborative environment for allied nations and investment firms to evaluate joint-use launch infrastructure and identify high-potential aerospace development zones.

Project Celestial will be transitioned into the DAF enterprise through coordination with Space Systems Command (SSC), the Space Access Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) office, and relevant defense infrastructure directorates. Parallel commercialization efforts will focus on licensing the platform to spaceport operators, logistics tech developers, and international partners requiring robust, multi-variable decision support.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at Phase III Entry: TRL 8–9, following successful validation in operational planning environments and integration with DAF infrastructure and command-and-control platforms.

DAF26BX02-NV502 — Project Authentication on the Move (ATOM): Context-Aware Authentication Framework for Austere Environments

Award Maximum: $150,000 Period of Performance: 3 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate the feasibility of a dynamic, portable, and context-aware authentication framework prototype for secure identity and mission-authorization in austere, disconnected, or high-mobility environments. This Phase I effort will focus on defining the framework architecture, modeling identity-validation requirements for tactical environments, and demonstrating operational independent static infrastructure. This solution should provide a foundation for robust, cross-domain access control—adaptable to Air, Land, Sea, or Space transportation—aligned with the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) Zero Trust and expeditionary security strategies.

DESCRIPTION: Modern DAF operations are increasingly defined by mobility, expeditionary reach, and the necessity to operate in contested or infrastructure-sparse environments. Traditional authentication methods—such as Common Access Card (CAC) and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)—were designed for stationary personnel within predictable, fixed-network environments. In multi-domain and joint logistics corridors, these legacy dependencies create operational friction, introduce significant access delays, and present systemic cyber vulnerabilities when connectivity to centralized identity providers is degraded or unavailable.

To address this critical gap, the DAF seeks the development of Project ATOM (Authentication on the Move): a secure, context-aware, and portable authentication framework capable of validating identity and mission-relevant authorization at the tactical edge. This solution must function independently of static, cloud-based infrastructure, enabling continuous, Zero Trust access control that moves with the warfighter or autonomous asset. The solution may demonstrate capabilities such as:

• Context-Aware Authentication: Utilizing multi-modal inputs—such as biometric, behavioral, and situational environmental data—to verify identity and authorization levels dynamically

• Disconnected Operation: Maintaining robust authentication and access control protocols in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments without reliance on persistent backhaul to a central identity server

• Cross-Domain Portability: Ensuring seamless identity and access validation across diverse transportation domains, including Air, Land, Sea, and Space

• Zero Trust Integration: Implementing granular, policy-based access control that adapts to real-time changes in the mission environment and potential adversarial activity

• Resilient Infrastructure: Withstanding harsh expeditionary conditions, including electromagnetic interference (EMI) and limited hardware resources, while maintaining low-latency performance

• Scalable Interoperability: Integrating with existing Department of War (DoW) identity standards and mission-critical applications to minimize friction while maximizing security posture

This topic seeks technologies capable of enabling decentralized identity validation that support modernization efforts outlined in the DAF Zero Trust Strategy and the broader objective of resilient, multi-domain operations.

PHASE I: Establish the technical feasibility of Project ATOM, a secure, context-aware, and portable authentication framework for multi-domain tactical operations. This Phase I effort focuses on designing the decentralized identity architecture, modeling access-control logic for high-mobility environments and demonstrating core functionality in a controlled testbed. Key activities may include:

• Domain-Specific Requirements Analysis: Define a specific operational use case (Air, Land, Sea, or Space) to serve as the baseline for system design, including identity requirements for personnel or autonomous assets.

• Architecture Development: Design the framework's technical architecture, focusing on secure identity containment, distributed trust logic, and local authorization protocols that function without persistent reach-back to central servers.

• Feasibility Modeling: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the system's ability to maintain security posture in DDIL environments, identifying key technical bottlenecks.

• Prototype Preparation: Develop an implementation plan to demonstrate a prototype in a controlled testbed to validate context-aware authentication against simulated mission events, such as network loss or unauthorized access attempts.

• Integration Planning: Evaluate compatibility with existing DAF Zero Trust architectures and mobile edge-computing standards to ensure a clear pathway toward operational integration in Phase II.

Deliverables may include:

• Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Document: Detailed plan outlining the selected domain, operational scenarios, and the role of Project ATOM within existing mission workflows.

• System Architecture & Design Document: Technical specifications for identity validation, trust logic, and local access-control mechanisms.

• Feasibility Assessment: Technical report detailing performance in simulated disconnected or high-mobility scenarios, including latency and security threshold findings.

• Phase II Transition Plan: A roadmap for scaling a prototype into a hardened solution, including integration strategy with DoW Zero Trust initiatives and mobile edge hardware.

PHASE II: Advance Project ATOM from a Phase I feasibility study to a high-fidelity, field-validated authentication and identity framework for multi-domain tactical operations. This phase will deliver a robust, portable, and context-aware solution capable of maintaining Zero Trust security standards in DDIL environments, ensuring secure interoperability between human operators and autonomous mission systems. Key activities may include:

• Develop and Refine Prototype: Build a hardened, field-ready iteration of the ATOM authentication framework, incorporating secure identity containers and cross-domain portability protocols.

• Optimize for Operational Edge: Implement secure communication channels between authenticated human and machine agents, ensuring low-latency authentication and mission-authorization in high-mobility environments (e.g., transport, dismounted maneuvers, or orbital shifts).

• Demonstrate System Integration: Execute integration of the ATOM framework with mission-critical systems, including autonomous transport platforms, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) nodes, and logistics command platforms.

• Validation in High-Mobility Environments: Conduct rigorous testing and validation exercises to confirm system performance, focusing on resilience against signal disruption, hardware constraints, and adversarial interference during transport, dismounted movement, or orbital shift.

• Quantify Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs), specifically focusing on authentication confidence, system latency, resilience, and automated failure-handling protocols.

• Align with DAF Zero Trust Strategy: Ensure full compliance with DAF cybersecurity requirements, facilitating seamless interoperability with legacy and next-generation expeditionary security architectures.

Deliverables may include:

• Fully Functional ATOM Framework: A portable, hardware-agnostic authentication prototype ready for tactical deployment and integration.

• Integration Interface Modules: Middleware or Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) enabling secure communication between ATOM and existing mission-platform logistics or ISR systems.

• Prototype Validation Report: Detailed analysis of system performance, including stress-test results in DDIL conditions and data on authentication latency and resilience.

• Performance Metrics Dashboard: A quantitative summary of identity validation efficacy, system reliability, and failure-handling success rates during operational simulation.

• Operational Deployment Roadmap: A comprehensive plan for transitioning the framework into DAF operational use, including security accreditation pathways and hardware-compatibility specifications.

• Updated CONOPS: Refined Concept of Operations detailing the framework's use across varied Air, Land, Sea, and Space operational domains.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Project ATOM may transition from a high-fidelity prototype into an operational, enterprise-grade authentication and identity framework for use across Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) environments, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) logistics corridors, and beyond. Key military applications include:

• Joint All-Domain Integration: Integration with JADC2 and Contested Logistics frameworks, providing a unified, Zero Trust identity layer that secures communication across geographically dispersed air, land, sea, and space assets.

• Logistics & Transportation Modernization: Supports USTRANSCOM and the Defense Transportation System by enabling secure, automated identity verification for global supply chain movements, even in infrastructure-sparse or denied environments.

• Expeditionary Basing & Autonomy: Enhances security for expeditionary operations by providing resilient, machine-to-machine (M2M) authentication for autonomous transport fleets and sensor nodes, reducing reliance on persistent central network connectivity.

The decentralized, context-aware architecture developed for Project ATOM has significant dual-use potential for high-mobility, mission-critical sectors. Potential commercial applications include:

• Commercial Logistics & Supply Chain: Provides secure, "always-on" identity verification for automated intermodal transport, long-haul trucking, and maritime logistics, particularly where network connectivity is intermittent.

• Space Mobility & Infrastructure: Offers critical authentication standards for commercial space operators, satellite servicing, and ground-station providers requiring secure, decentralized access control in orbit and at the edge.

• Emergency Response & Critical Infrastructure: Serves first responders and disaster-relief organizations operating in austere environments, ensuring reliable, secure access to vital data and command platforms when standard commercial networks are unavailable.

Project ATOM may transition into the DAF and broader DoW enterprise through collaboration with Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) and cybersecurity acquisition authorities. Concurrently, the technology may be further matured for commercial licensing, targeting logistics tech integrators, space mobility providers, and industrial automation firms seeking to implement robust Zero Trust architectures in edge-computing environments.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at Phase III Entry: Following Phase II, the capability is expected to reach approximately TRL 6–7. Phase III activities may mature the technology toward TRL 8–9 through operational integration, certification, and field deployment.

DAF26BX02-NV501 — Resilient Voice-Enabled Artificial Intelligence Assistant for Autonomous Logistics Command and Control in Contested Environments

Award Maximum: $150,000 Period of Performance: 3 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Phase I effort is to design and demonstrate the feasibility of a secure, edge-deployable, voice-enabled Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistant capable of providing a hands-free Command and Control (C2) of autonomous logistics systems. This Phase I effort will focus on validating natural-language interaction technologies, such as resilient speech-to-text and intent-recognition models optimized for high-noise expeditionary and spaceport environments, and the capability of operating in intermittent or disconnected conditions. The resulting prototype will establish the architecture for integrating voice-based Command and Control into Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) control interfaces, to improve operational efficiency and human-machine teaming in contested environments.

DESCRIPTION: Logistics operations in contested, expeditionary, and spaceport environments present significant challenges for the management of autonomous systems. C2 interfaces rely heavily on graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and persistent network connectivity, both of which are vulnerabilities in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. These traditional interfaces often increase operator cognitive burden and limit situational awareness, particularly in high-noise conditions where manual input devices are impractical.

To address this gap, the U.S. Space Force (USSF) seeks the development of a secure, edge-deployable, voice-enabled AI assistant to provide hands-free C2 for autonomous logistics systems, specifically Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs). This capability will allow operators to maintain operational tempo by interacting with autonomous systems through intuitive, natural language-based interfaces that function independently of cloud-based processing. The solution should demonstrate capabilities such as:

• Resilient Voice Processing: Speech-to-text and intent-recognition models specifically optimized for high-noise expeditionary environments

• Edge-Native Operation: Ability to function in a disconnected or denied, degraded, or disrupted (D3) environment without reliance on persistent external or cloud connectivity

• System Interoperability: Compatibility with existing autonomous middleware and UGV control architectures

• Secure C2 Implementation: Providing a secure, authenticated voice-command interface that minimizes latency in critical decision-making loops

• Ruggedized Performance: Maintaining stability across hardware configurations typically found in forward-deployed or austere spaceport locations

• Human-Machine Teaming: Enabling personnel to operate robotic assets hands-free, thereby improving safety and throughput during rapid cargo movements

Proposed solutions should demonstrate the ability to interpret operator intent and execute C2 commands under operationally realistic conditions. This topic seeks technologies that bridge the gap between advanced autonomy and human-centric control, directly supporting the USSF mission objectives for agile and resilient logistics operations in contested environments.

PHASE I: Phase I will establish the technical feasibility of a secure, edge-deployable, voice-enabled AI assistant capable of supporting hands-free C2 of autonomous logistics systems. This effort will focus on defining system architecture, developing natural language processing (NLP) approaches suitable for high-noise environments, and demonstrating core functionality on representative edge computing hardware. Key activities may include:

• Workflow & Lexicon Definition: Analyze existing UGV logistics C2 workflows to develop a standardized voice-command lexicon, ensuring accurate interpretation of mission-specific terminology.

• Model Development: Design and train resilient speech-to-text (STT) and intent-recognition models optimized for high-noise expeditionary and spaceport acoustic environments.

• Edge Deployment Feasibility: Evaluate performance of the AI assistant on representative edge-computing hardware to validate latency, processing requirements, and performance under disconnected or D3 conditions.

• System Integration Analysis: Evaluate integration requirements for existing UGV autonomy middleware, identifying necessary Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and secure communication protocols for C2 execution.

• Initial Use Case Validation: Conduct simulated testing using synthetic data to demonstrate the system's ability to correctly interpret commands and trigger appropriate autonomous platform responses.

Deliverables may include:

• System Architecture & Design Document: Technical specifications for the edge-deployable AI assistant, including security/authentication frameworks.

• Voice-Command Lexicon: Validated list of mission-relevant commands and natural language intents specific to UGV logistics.

• Feasibility & Integration Report: Analysis of model performance, edge-compute constraints, and a roadmap for integrating the solution with current UGV control interfaces.

• Requirements Validation Summary: Stakeholder feedback and technical findings defining the path to a functioning prototype.

PHASE II: Phase II will advance the voice-enabled AI assistant from a Phase I feasibility prototype to a ruggedized, field-ready capability for hands-free C2 of autonomous logistics platforms. This effort will deliver an integrated system capable of operating on edge-computing hardware in high-noise, contested environments while demonstrating improved human-machine teaming during representative logistics missions. Key activities may include:

• Platform Hardening: Develop and test the voice-AI system on ruggedized edge-computing hardware representative of expeditionary logistics platforms, ensuring performance standards are met in simulated austere environments (e.g., extreme temperatures, vibration, and high ambient noise).

• System Integration: Integrate the voice-assistant directly with UGV autonomy middleware and operational C2 interfaces (e.g., Tactical Assault Kit (TAK), SpaceC2, and logistics dashboards), ensuring seamless data flow and command execution.

• Model Optimization: Refine NLP and intent-recognition models to achieve low-latency interaction (targeting approximately 1–2 seconds response time) ensuring responsive interaction during time-sensitive tactical logistics missions.

• Mission-Specific Training: Evolve the command lexicon to support complex, multi-step military logistics workflows, using mission-relevant synthetic and operational datasets.

• Testing Exercises: Conduct realistic field trials in representative logistics mission scenarios (e.g., cargo transport at a simulated spaceport or forward operating base) to validate system utility, reliability, and operator safety.

• Interoperability Testing: Demonstrate the system's ability to function across heterogeneous autonomous fleets, ensuring command compatibility and interoperable command outputs compatible with multiple UGV control architectures.

Deliverables may include:

• Integrated Prototype System: A fully functional, ruggedized voice-AI hardware/software suite ready for operational field testing.

• Performance Benchmarking Report: Analysis of system accuracy, latency, and reliability under varying environmental stressors and noise profiles.

• Integration Documentation: Technical manuals and API documentation detailing how the system interacts with TAK, Space C2, and various UGV platforms.

• Field Trial Report: Evaluation of operational utility, including operator feedback, mission-time improvements, and human-machine teaming metrics.

• Transition & Roadmap Plan: A comprehensive strategy for scaling the capability, including security compliance documentation and plans for integration into broader USSF sustainment and other logistics or robotics programs.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Following successful Phase II development, the voice-enabled AI assistant will transition into an operational capability for the USSF and broader Joint logistics communities. Phase III will focus on scaling the technology, integrating it with operational systems, and expanding its utility across diverse autonomous platforms. Potential operational applications include:

• Logistics C2: Provides warfighters with a secure, hands-free interface for managing UGVs and autonomous cargo systems in expeditionary and contested spaceport operations.

• Resilient Sustainment: Enables autonomous mission continuity in DDIL environments where traditional network-dependent interfaces fail.

• Human-Machine Teaming Integration: Directly supports USSF and Joint Force initiatives to reduce operator cognitive burden and increase throughput during rapid, high-tempo logistics movements.

Potential commercial applications include:

• Industrial Robotics & Logistics: Enhances safety and efficiency for personnel working around heavy autonomous machinery in warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing hubs.

• Remote & Austere Operations: Offers robust, cloud-independent command interfaces for mining, maritime, and oil/gas industries operating in remote locations with limited connectivity.

• First Responder & Emergency Services: Provides hands-free control for specialized equipment in chaotic or high-noise environments where manual interaction is not viable.

The technology will transition via integration into active Space Mobility and Sustainment platforms. Program offices (e.g., Space Systems Command) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) will facilitate the transition through funding vehicles such as the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI). Continued efforts will focus on achieving an Authority to Operate (ATO) on U.S. Department of War (DoW) networks, scaling the voice-command library to include cross-platform logistics workflows, and aligning with the "Spaceport of the Future" infrastructure modernization programs.

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at Phase III Entry: TRL 8-9, following successful field demonstrations and model validation in representative, high-noise operational environments.

DAF26BX02-NV500 — Scalable Wide-Field-of-View Electro-Optical Payloads for GEO Space Domain Awareness

Award Maximum: $150,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this Phase I effort is to conduct a feasibility study of a commercially derived, Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload concept to support persistent Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in the geostationary (GEO) belt. Existing SDA capabilities, such as the joint National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) – United States Space Force (USSF) SILENTBARKER mission, provide a reference point for current approaches to GEO object detection, custody, and indications and warning. This topic seeks to explore commercially derived WFOV EO payload concepts that could inform future enhancements to space-based SDA capabilities beyond the current state of the art.

DESCRIPTION: As adversary space capabilities continue to advance and challenge established patterns of behavior, the need to improve awareness of activities in the geostationary (GEO) belt has become increasingly critical. Current limitations in the ability to detect, characterize, and respond to unexpected maneuvers in GEO create risk of operational surprise. The space domain is becoming more congested and contested, driving demand for persistent, wide-area surveillance capabilities that can autonomously identify, track, and provide timely alerts on objects of interest. Existing space-based Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities, such as the joint NRO–USSF SILENTBARKER mission, provide a reference point for current approaches to GEO object detection, custody, and indications and warning. While these capabilities demonstrate important advances in SDA, evolving threats, mission complexity, and operational demands highlight the need to explore additional sensing concepts that could enhance persistence, responsiveness, and resilience beyond the current state of the art.

There is a recognized gap in the availability of scalable, wide-field-of-view sensing solutions capable of providing continuous, wide-area GEO surveillance. Current architectures rely on a limited number of sensors optimized for focused observation, which can constrain coverage, revisit rates, and responsiveness. Commercially derived Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payloads offer the potential to complement existing SDA approaches by enabling broader search volumes, higher revisit rates, and increased autonomy while leveraging commercial innovation to improve affordability and scalability. This topic seeks innovative WFOV EO payload concepts that can support autonomous GEO-belt search, dynamic tasking, and generation of actionable data suitable for integration with complementary SDA and reconnaissance systems. Solutions should consider the operational challenges of GEO surveillance, including solar exclusion constraints, thermal and radiation environments, platform integration considerations, and compatibility with existing command, control, and data-processing architectures.

The long-term vision of this topic is to inform future space-based SDA architectures by identifying viable, commercially derived WFOV EO payload approaches that could enhance persistent GEO surveillance, reduce decision timelines, and improve the ability to maintain custody of critical space objects in support of U.S. Space Force mission needs. References to existing SDA systems are provided for contextual understanding only and do not imply a commitment to transition or acquisition.

PHASE I: Phase I will establish the technical merit, feasibility, and operational relevance of a commercially derived, Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload concept for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) missions. The Phase I effort will focus on analytical, modeling, and conceptual activities intended to assess candidate payload architectures and mature operational concepts suitable for wide-area GEO surveillance. Phase I activities will include the following core elements:

1. Payload Architecture Trade Study

• Perform a trade-space analysis of viable optical and Focal Plane Assembly (FPA) architectures for WFOV EO payloads, with emphasis on designs compatible with ESPA-class Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. Trade studies should assess performance, manufacturability, cost, schedule risk, and suitability of commercially derived components, including consideration of free-form or off-axis optical designs.

2. Sensor Performance Modeling and Analysis

• Develop and validate a high-fidelity sensor performance model to evaluate detection capability against representative GEO backgrounds. Modeling should confirm the feasibility of detecting Resident Space Objects (RSOs) at a threshold of 14.5 visual magnitude, with a desired objective of achieving 16.0 visual magnitude, accounting for stray light, sensor noise, and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) margins.

3. Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Definition

• Define a preliminary Concept of Operations for WFOV EO GEO surveillance, including at a minimum:

1. Wide-Area Search: Autonomous scanning of approximately 40 degrees in right ascension by ±15 degrees in declination within 30 minutes or less.

2. Tasked Collection: Cued observation of specific RSOs to support tracking, characterization, and update of object custody.

• The CONOPS should address autonomy, data generation, and integration considerations relevant to SDA operations.

4. Integration and Environmental Considerations

• Conduct a preliminary analysis of mechanical, thermal, electrical, and data interfaces required for integration with an ESPA-class spacecraft bus. This analysis should include consideration of GEO thermal conditions, radiation environment impacts, and design approaches to support mission-relevant operational lifetimes.

The primary deliverable for Phase I is a comprehensive Feasibility Study Report documenting:

• Results of payload architecture trade studies

• Sensor performance modeling and analysis

• The preliminary CONOPS

• Key technical risks and mitigation strategies

• Integration considerations and constraints

• A clear, actionable roadmap for Phase II prototype development

Additional supporting materials may include performance simulation data, preliminary interface concepts, and summaries of stakeholder engagement or mission alignment discussions. Deliverables may include:

• Comprehensive Feasibility & Design Report: Detailed results of optical trades, sensor performance modeling, and radiation/thermal analysis.

• Digital CONOPS & Interface Roadmap: A refined operational framework and a preliminary Interface Control Document (ICD) for USSF bus integration.

• Performance Simulation Data: Validated SNR and detection probability datasets for the 14.5–16.0 magnitude range.

• Stakeholder Alignment Summary: Documentation of end-user feedback and validated mission requirements for the Phase II prototype.

PHASE II: Phase II will build upon the results of the Phase I feasibility study and focus on the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of a prototype Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload for geosynchronous orbit (GEO) Space Domain Awareness missions. The objective of Phase II is to develop and validate a flight-traceable Engineering Model (EM) payload that demonstrates key performance, environmental, and operational characteristics identified during Phase I. Phase II activities may include:

1. Prototype Fabrication and Assembly

• Fabricate optical components, procure commercially available electronics, and assemble a complete, flight-traceable EM payload based on the final architecture selected in Phase I. This includes integration of the optical system, Focal Plane Assembly (FPA), control electronics, and supporting subsystems into a single, integrated unit.

2. Firmware and Software Development

• Develop and integrate firmware and software necessary to support autonomous payload operation. This may include command and control functions, image acquisition and processing, autonomous search pattern execution, and tasked pointing or slewing consistent with the Phase I Concept of Operations (CONOPS).

3. Environmental and Performance Testing

• Conduct a comprehensive test campaign to validate payload performance and survivability. Testing is expected to include thermal-vacuum (TVAC) cycling representative of the GEO thermal environment and random vibration testing to assess launch survivability.

4. Laboratory-Based Performance Demonstration

• Perform performance testing in a laboratory environment using calibrated star simulators and collimated light sources to replicate operational conditions and validate detection, search, and pointing performance.

5. Demonstration of Key Capabilities

• Execute performance demonstrations to verify compliance with critical requirements defined in the Phase I feasibility study and CONOPS.

Successful completion of Phase II will be determined by demonstration of the following:

• Detection Performance: Detection of a calibrated 14.5 visual magnitude source in a simulated space environment with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 5 or greater.

• Search Performance: Execution of an autonomous search pattern covering approximately 40 degrees in right ascension by ±15 degrees in declination within 30 minutes or less, including verification of required slew rates and settling times.

• Environmental Survivability: Successful completion of required environmental testing (TVAC and vibration) with no critical component failures or unacceptable degradation in optical performance.

Primary deliverables for Phase II should include:

• One fully assembled and tested Engineering Model (EM) WFOV EO payload

• Performance and environmental test data and reports

• Final performance verification documentation

• A preliminary Interface Control Document (ICD)

• A prototype maturation and transition roadmap to support further development

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III activities, funded through non-SBIR/STTR government contracts or other appropriate funding mechanisms, are intended to support the continued maturation, qualification, and operational integration of Wide-Field-of-View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload technologies developed during Phases I and II. These efforts would focus on advancing the payload toward flight-qualified configurations suitable for incorporation into operational Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission architectures. This technology is intended to support the evolution and enhancement of SDA capabilities represented by the joint NRO–USSF SILENTBARKER Program of Record, providing additional technical options to improve persistence, resilience, autonomy, and affordability for GEO surveillance missions. Phase III activities are expected to serve as risk-reduction and technology maturation efforts that inform potential integration decisions within SILENTBARKER-class SDA architectures, without presupposing a specific acquisition approach.

Potential Phase III activities may include qualification of the payload design for space flight, refinement for manufacturability and scalability, integration support with host spacecraft platforms, and preparation for operational testing and evaluation (OT&E). Where appropriate, Phase III may also support Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) planning and execution, subject to government priorities and funding availability. Upon successful completion of Phase II, the WFOV EO payload is expected to achieve approximately TRL 6, representing a system or prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment. Phase III efforts may mature the technology to TRL 8 through flight qualification and system-level testing, and ultimately to TRL 9 upon successful on-orbit deployment and operational use.

Transition planning will require coordination with Space Systems Command (SSC), including the Space Reconnaissance and Surveillance Branch (SYZ), to align technology maturation with future SDA mission needs and budget planning cycles such as the Program Objective Memorandum (POM). In addition to relevance for SILENTBARKER-class SDA missions, WFOV EO payload technologies developed under this topic may be applicable to other Department of War sensing architectures, including reconnaissance and tip-and-cue ecosystems involving systems such as RG-XX and Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC), where wide-area search and autonomous detection can enhance overall mission effectiveness. The underlying WFOV optics, autonomous detection algorithms, and payload integration approaches developed through this effort have significant dual-use potential in the commercial space sector. Commercial applications may include:

• Commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM): Autonomous detection and tracking of satellites and orbital debris.

• On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (OSAM): Wide-field sensing to support inspection, rendezvous, and proximity operations.

• Commercial SSA-as-a-Service: Space-based monitoring and analytics for satellite operators, insurers, and international partners.

These dual-use applications may support broader adoption, cost reduction, and continued innovation while maintaining alignment with U.S. Space Force SDA mission needs.

DLA26BZ02-NV010 — Enhancing Tertiary Manufacturing Capacity Utilization with Secure Data Practices

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 6 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to develop and prototype a secure, AI-driven system that provides DLA with real-time visibility into untapped manufacturing capabilities and capacities from tertiary sources like educational and research institutions. The final system should be able to map these resources to specific defense-related manufacturing demands and facilitate their rapid and secure engagement.

DESCRIPTION: DLA needs to quickly find and use extra manufacturing capacity from places like universities and research labs, especially during national emergencies or when demand for military parts suddenly increases. Currently, there is no easy way to know what machines, skills, or production time are available at these facilities, or to securely and quickly bring them into the defense supply chain. This project aims to create a centralized, secure data system that provides real-time visibility into this untapped manufacturing power, allowing DLA to rapidly match available resources to critical defense needs, reducing risk and increasing the agility of the U.S. industrial base.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 6 months and a cost of $100,000.

Phase I: Proof of Concept

The goal of Phase I is to conduct a feasibility study that proves the core concepts of the proposed system are viable. This must be accomplished within 12 months for a cost not to exceed $100,000.

Phase I Deliverables:

• A detailed report identifying and documenting available tertiary manufacturing capabilities from a representative sample of educational and research institutions.

• A document defining the proposed secure protocols for real-time data exchange and a report on their feasibility.

• A template legal framework, including a sample Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), designed to facilitate data sharing between institutions and the DoW.

• A preliminary, proof-of-concept demand-mapping system that demonstrates the ability to correlate available capabilities with defense manufacturing needs.

• A comprehensive Phase II development plan detailing the technical milestones, performance goals, and resource requirements for building the full prototype.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and a cost of $1,000,000.

Phase II: Prototype Development

The objective of Phase II is to develop, test, and demonstrate a functional prototype of the system in a relevant environment.

Phase II Deliverables:

• A functional prototype of the manufacturing capacity database and mapping system, developed and demonstrated within the DLA J68 ARTET environment.

• A final report detailing the results from real-world scenario testing with academic and institutional partners, validating the system's functionality, security, and efficiency.

• Test data demonstrating that the prototype can successfully receive continuous data updates, map capacity to demand, and operate under the developed security protocols.

• A validated and refined set of data management and advanced cybersecurity protocols that meet DoW compliance standards.

• A detailed Phase III commercialization and transition plan outlining the strategy for full-scale implementation within DLA and potential expansion to other government and commercial markets.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: A successful project has a direct path to a follow-on Phase III award with the DLA to transition the technology into a fully operational system.

Beyond its immediate use within DLA, this system is a foundational technology for a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network. It would provide the necessary infrastructure for identifying, vetting, and mobilizing civilian industrial capabilities in response to national emergencies or defense surge requirements.

Furthermore, the developed system has significant commercial potential outside of government applications. It could be adapted to enhance manufacturing resource management and supply chain security in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, which face similar challenges in managing distributed manufacturing capacities and require greater supply chain resilience.

DLA26BZ02-NV009 — Weapon System Readiness Program (WSRP)

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to develop innovative, cost-effective solutions to address readiness challenges caused by delays or shortages of DLA-managed items critical to the manufacturing of components needed to achieve fully mission-capable status. This includes engaging new suppliers to provide advanced manufacturing techniques, reverse engineering capabilities, and alternative sourcing strategies. The effort will also involve working directly with the cognizant engineering authorities to leverage their expertise and networks to deliver turnkey solutions that improve supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and ensure consistent access to essential materials and components.

DESCRIPTION: DLA Weapon Support requires a solution to address readiness challenges caused by delays or shortages of DLA-managed items critical to the manufacturing of components needed to achieve fully mission-capable status. These issues stem from supply chain inefficiencies, material shortages, and production delays, which hinder the timely availability of essential items. We need innovative, cost-effective approaches to improve supply chain reliability, reduce lead times, and ensure consistent access to the materials and components required to maintain mission readiness. Additionally, we seek to engage new suppliers capable of providing innovative solutions, including advanced manufacturing techniques, reverse engineering capabilities, and alternative sourcing strategies, to expand the supplier base and enhance supply chain resilience.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and a cost of $100,000.

Phase I will focus on applying proposed solutions to a limited number of critical items (identified and shared with interested parties during the solicitation) to demonstrate technical feasibility. This includes developing prototypes using advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive manufacturing, reverse engineering, or alternative material sourcing) and working closely with the cognizant engineering authority to ensure alignment with technical requirements. The effort will also include leveraging the engineering authority's networks to identify and onboard new suppliers capable of meeting DLA's needs.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and a cost of $1,000,000.

Phase II will expand the application of the solutions to a greater number of items, including more complex and mission-critical components. This phase will involve scaling up production, conducting rigorous testing and qualification of the solutions, and integrating them into the DLA supply chain. Collaboration with the cognizant engineering authority will continue to refine and validate the solutions, ensuring they meet performance standards. Additionally, a comprehensive plan will be developed to ensure long-term supply chain resilience and readiness, with turnkey solutions delivered to DLA for broader implementation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The primary goal of this program is to address DLA's readiness challenges by developing innovative solutions for DLA-managed items, which would be procured using the Defense Working Capital Fund (DWCF) with reimbursement from the Services. Beyond the DoW, these technologies have significant commercialization potential in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial equipment, where advanced manufacturing, reverse engineering, and supply chain optimization are critical. Solutions developed under this program, such as additive manufacturing, AI-driven inventory management, and advanced materials, could address similar challenges in the private sector, offering small businesses dual-use opportunities to expand their market reach and ensure the sustainability of their innovations.

DLA26BZ02-NV008 — US Based Fixture Development and Manufacturing

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to establish and demonstrate a rapid-response manufacturing capability that directly addresses critical maintenance delays in Navy shipyards. This capability will empower DLA to source custom or replacement fixtures in days, not months, by enabling agile partners to rapidly design, reverse-engineer, and fabricate tools, even when original technical data is missing. The ultimate goal is to build a foundation for the responsive manufacturing network needed to keep our naval fleet ready.

DESCRIPTION: When Navy ships enter the port for maintenance, work often stops because a single, specialized tool or fixture is broken, missing, or was never designed. Sourcing a replacement can take months, idling entire maintenance teams and delaying the ship's return to the fleet. DLA needs a network of responsive, U.S.-based manufacturing partners who can quickly build these custom and replacement fixtures, turning a critical vulnerability in our maritime supply chain into a domestic manufacturing strength.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and a cost of $100,000.

Phase I (Feasibility and Speed Demonstration): Phase I will challenge the small business to prove its ability to respond to an urgent, simulated demand signal, mirroring a real-world work stoppage scenario. Key activities will include:

1. Establishing a secure process for handling government-provided technical data, which may be export-controlled.

2. Upon receipt of a representative 'problem fixture' (e.g., a broken part, a set of interface requirements), rapidly executing the reverse-engineering and design process to create a producible digital model.

3. Manufacturing and delivering a functional prototype within an accelerated timeframe, demonstrating a significant reduction from traditional sourcing timelines.

4. Quality control process to ensure that the fixture design is compatible with the boat's arrangement and component for the platform.

5. Providing a final report detailing the end-to-end timeline from 'request' to 'delivery,' analyzing the process, and outlining a plan for scaling this capability in Phase II.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and a cost of $1,000,000.

Phase II (Capability Maturation and Operational Integration): Assuming Phase I is successful, Phase II will focus on maturing the rapid-response process into an operational capability ready for integration into the DLA/Navy supply chain. The small business will:

1. Refine the end-to-end workflow to optimize for speed, cost, and repeatability across a diverse range of fixture types and complexities.

2. Demonstrate this refined process by producing several different qualified fixtures in response to simulated, time-sensitive requests from a "shipyard."

3. Conduct rigorous qualification testing (e.g., material analysis, load testing, on-site fit checks) to validate fixture performance under realistic maritime maintenance conditions.

4. Develop and deliver a comprehensive Transition Plan that outlines the "order-to-delivery" business process, defines communication protocols, and provides a clear model for how the company will function as a responsive partner within the DLA-managed network.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III's can be DLA managed or Service managed. Ensuring development and production are separated. Successful history with this in the Maritime Industrial Base and PMS397L12 office.

DLA26BZ02-NV007 — STRIKE AI - AI-Enabled Mission Planning for Defense of Operational Technology Critical Infrastructure

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: U.S. critical infrastructure—including power grids, water treatment facilities, and transportation networks—is increasingly targeted by sophisticated adversaries using coordinated cyber and physical attacks. The Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) governing this infrastructure present a complex, vulnerable attack surface. The current process for planning and executing defensive and responsive actions is often manual, stove-piped between different agencies and asset owners, and too slow to counter machine-speed threats. There is a critical need to automate and accelerate the planning and coordination of defensive and offensive effects to protect national critical infrastructure.

DESCRIPTION: DoW, in partnership with homeland security stakeholders, seeks SBIR project opportunities for STRIKE AI, an AI-enabled mission planning system designed to automate the planning and synchronization of effects to defend Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. This system will function as a rapid response planning tool, ingesting high-level commander's intent (e.g., "Ensure integrity of the regional power grid") and rapidly generating executable, deconflicted response plans for both cyber and physical assets.

The proposed solution is a holistic, AI-driven planning engine that can reason across multiple domains (cyber, physical, intelligence) and orchestrate complex response operations at machine speed. Specific areas of interest for this framework include:

• Commander's Intent Interpretation: Processing high-level defensive objectives and translating them into specific tasks for cyber protection teams, law enforcement, and military response units.

• Modeling OT Environments and Assets: Maintaining a comprehensive model of friendly defensive assets (e.g., CISA incident response teams, National Guard cyber units, physical security teams) and a detailed model of the targeted OT environment, including its specific controllers (PLCs, RTUs), network topology, and known vulnerabilities.

• Threat Analysis: Ingesting intelligence data from multiple sources to model adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) against critical infrastructure.

• Automated Response Plan Generation: Utilizing advanced algorithms to generate, deconflict, and sequence defensive actions (e.g., network segmentation, honeypot deployment) and offensive responses (e.g., counter-cyber operations, interdiction of physical threats) to neutralize threats while minimizing collateral damage and service disruption.

• Human-on-the-Loop Oversight: Presenting generated response plans in an intuitive format for human commanders (e.g., at USNORTHCOM, CISA) to review, modify, and approve before execution.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000.

Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of the STRIKE AI concept by developing a proof-of-concept prototype capable of generating a simple, integrated defensive plan for an OT scenario. Key activities will include: designing the system architecture and data models for OT assets and threats; developing a foundational planning engine for basic task allocation; creating a mock-up scenario involving a notional critical infrastructure target (e.g., a municipal water utility) under a simulated multi-pronged attack; and demonstrating the prototype's ability to automatically generate a deconflicted response plan coordinating cyber and physical defensive actions. A final report on feasibility and a detailed Phase II plan will be delivered.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,000,000.

Depending on Phase I results, Phase II will consist of developing a more robust prototype capable of planning for more complex, large-scale scenarios (e.g., a regional power grid). This will involve expanding the planning engine to ingest real-time threat intelligence and asset status feeds. The prototype will be enhanced to model cascading effects across interconnected infrastructure sectors. The effort will focus on creating a high-fidelity user interface and testing the system's ability to rapidly re-plan in response to dynamic threat activity. A key goal will be demonstrating the prototype in a relevant environment, such as a joint exercise with CISA and USNORTHCOM.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The STRIKE AI system has significant dual-use potential for protecting national security interests. The mature system would be transitioned for operational use by DoW entities responsible for homeland defense (e.g., USNORTHCOM) and civilian partners like the Department of Homeland Security's CISA. The platform would provide a critical capability for national-level incident response, enabling rapid, coordinated protection of the nation's most vital assets. The modular architecture would allow for continuous integration of new defensive tools and intelligence sources, ensuring the system remains effective against evolving threats to U.S. critical infrastructure.

DLA26BZ02-NV006 — AI-Assisted RMF Pre-Adjudication for Research, Development, and Rapid Prototyping Environments

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to determine whether AI-enabled, human-attested analysis can improve Risk Management Framework (RMF) documentation quality and reduce rework cycles in research, development, and rapid prototyping contexts. R&D teams frequently submit incomplete or inconsistent RMF artifacts, leading to delays and inefficient use of limited cybersecurity assessor resources. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of an AI-assisted, artifact-centric analysis capability that enables RMF pre-adjudication, allowing project teams to identify and correct deficiencies before formal cybersecurity review without automating authorization decisions or reducing governance rigor.

DESCRIPTION: DLA seeks SBIR project opportunities for an AI-assisted pre-adjudication tool that analyzes draft RMF artifacts to assess their readiness for formal cybersecurity review. Proposed solutions should operate on submitted artifacts (e.g., control implementation statements, system architecture documents) as primary inputs rather than relying on conversational user interfaces.

The proposed capability should be able to:

• Identify missing, inconsistent, or weak control implementation statements.

• Distinguish between the presence of a control narrative and the sufficiency and clarity of supporting evidence.

• Generate structured, confidence-scored analytical feedback to help R&D teams improve documentation quality.

• Incorporate an explicit human attestation mechanism to preserve accountability and prevent reliance on unreviewed AI outputs.

Proposed approaches should demonstrate familiarity with RMF assessment practices, including how assessors evaluate documentation sufficiency, inherited controls, and architectural maturity in early-stage systems. The goal is to reduce RMF package rejection and rework rates without altering existing RMF authority structures.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000.

Phase I efforts will focus on a controlled, research-oriented demonstration of AI-assisted RMF pre-adjudication suitable for R&D environments, without requiring an Authority to Operate (ATO). Activities will include deploying a prototype in a government-approved R&D sandbox, ingesting draft or historical RMF artifacts, and performing automated analysis to identify gaps and inconsistencies. The prototype will generate structured, confidence-scored feedback and must implement an explicit human attestation mechanism where findings require human approval.

Expected Phase I deliverables include: a functional prototype; documentation of methods and limitations; a demonstration that analytical findings can be traced to source text; a quantitative and qualitative assessment of potential reductions in rework; and recommendations for Phase II.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,000,000.

Depending on Phase I results, Phase II efforts may expand validated capabilities to support broader adoption across R&D and innovative organizations. This may include scaling pre-adjudication support across multiple programs, integrating with enterprise RMF workflows while preserving cybersecurity authority, correlating documentation analysis with evolving system configurations, and supporting continuous documentation improvement in high-velocity development environments. Phase II will further evaluate how AI-assisted pre-adjudication contributes to faster innovation cycles without increasing cybersecurity risk.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology has significant dual-use and commercialization potential. AI-assisted, artifact-centric RMF pre-adjudication is applicable across DoW laboratories, innovation organizations, and acquisition programs. It also addresses governance challenges in civilian agencies and regulated commercial sectors that manage early-stage systems subject to formal security review. Phase III would focus on transitioning a production-level product for integration into enterprise RMF workflows, enabling government and commercial entities to improve documentation quality and accelerate innovation while preserving human authority and accountability.

DLA26BZ02-NV005 — Strengthening Defensive Cybersecurity and Penetration Testing Through Agentic AI and Automation

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manages a vast and complex global supply chain, underpinned by a sprawling digital infrastructure. The objective is to address the fact that traditional cybersecurity approaches, which rely heavily on manual processes and human expertise, are increasingly strained and struggle to scale effectively against an evolving threat landscape. This landscape is characterized by expanding attack surfaces, a persistent shortage of skilled cybersecurity personnel, and the rise of AI-enabled adversaries. This effort seeks to introduce a new paradigm to automate and scale DLA's cyber defense and assessment capabilities, mitigating significant risks to the agency's critical logistics and supply chain data.

DESCRIPTION: DLA seeks SBIR project opportunities for an agentic AI framework designed to strengthen its defensive cybersecurity posture and automate penetration testing. The proposed solution involves a team of specialized AI Agents, each configured with specific tools, knowledge, and roles, that collaborate to execute complex cybersecurity workflows.

The core innovation lies in a collaborative, multi-agent framework that mimics the workflow of a human cybersecurity team, enabling autonomous execution of complex, multi-step tasks. Specific agent roles and functions of interest include:

• Project Management: Devising high-level plans for security tasks, such as network enumeration or vulnerability assessment, using algorithms and security frameworks (e.g., MITRE ATT&CK).

• Cyber Analysis: Interpreting raw data from scans and tests to identify and prioritize defensive actions and vulnerabilities, utilizing vulnerability databases and threat intelligence feeds.

• Code Generation & Execution: Translating high-level plans and priorities into executable code and command-line instructions (e.g., NMAP, Metasploit) and running them in emulated environments.

• Vulnerability Research: Conducting deep-dive analysis on specific vulnerabilities using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) against a corpus of CVEs, CPEs, and technical documentation.

Research and Development (R&D) efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000.

Phase I will demonstrate proof of concept for the agentic AI framework. The effort will focus on establishing the technical merit and feasibility by developing a prototype capable of performing a foundational cybersecurity task. Key activities will include: defining the agent architecture and collaboration protocols; building the core framework for agent instantiation and communication; and implementing a proof-of-concept workflow for automated network enumeration. A prototype "Researcher" agent will also be developed to demonstrate RAG-based vulnerability research against a curated dataset of public CVEs. Phase I will culminate in a comprehensive final report detailing the results, prototype performance, and a detailed plan for the Phase II effort.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 24 months and cost of $1,000,000.

Depending on Phase I results, Phase II will consist of expanding the prototype into a more robust framework. This will involve increasing the complexity of the cybersecurity tasks the agentic team can perform, such as automating vulnerability validation and simulated exploit attempts. Additional activities may include integrating more sophisticated tools, expanding the knowledge bases for the agents, and developing a user interface for human-operator oversight and management. The goal is to mature the system's capabilities for continuous, automated penetration testing and vulnerability assessment in a relevant environment. Development of a detailed business case analysis and commercialization plan will be required.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III efforts will focus on transitioning the mature agentic AI framework for operational use within the DLA. This phase will include the delivery of a production-level product ready for integration into the overall DLA Enterprise system. A key component will be the development of a sustainment plan to support the delivered system for the lifetime of the program, ensuring it remains effective against future cyber threats. The goal is to provide DLA with a scalable, efficient, and resilient cybersecurity capability that enhances the security of the defense supply chain.

DLA26BZ02-NV004 — Enterprise Digital Thread with Mission-Aware Decision Intelligence Platform for DLA

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to enhance logistics readiness, decision advantage, and enterprise efficiency in alignment with the DLA Strategic Plan's priorities of mission readiness, supply chain resilience, data-driven decision-making, and enterprise integration. DLA operates within a complex, hybrid, and multi-cloud environment that includes AWS GovCloud-hosted process mining capabilities such as Celonis, Google Cloud-based enterprise data fabric services, Oracle Cloud enterprise applications (including AMPS), private Operational Technology (OT) environments secured under Zero Trust principles, and core business systems such as SAP S/4HANA. Enterprise IT operations and governance are enabled through ServiceNow, including IT Service Management (ITSM) and Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM), with additional automation supported by UiPath.

In alignment with the DLA J6 CIO Digital Strategy and "Connected IT" campaign, which prioritizes integration of existing capabilities, elimination of duplicative IT investments, and use of accredited enterprise services, DLA seeks a lightweight, federated platform implemented as an API-driven capability layer that connects and operationalizes current systems rather than replacing them.

The objective is to enable an Enterprise Digital Thread with embedded, mission-aware decision intelligence that correlates process, cyber, and enterprise data to provide predictive and prescriptive, human-in-the-loop decision support. This capability will improve decision speed, enhance mission impact awareness, strengthen supply chain resilience, and maximize return on investment (ROI) across DLA's enterprise IT portfolio while operating within DoW IL4/IL5 and FedRAMP authorized environments.

Proposed efforts shall demonstrate technical feasibility at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-9, with emphasis on interoperability, scalability, and secure integration across federated environments.

DESCRIPTION: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to enhance logistics readiness, decision advantage, and enterprise efficiency in alignment with the DLA Strategic Plan's priorities of mission readiness, supply chain resilience, data-driven decision-making, and enterprise integration. DLA operates within a complex, hybrid, and multi-cloud environment that includes AWS GovCloud-hosted process mining capabilities such as Celonis, Google Cloud-based enterprise data fabric services, Oracle Cloud enterprise applications (including AMPS), private Operational Technology (OT) environments secured under Zero Trust principles, and core business systems such as SAP S/4HANA. Enterprise IT operations and governance are enabled through ServiceNow, including IT Service Management (ITSM) and Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM), with additional automation supported by UiPath.

In alignment with the DLA J6 CIO Digital Strategy and "Connected IT" campaign, which prioritizes integration of existing capabilities, elimination of duplicative IT investments, and use of accredited enterprise services, DLA seeks a lightweight, federated platform implemented as an API-driven capability layer that connects and operationalizes current systems rather than replacing them.

The objective is to enable an Enterprise Digital Thread with embedded, mission-aware decision intelligence that correlates process, cyber, and enterprise data to provide predictive and prescriptive, human-in-the-loop decision support. This capability will improve decision speed, enhance mission impact awareness, strengthen supply chain resilience, and maximize return on investment (ROI) across DLA's enterprise IT portfolio while operating within DoW IL4/IL5 and FedRAMP authorized environments.

Proposed efforts shall demonstrate technical feasibility at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-9, with emphasis on interoperability, scalability, and secure integration across federated environments.

PHASE I: Phase I will focus on feasibility, architecture design, and proof-of-concept demonstration aligned to DLA Strategic Plan and CIO priorities.

Efforts shall include:

• Development of a federated system architecture aligned to DoW IL4/IL5 and FedRAMP High environments

• Definition of API-based integration strategies leveraging Enterprise tools such as MuleSoft

• Prototype demonstration of: o Cross-domain data integration o Initial mission dependency modeling o Decision support aligned to logistics use cases

• Integration approach aligned to: o ServiceNow (ITSM/SPM governance) o Celonis

• Development of a transition and ATO strategy supporting CIO digital strategy

Deliverables:

• System Architecture Design Document

• Prototype Demonstration

• Feasibility and Risk Assessment

• Phase II Implementation Plan

PHASE II: Phase II will develop and demonstrate a scalable prototype aligned to enterprise deployment and strategic outcomes.

Efforts shall include:

• Integration across representative enterprise systems and environments

• Implementation of: o Mission dependency models o AI-enabled predictive and prescriptive analytics using Vertex AI o Real-time or near-real-time data processing

• Integration with ServiceNow for workflow and governance

• Demonstration of mission-relevant use cases supporting: o Supply chain resilience o Logistics readiness o Cyber-to-mission impact analysis

Deliverables:

• Operational Prototype

• Integrated APIs and Data Pipelines

• Decision Intelligence Dashboard

• Demonstration Report with measurable outcomes: o Reduced decision latency o Improved mission visibility o Increased system utilization

• ATO Transition Plan aligned to DoW environments

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Successful solutions are expected to transition into DLA enterprise environments and broader DoW applications supporting logistics, cyber-physical systems, and enterprise IT integration. Commercial applications include supply chain optimization, critical infrastructure resilience, and enterprise decision intelligence platforms.

DLA26BZ02-NV003 — Flameless Ration Heater Alternative (Magnesium-Free)

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this SBIR is to develop and validate an innovative, magnesium-free chemical heating technology for military rations that is safe, cost-effective, and environmentally benign. The new heater must meet or exceed the performance of the current FRH without producing flammable gases.

DESCRIPTION: The current Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) used for heating military rations relies on a magnesium-based chemical reaction that produces significant quantities of flammable hydrogen gas. This poses a fire and explosion hazard, particularly in enclosed spaces like vehicles and shelters. Furthermore, bulk, unused FRHs are classified as a reactive hazardous waste by the USEPA, which complicates disposal and transportation logistics. The dependency on foreign sources for the specific grade of magnesium required also creates a strategic supply chain vulnerability. DLA requires a new, domestically sourced ration heater that enhances soldier safety, eliminates logistical and environmental burdens, and ensures a resilient supply chain.

PHASE I: The Phase I effort will focus on proving the feasibility of the proposed magnesium-free heating technology.

Deliverables include:

• A final technical report detailing the bench-scale system design, complete datasets from parametric testing, the validated performance envelope, and a preliminary Techno-Economic and Lifecycle Analysis (TEA/LCA).

• A comprehensive design-ready package for a pilot-scale production unit.

• A detailed transition plan for a potential Phase II effort, including a plan for producing demonstration models.

PHASE II: The goal of Phase II is to develop a pilot-scale production system and demonstrate the technology in a relevant environment. Deliverables include:

• A functional pilot-scale manufacturing process.

• Product Demonstration Models (PDMs) for evaluation by the U.S. Army DEVCOM Soldier Center and DLA Troop Support.

• A validated cost model demonstrating economic viability.

• A comprehensive plan for transitioning the technology to full-scale production and integration into the DLA supply chain.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Relationships developed and progress made in Phase I and Phase II projects should result in the ability to produce to DoW orders and organic growth of business from there.

DLA26BZ02-NV002 — Novel and Highly Efficient Separation Methods for Critical Rare Earth Elements

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies of related materials consistently to our Department of War (DoW) customers and other DoW stakeholders. DLA continually investigates a variety of critical minerals for more efficient means of their production, opportunities for recycling, and more competitive domestic supply chains which would lead to higher levels of innovation in current and future systems combined with benefits to other commercial and government technology applications. To reduce costly foreign reliance and/or single points of failure, DLA is looking for novel and highly efficient domestic capabilities to separate rare earth elements from mixed feedstocks. The end goal of the project would be for the development of domestic suppliers that separate industrial quantities of high purity rare earth oxides, salts, or metals, including Sc, Y, Nd/Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy, and others. New and novel ideas that would allow for competitive pricing relative to imported raw materials will have preference. Ideally, the production process would be modular and scalable. Advanced technology demonstrations for increasing production capacity, affordability and supply chain resiliency for coating techniques and processing are of high interest to DoW. These areas of materials and manufacturing technology provide potential opportunities toward achieving breakthrough advances for national defense. Proposed efforts funded under this topic may encompass diverse feedstocks and processing at any level that will result in increasing production capacity, affordability, and supply chain resiliency. Research and Development (R&D) efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology and/or Manufacturing Readiness Level (TRL/MRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL/MRL 3 to receive funding consideration. TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept) TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment)

DESCRIPTION: Rare earth separation processes have historically been performed overseas due to challenges associated with 1) operations cost/profitability, 2) feedstock sourcing, and 3) hazardous chemistries. These issues have been further compounded by artificial price controls that prevent domestic startups from gaining a foothold in global markets. A wide range of defense platforms rely on small quantities of a variety of rare earth elements, rendering the defense industrial base susceptible to global supply chain disruptions for these critical elements. To this end, DLA seeks to develop novel and highly efficient rare earth separation technologies that are cost-competitive in the global market. New approaches that increase the domestic availability and supply chain resiliency of rare earth oxides will have preference. The ideal production process will be both modular and easily scalable.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000.

Phase I will deliver a proof-of-concept demonstration of a high efficiency rare earth separation method. A technology development and commercialization roadmap will be produced along with a preliminary technoeconomic analysis. An alignment or collaboration with a relevant DoW Component organization/supplier (e.g., DoW lab, defense system program office or prime contractor) and one or more relevant DoW weapon system supply chain participants or other suitable organization is highly desirable.

PHASE II: Not to exceed a duration of 18 months and cost of $1,000,000.

Phase II will consist of establishing a pilot scale process to separate rare earth elements. Produced materials will be characterized for elemental purity and other relevant properties. Input materials will be required to be sourced domestically. A business case will be generated using both DoW and commercial markets. Collaboration with a relevant DoW Component organization/supplier (e.g., DoW lab and/or prime contractor) and one or more relevant DoW weapon system supply chain participants or other suitable organization is highly desirable. Performers will identify commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovative processes should be developed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DoW and its supply chains.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Relationships developed and progress made in Phase I and Phase II projects should result in the ability to produce to DoW orders and organic growth of business from there.

DLA26BZ02-NV001 — Domestic Production of Refractory Powders for Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics and Aerospace Alloys

Award Maximum: $100,000 Period of Performance: 12 months Phase Type: Phase I

OBJECTIVE: The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) seeks to provide responsive, best value supplies of related materials consistently to our Department of War (DoW) customers and other DoW stakeholders. DLA continually investigates a variety of critical minerals for more efficient means of their production, opportunities for recycling, and more competitive domestic supply chains which would lead to higher levels of innovation in current and future systems combined with benefits to other commercial and government technology applications. In an effort to reduce costly foreign reliance and/or single points of failure, DLA is looking to establish domestic capabilities to produce high purity refractory powders for applications in aerospace alloys and ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) used in hypersonic and other defense platforms. The end goal of the project would be for the development of domestic suppliers that would produce industrial quantities of high purity, low oxygen refractory powders to include carbides, borides, and metals containing Hf, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, etc. The powders should be well characterized for metals purity, oxygen content, morphology, particle size, and sintering characteristics. New and novel ideas that would allow for competitive pricing compared to imported raw materials will have preference. Ideally, the production process would be modular and scalable. These areas of materials and manufacturing technology provide potential opportunities toward achieving breakthrough advances for national defense. Proposed efforts funded under this topic may encompass diverse feedstock and processing at any level that will result in increasing production capacity, affordability, and supply chain resiliency. Research and Development (R&D) efforts selected under this topic shall demonstrate and involve a degree of risk where the technical feasibility of the proposed work has not been fully established. Further, proposed efforts must be judged to be at a Technology and/or Manufacturing Readiness Level (TRL/MRL) 6 or less, but greater than TRL/MRL 3 to receive funding consideration. TRL 3. (Analytical and Experimental Critical Function and/or Characteristic Proof of Concept) TRL 6. (System/Subsystem Model or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment)

DESCRIPTION: Refractory powders are a critical feedstock for many high-temperature defense applications, and the US is strongly reliant on imported materials to meet production needs. Varying powder qualities and increasing procurement costs/lead times upstream limit domestic production capabilities downstream. To this end, DLA is looking for wholly domestic capabilities to recycle and produce refractory metals, carbides, and borides that meet or exceed defense specifications. Novel techniques that increase the domestic availability and supply chain resiliency of refractory materials will have preference. The ideal production process will be both modular and easily scalable.

PHASE I: Not to exceed a duration of 12 months and cost of $100,000.

Phase I will deliver a proof-of-concept demonstration of a refractory powder production process and preliminary materials characterization. A technology development and commercialization roadmap will be produced along with a preliminary technoeconomic analysis. An alignment or collaboration with a relevant DoW Component organization/supplier (e.g., DoW lab, defense system program office or prime contractor) and one or more relevant DoW weapon system supply chain participants or other suitable organization is highly desirable.

PHASE II: Phase II will consist of establishing a pilot scale process to produce refractory powders. Produced materials will be fully characterized for purity, phase, morphology, and other relevant properties. A business case will be generated using both DoW and commercial markets. Collaboration with a relevant DoW Component organization/supplier (e.g., DoW lab and/or prime contractor) and one or more relevant DoW weapon system supply chain participants or other suitable organization is highly desirable. Performers will identify commercial benefit or application opportunities of the innovative processes should be developed with the intent to readily transition to production in support of DoW and its supply chains.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: At this point, no specific funding is associated with Phase III. Relationships developed and progress made in Phase I and Phase II projects should result in the ability to produce to DoW orders and organic growth of business from there.