DAF26BZ05-DV031: F-16 Agnostic Rapid Weapons Integration

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Quick Answer

The Department of the Air Force is offering a Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR award of up to $2,000,000 for companies that can build a modular, scalable weapons integration architecture for the F-16 that cuts integration timelines from years down to months or days. This is topic DAF26BZ05-DV031 under the DoW FY26 SBIR BAA Release 5. There is no Phase I award for this topic. Proposals are due September 23, 2026 through DSIP.

What This Solicitation Is

This is a Direct-to-Phase-II topic, meaning there is no separate Phase I contract. Applicants must already have a credible technical pathway and supporting evidence, such as prior demonstrations, analogous integration efforts, or past performance records, and document that as part of the Phase II submission.

The topic falls under the Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance critical technology area and the Integrated Network System-of-Systems component priority area. It carries a projected CMMC Level 2 (Self) requirement and is restricted under ITAR and EAR, requiring disclosure of any foreign national involvement.

What DAF Is Looking For

The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command need a way to integrate new weapons or weapons software updates onto the F-16 without coding, testing, and fielding an entirely new aircraft operational flight program, a process that currently takes two to three years. The immediate, urgent driver is integrating an Extended Range Attack Munition on the Air National Guard's F-16 Block 30 aircraft. The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Component Test Center has already committed to conducting the operational test and evaluation for this effort, which meaningfully increases the odds of an eventual fielding decision compared to most other SBIR pathways.

This is explicitly not a munitions acquisition or integration effort. It is an architecture and integration capability effort, built on the Open Systems Enclave (OSE) framework, that enables rapid future integration of a broader range of munitions through open, modular, standards-based interfaces. The long-term owner is the F-16 program office under PEO Fighters, and the long-term plan is to scale the architecture to Active Duty F-16s and other Combat Air Forces OSE platforms.

The starting technology readiness level is TRL 6-7, and the target by the end of Phase II is TRL 8-9. That is a mature starting point, meaning DAF expects applicants to already have a working, demonstrated capability, not an early concept. Deliverables include a demonstrated hardware and software solution on the ANG F-16 Block 30, detailed architecture and engineering documentation, integration description showing how the solution interfaces with legacy platforms and existing mission systems, scalability documentation showing extension to additional munitions and platforms, measured performance data including interoperability and latency results, a realistic milestone-based schedule with risk registers, and evidence the solution could be adopted by Active Duty F-16s and other Combat Air Forces OSE platforms.

Funding and Timeline

Award maximum is $2,000,000 with a maximum period of performance of 24 months. Proposals exceeding either figure will not be considered. The technical volume page limit is 35 pages.

DAF also provides up to $50,000 in Technical and Business Assistance funding per Phase II award, splittable 50/50 across a first and sequential award, contingent on a fully detailed request covering the provider, qualifications, tasks, and cost.

Proposals are due September 23, 2026 through DSIP. DAF anticipates evaluation and selection within roughly 90 calendar days of solicitation close.

Who Should Apply

This topic fits companies with existing avionics integration, mission systems, or open architecture software experience, ideally with direct prior work on F-16 systems, OSE-type platforms, or comparable aircraft integration programs. Because the starting TRL is already 6-7, applicants need real past performance evidence, not just a concept, to be competitive. Companies without a demonstrated integration track record on similar systems will have a hard time meeting the feasibility bar.

Eligibility and Compliance Notes

At least two thirds of the research effort must be performed by the awardee, measured by direct and indirect costs. All research and development work must happen in the United States except in rare, specifically approved circumstances.

Small businesses majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are not eligible under this BAA release.

The principal investigator's primary employment must be with the applicant company at time of award and throughout the period of performance. Only one PI can be designated per proposal.

DAF runs a foreign risk evaluation and due diligence review on every proposal under 15 U.S.C. 638(vv), covering foreign ownership, financial ties to countries of concern, and listing on federal restricted entity lists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a Phase I award for this topic?
No. This is a Direct-to-Phase-II topic. Applicants must demonstrate Phase I-type feasibility through prior demonstrations, analogous integration efforts, or comparable program outcomes.

What is the proposal deadline?
September 23, 2026, submitted electronically through DSIP.

How much funding is available?
Up to $2,000,000 for a Phase II award with a maximum period of performance of 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in additional Technical and Business Assistance funding.

Does this effort involve developing the munitions themselves?
No. This effort is focused solely on the integration architecture. The acquisition or integration of the munition itself is not part of this topic.

What TRL is expected at the start and end of the project?
Starting TRL is 6-7, advancing to a target of TRL 8-9 by the end of Phase II.

Is there already a committed test partner?
Yes. The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Component Test Center has committed to conducting the operational test and evaluation.

Is this topic export controlled?
Yes. It is restricted under both ITAR and the Export Administration Regulations, with disclosure required for any foreign national involvement.

What is the page limit for the technical volume?
35 pages.

Are venture capital or private equity backed companies eligible?
No. This BAA release excludes small businesses majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds.

What happens in Phase III?
The goal is to become part of the F-16 Open System Enclave "Open Viper" baseline, funded through USAF procurement or NGREA funds, then scale to Active Duty F-16s and potentially F-15EX and other Combat Air Forces platforms.