DAF26BZ05-DV032: F-35 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-35 that cuts integration timelines from years down to months or days. This is topic DAF26BZ05-DV032 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 to prototype, integrate, validate, and transition the capability, supported by prior demonstrations, analogous integration efforts, or past performance records, documented 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 Component F-35 fleet needs a way to integrate new weapons or software updates without coding, testing, and fielding entirely new operational flight programs. The fleet also needs hardware solutions that increase weapons carrying capacity to generate maximum mission effects. Both external and internal fires infrastructure need to be purchased and integrated to allow additional kinetic and non-kinetic fires options. The immediate, urgent driver is integrating an Extended Range Attack Munition on the Air National Guard's F-35 aircraft. The F-35 currently runs out of fires options quickly, after which mission capability drops sharply, and future operational flight program divergence across different aircraft blocks adds further pressure for a flexible fires solution.

Like the companion F-16 topic, this is an architecture and integration capability effort built on the Open Systems Enclave framework, not a munitions development effort. The long-term owner is the F-35 program office under PEO Fighters, and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Component Test Center has committed to conducting the operational test and evaluation.

The starting technology readiness level is TRL 6-7, advancing to a target of TRL 8-9 by the end of Phase II, meaning DAF expects a mature, already-demonstrated capability rather than an early concept. Deliverables include a demonstrated hardware and software solution on the ANG F-35, detailed architecture and engineering documentation, integration feasibility documentation describing interfaces with legacy platforms and mission systems, documentation showing extension to additional munitions and platform variants, measured performance data, a realistic milestone schedule with risk registers, and evidence the solution could be adopted by Active Duty F-35s 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-35 systems, OSE-type platforms, or comparable 5th generation aircraft integration programs. Because the starting TRL is already 6-7, applicants need real past performance evidence to be competitive, not just a concept.

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 feasibility through a clear technical pathway supported by 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 on the integration architecture and fires infrastructure, not munitions acquisition or development.

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 Command 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-35 Open System Enclave baseline, funded through USAF procurement or NGREA funds, then scale to Active Duty F-35s and other Combat Air Forces platforms.