DAF26BZ05-DV033: Dynamic Open Systems Enclave

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 real-time data integration toolkit giving fighter pilots a single, tailored common operating picture without increasing cognitive load. This is topic DAF26BZ05-DV033 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 proof-of-concept and supporting evidence, such as 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

This topic is distinct from the F-16 and F-35 weapons integration topics in this same release. Rather than munitions integration, it targets the sensor-to-pilot data pipeline itself. As more aircraft systems gain connectivity, the volume of battlefield data has become overwhelming, degrading pilot situational awareness through sheer noise. The existing sensor-to-sensor process is slow, manual, and hampered by unreliable data links and difficult edge processing.

DAF wants a host platform agnostic software and hardware toolkit that securely integrates large amounts of information from multiple data sources into a single, tailored, real-time common operating picture, described in the topic as getting the "Right Data to the Right Shooter, Right Now." The toolkit needs to support entirely new capabilities such as cognitive electronic warfare, Manned-Unmanned Teaming, and Beyond Line of Sight communications, all without increasing pilot cognitive load.

Minimum deliverables include an open-architecture, high-speed computing enclave that rapidly augments fielded aircraft with next-generation sensor and data processing capability, a hardware-agnostic mesh network built on software-defined radio that works with existing hardware, onboard edge processing that autonomously identifies, processes, and filters data so only relevant information moves forward, and an automated data pipeline that ties the mesh network and edge processing together to meaningfully speed up the decision-making cycle.

Beyond the toolkit itself, applicants need to document the proposed architecture and engineering approach, how the solution interfaces with legacy platforms and existing mission systems, how the architecture extends to additional data networks and mission applications with limited rework, measured performance data covering interoperability, latency, and reliability, a realistic development and demonstration schedule with milestones and risk registers, and evidence the solution could be adopted across multiple aircraft platforms and mission sets.

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 strengths in edge computing, sensor fusion, mesh networking, or software-defined radio, particularly those with experience building data pipeline, situational awareness, or common operating picture tools for defense or aerospace customers. Because the effort is software and hardware toolkit-focused rather than physical weapons integration, companies coming from a data systems or C4ISR background are a stronger fit than traditional hardware integrators.

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 a proof-of-concept supported by prior demonstrations 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.

How is this different from the F-16 and F-35 weapons integration topics in this same release?
This topic focuses on real-time data integration and pilot user experience, not munitions or weapons integration. It targets the sensor-to-pilot data pipeline rather than the physical weapons architecture.

What are the minimum required deliverables?
An open-architecture high-speed computing enclave, a hardware-agnostic mesh network using software-defined radio, onboard autonomous edge processing, and an automated data pipeline connecting the two.

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 transition to Active Duty F-16s and potentially F-15EX and F-35 Open System Enclaves.