DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-DV008: Technical Data Package Modernization for Information Assurance and Secure Data Exchange

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-DV008 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1. The Air and Space Force want a secure, scalable way to modernize Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for complex platforms: encrypted configuration management of the as-sustained state, web-based Model-Based Definition (MBD) visualization, automated information assurance compliance checks, and Zero Trust aligned data exchange. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, and the topic closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The topic expects a starting TRL of about 4 and a minimum of TRL 6 by the end of Phase II, validated in a relevant operational environment. No Phase I awards will be made.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-DV008
• Title: Technical Data Package Modernization for Information Assurance and Secure Data Exchange
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Advanced Computing and Software; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Trusted AI and Autonomy; Sustainment and Logistics; Advanced Manufacturing
• Keywords: technical data packages, information assurance, secure data exchange, trusted AI, digital twin, model-based definition, configuration management, zero trust architecture
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Current TDP systems often lack strong information assurance, tight integration with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environments, and secure ways to exchange data across operational networks. That weakens configuration control and data integrity and raises cyber risk, especially as platforms move to MBD and digital twins.

The Air Force wants a functional prototype that integrates advanced IA protocols, cryptographic protections, and encrypted exchange tools to manage the as-sustained configuration of critical assets, aligned with Trusted AI and Autonomy priorities and DoD Zero Trust Architecture. The topic ties the work to Operational Imperative 7, Readiness to Deploy and Fight.

Minimum deliverables named in the topic

• A secure web-based MBD visualization prototype that renders large-scale geometry and TDP datasets with sub-second response times and role-based access controls.
• Encrypted configuration management and secure as-sustained state maintenance tools integrated with PLM systems.
• An automated, rules-based framework for data quality checks and IA compliance validation of TDPs.
• A cryptographic data transfer and exchange framework with test results showing alignment with DoD security policy and successful inter-organizational exchange.
• AI/ML methods for secure damage detection, sustainment planning, and asset health insight.
• Technical documentation, a transition plan for Air and Space Force platforms, and a commercialization strategy.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. Because this is Direct to Phase II, your proposal must prove feasibility already exists. The DAF will not consider a proposal that fails to show technical merit and feasibility, or whose feasibility was not substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator. The topic lists acceptable evidence such as validated data, performance metrics, technical reports, prototype success, or demonstrated capability in relevant operational environments, along with alignment to Trusted AI and Zero Trust standards.

Phase II delivers the secure, scalable TDP modernization prototype at TRL 6 with validated performance in operational environments.

Phase III uses non-SBIR funds to reach TRL 8 and integrate with Air and Space Force systems. Commercial markets include aerospace, manufacturing, and defense industries that need data security and configuration management.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount, and you may split it 50/50 across a first and a sequential Phase II. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• You must document that you already completed Phase I type feasibility work. That work must have been substantially performed by your firm or your principal investigator, and it cannot be based on or logically extend from any prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR or STTR work.
• Firms majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are eligible to propose to DAF topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Strong fits include PLM, digital thread, and secure engineering data companies that already handle large CAD and MBD datasets and can show encryption, access control, and Zero Trust patterns working at scale. Pure cybersecurity firms without engineering data experience, or PLM firms without IA depth, should consider teaming.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF SBIR topic DAF27BZ01-DV008?

It is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to modernize Technical Data Packages with stronger information assurance, encrypted configuration management, MBD visualization, and Zero Trust aligned secure data exchange.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested in Volume 5.

What TRL does the topic expect?

The project is anticipated to start around TRL 4 and reach at least TRL 6 by the end of Phase II, with core capabilities validated in a relevant operational environment.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR, and foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.

Can I use prior SBIR work as feasibility?

No. Feasibility documentation cannot be based on or logically extend from any prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR or STTR work.