DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV002: Optimally Packaged Assembly for Laser Systems (OPALS)

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV002 (OPALS) is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a ruggedized, compactly packaged optical beam control system for airborne high energy lasers, replacing the flat optical bench approach. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The Phase II prototype targets a government-furnished laser up to about 20 kW, while the concept must scale to an operational system of at least 300 kW.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV002
• Title: Optimally Packaged Assembly for Laser Systems (OPALS)
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 20 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Directed Energy
• Keywords: beam control, high energy laser, opto-mechanical packaging
• 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

Airborne laser systems face vibration, shock, temperature, and pressure swings that degrade conventional optics. A beam control system must sense and correct platform disturbances, acquire and track targets, and compensate for atmospheric and aero-optical effects, all with demanding pointing and line-of-sight stabilization.

This topic is about the internal optical system, not new turrets or outer moldlines. The Government expects designs to perform all functions in its canonical beam control layout (Reference 1 on DSIP) or to justify any deviations, and to prioritize ease of alignment, line replaceable units, beam path conditioning, and non-shedding materials that avoid foreign object damage.

Areas the Government anticipates include ruggedized optical design and materials, robust packaging and assembly, novel vibration-tolerant architectures, advanced thermo-mechanical materials, additive manufacturing and precision micro-assembly, and passive and active athermalization.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops the basic concept for the beam control mounting structure, models initial performance, and estimates size and weight. Expect numerous trade studies and design excursions. Concepts should be as platform agnostic as feasible, and the Government will provide representative vibration spectra.

Phase II develops, integrates, and tests the packaged beam control prototype with a government-furnished laser up to 20 kW in ground and airborne laboratory tests, working with AFRL on interfaces and requirements. AFRL's Airborne Laser System Integration Laboratory may host a demonstration.

Phase III scales the design to a beam control subsystem for a large, operationally relevant aircraft with a transition partner and a laser of at least 300 kW.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Phase I award maximum duration: 6 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 20 pages or slides.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): DAF will provide up to $6,500 per Phase I award, in addition to the topic award amount. The detailed TABA 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.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I research or analytical 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 rather than several variations.

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?

Opto-mechanical engineering firms with space, airborne ISR, or precision instrument packaging experience are the strongest fit. Directed energy component suppliers looking to move up to subsystem level should also take a look.

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-NV002?

DAF27BZ01-NV002, Optimally Packaged Assembly for Laser Systems (OPALS), is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a ruggedized, compact beam control optical system for airborne high energy lasers.

How much funding is available?

Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over up to 6 months. The DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance per Phase I award, in addition to the topic amount.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides for this topic. Pages beyond the limit are not considered.

Does this topic fund new turret designs?

No. The topic focuses on optimizing the packaging and performance of the internal beam control optics, not new outer moldlines or turrets.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, technical questions must go through DSIP Topic Q&A.