DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV004: Long Rod Delivery System

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV004 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a launching system that fires high length-to-diameter (long rod) projectiles at 1,400 m/s to more than 2,300 m/s with controlled orientation and no structural damage, to improve Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) data. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Phase I is a feasibility study comparing launch technologies such as advanced light-gas, hybrid electromagnetic, and pneumatic approaches.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV004
• Title: Long Rod Delivery System
• 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: Advanced Materials; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: missile fragments, projectile, LFT&E, survivability
• 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

There is currently no reliable way to control the flight of a long rod projectile so it consistently reaches a target location at a specific orientation. That gap degrades LFT&E fidelity, compromises survivability assessments of aircraft, and adds acquisition risk and cost.

The Air Force wants a non-destructive, high-precision launcher that delivers long rods at controlled angle of attack to support vulnerability assessments and engineering designs for current and next generation combat aircraft.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I evaluates alternative launch technologies against the requirement to launch high L/D projectiles from 1,400 m/s to above 2,300 m/s without structural degradation, develops a conceptual design, models internal ballistics, acceleration, and exit velocity, and identifies risks and mitigations.

Phase II builds and tests a sub-scale or full-scale prototype, runs live-fire demonstrations with inert long rods, and uses diagnostics such as flash X-ray and high-speed imaging to verify integrity, pitch, and yaw at muzzle exit, then validates the system for LFT&E use such as ballistic limit testing.

Phase III transitions the launcher to Army, Navy, and Air Force LFT&E ranges and pursues dual-use markets including materials science, spacecraft micrometeoroid shielding, and hypervelocity impact research.

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?

Ballistics, light-gas gun, and electromagnetic launcher specialists are the core audience, along with test range engineering firms. University hypervelocity labs can be strong partners even on an SBIR.

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-NV004?

DAF27BZ01-NV004, Long Rod Delivery System, is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a precise, non-destructive launcher for high length-to-diameter projectiles used in live fire test and evaluation.

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.

What velocity range must the launcher reach?

The Phase I study evaluates launching high L/D projectiles from 1,400 m/s to more than 2,300 m/s without structural degradation.

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.