DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV006: High Speed, Low Temperature Hyperspectral Imager for High Enthalpy Ground Testing

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV006 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a hyperspectral imager that resolves surface temperature and emissivity of test articles at high speed and low temperature in AEDC high enthalpy ground test facilities. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Threshold specs are 0 to 1500 F (2000 F objective), 4000 Hz (5000 Hz objective), a pixel footprint of 0.1 inch or less (0.05 inch objective), and accuracy of plus or minus 10 F (5 F objective).

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV006
• Title: High Speed, Low Temperature Hyperspectral Imager for High Enthalpy Ground Testing
• 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: 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 Materials; Hypersonics; Nuclear
• Keywords: temperature measurement, emissivity, hyperspectral imager, high enthalpy ground testing, hypersonics, materials
• 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

AEDC needs a high-speed, low-temperature measurement capability that overlaps with its existing higher-temperature instruments, so material response can be tracked across the full test range.

Threshold and objective requirements

• Temperature range: 0 to 1500 F threshold, 2000 F objective.
• Sampling rate: 4000 Hz threshold, 5000 Hz objective.
• Pixel footprint: 0.1 inch or less threshold, 0.05 inch objective.
• Accuracy: plus or minus 10 F threshold, plus or minus 5 F objective.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I compiles feasibility research on a low-temperature, high sampling rate hyperspectral imager against the threshold requirements and delivers a feasibility report describing a benchtop proof of concept that will guide Phase II fabrication.

Phase II fabricates a well-defined prototype that meets the objectives and can become operationally viable.

Phase III deploys the hyperspectral imager.

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?

Infrared and hyperspectral camera developers, thermography specialists, and photonics firms with fast detector readout experience are the best fit. Note the ITAR restriction when planning your team.

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-NV006?

DAF27BZ01-NV006 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a high-speed, low-temperature hyperspectral imager to measure surface temperature and emissivity in high enthalpy ground testing.

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.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR. You must disclose any proposed foreign nationals, and their participation may be restricted.

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.