DAF26BZ05-NV026: Automated Lethality

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 Phase I SBIR award of up to $250,000 for companies developing a small footprint software stack that automates target modeling and lethality simulation for embedded weapons applications. This is topic DAF26BZ05-NV026 under the DoW FY26 SBIR BAA Release 5. Proposals are due September 23, 2026 through DSIP.

What This Solicitation Is

This is a standard Phase I SBIR topic, meaning applicants are proposing a feasibility study rather than a mature, already-demonstrated capability. It falls under the Applied Artificial Intelligence critical technology area, touching Trusted AI and Autonomy and Advanced Computing and Software as component priority areas. 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

DAF wants to automate the weaponeering process, which today relies heavily on manual analysis, by building a full software stack that can run on embedded hardware. The stack needs to automate three things: generating target structure models directly from imagery and other visual inputs, calculating probability of kill, and quantifying uncertainty in that calculation.

The target model generation piece is specific. The software should determine structure type, structural layout, and the sizing of structural members from visual input alone, without a human building that model by hand. Once the target structure exists, the software needs to calculate probability of kill and then work out optimal engagement scenarios, all in an automated, fast-running way. The entire stack needs a small enough footprint to be embedded directly in hardware, not run on a server or ground station.

Phase I is meant to prove feasibility on three fronts: automated generation of building structure targets including layout and structural component detail, automated lethality simulation using a small footprint fast-running stack, and a concept for how the full stack would actually be embedded in hardware. Entry TRL for Phase II is expected to be TRL 2, exiting Phase II at TRL 3-4, which tells you this stays fairly early stage even after two phases.

Phase II involves two demonstrations: a laboratory digital environment test using simulated seeker or sensor inputs, followed by hardware-in-the-loop testing where the stack is integrated with an actual weapons seeker to identify deficiencies.

Funding and Timeline

Award maximum is $250,000 with a maximum period of performance of 6 months. Proposals exceeding either figure will not be considered. The technical volume page limit is 20 pages.

DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance funding per Phase I award, on top of the cost proposal total.

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 existing machine learning and computer vision experience, particularly in structural or object detection from imagery, combined with some exposure to weaponeering, ballistics, or lethality modeling. Companies with embedded software or edge deployment experience have an advantage given the small footprint requirement. This is an early TRL effort, so a working prototype is not required at the Phase I stage, but a credible technical approach and relevant prior work in either computer vision or lethality modeling will strengthen a proposal.

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.

Unlike the D2P2 BAA release, small businesses majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds ARE eligible to submit and receive awards under this Phase I BAA release.

Only one principal investigator can be designated per proposal, and their technical resume with publications must be included.

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

What is the proposal deadline?
September 23, 2026, submitted electronically through DSIP.

How much funding is available?
Up to $250,000 for a Phase I award with a maximum period of performance of 6 months, plus up to $6,500 in additional Technical and Business Assistance funding.

What TRL is expected at Phase II exit?
Entry TRL 2, exiting Phase II at TRL 3-4.

Are venture capital or private equity backed companies eligible?
Yes. This Phase I BAA release does not exclude VC, hedge fund, or private equity owned small businesses.

What is the page limit for the technical volume?
20 pages.

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 happens in Phase III?
Phase III focuses on shrinking the software footprint further for embedding in operational weaponeering hardware, expanding to maritime and mobile targets, and integrating with Software Enabled Weapon applications for a full system demonstration against a near-peer target set.