DAF26BZ05-NV028: Ultra-Sensitive Quantum Telemetry Receiver

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 investigating quantum sensing technology, specifically Rydberg atomic sensors, to build an ultra-sensitive telemetry receiver that outperforms classical receivers by orders of magnitude. This is topic DAF26BZ05-NV028 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. It falls under the Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance critical technology area, spanning Trusted AI and Autonomy, Quantum Science, and Integrated Network System-of-Systems as component priority areas. It carries a projected CMMC Level 2 (Self) requirement. This topic description does not carry the standard ITAR/EAR restriction language found on other topics in this release, though applicants should confirm export control applicability given the quantum sensing and DoD telemetry application space.

What DAF Is Looking For

FCC spectrum auctioning to private cellular carriers has squeezed the frequency bands available for DoD telemetry, particularly within the Major Range Test and Facility Base infrastructure. Classical telemetry receivers are limited in bandwidth, sensitivity, and adaptability to shifting spectrum availability. DAF wants to explore whether quantum sensing, specifically Rydberg atomic sensors, can leapfrog those limitations given their extreme sensitivity and intrinsic wide-band frequency operation that does not depend on traditional licensed bands.

The desired end state, several phases out, is a validated prototype quantum telemetry receiver that beats classical systems on signal-to-noise ratio, operational bandwidth, and environmental adaptability, ultimately reducing dependence on costly leased spectrum and integrating with the Advanced Battle Management System and Joint All-Domain Command and Control architecture.

Phase I starts at TRL 2, meaning a technology concept has been formulated but not yet validated, and Phase I work is exploratory: defining key performance parameters around sensitivity, bandwidth, noise mitigation, and signal fidelity, evaluating candidate quantum component technologies like Rydberg sensors, building models and simulations to predict performance in contested electromagnetic environments, and running initial lab experiments to benchmark against classical systems. Minimum Phase I deliverables are a technical report, a performance comparison against baseline classical telemetry, and a preliminary design concept scalable toward Phase II prototyping.

Phase II moves to fabricating an actual prototype receiver, validation testing in high-congestion and broadband scenarios, and integration into an ABMS-compatible architecture, targeting TRL 6 by the end of Phase II, meaning a system or subsystem prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment.

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 quantum sensing research, particularly Rydberg atom-based sensing, or strong RF and telemetry engineering backgrounds looking to bring a quantum angle to a defense telemetry problem. Given the TRL 2 starting point, this is genuinely early-stage research, so a company with a credible quantum physics research team and some prior modeling or lab bench work in atomic sensing will be far more competitive than one starting from a purely conceptual position.

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.

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).

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 this starting from and targeting?
TRL 2 at Phase I start, targeting TRL 6 by the end of Phase II.

What specific quantum sensor technology does DAF want explored?
Rydberg atomic sensors are specifically named as the primary technology of interest.

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.

How does this connect to other Air Force modernization priorities?
The end goal aligns with Advanced Battle Management System integration and the Joint All-Domain Command and Control architecture.

What happens in Phase III?
Phase III focuses on turning the prototype into a practical, cost-effective commercial product, integrating with existing secure communication channels, and establishing manufacturing and certification infrastructure.