DAF STTR DAF27TZ01-DV002: Cyber Resiliency for Fog and Edge Computing Devices

Quick Answer

DAF27TZ01-DV002 is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks on fog and edge computing (FEC) devices and their networks so missions can continue in highly contested environments. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Your feasibility package must include an approach, an architecture, and a prior demonstration of a limited-scope prototype that prevents or mitigates at least one class of attack on an edge node or embedded device and can scale to many nodes with autonomous detection and response.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27TZ01-DV002
• Title: Cyber Resiliency for Fog and Edge Computing Devices
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW STTR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: STTR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 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 Computing and Software
• Keywords: cyber resiliency, cyber security, fog and edge computing, Internet of Things, avionics systems, space systems
• 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

Edge and embedded devices increasingly carry mission functions in avionics and space systems, and they are exposed to supply chain and remote exploit attacks. The Air Force wants protections that scale across large numbers of edge nodes and autonomously detect and respond to attacks.

The Direct to Phase II effort should broaden the classes of threats covered, improve detection and response, and show that FEC devices can fight through a supply chain or remote exploit attack and still accomplish mission objectives.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from prior research, lab validation, commercial development, or operational demonstrations performed outside the SBIR/STTR program. The feasibility study should include the approach, architecture, and the limited-scope prototype demonstration described above.

Phase II expands robustness and threat coverage, improves detection and response, and demonstrates fight-through capability against supply chain or remote exploit attacks.

Phase III targets military and commercial avionics and space systems plus commercial IoT, Internet of Battle Things, and Internet of Space Things markets.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I proposals will be accepted and no Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR/STTR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• This is an STTR topic, so you need a formal partner research institution (a university, FFRDC, or qualifying nonprofit). At least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution, measured by direct and indirect costs. Deviations are not allowed.
• You must document Phase I type feasibility completed outside the SBIR/STTR program, substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

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?

Embedded security, firmware integrity, and runtime attestation companies with a working edge prototype fit this topic. Pair with a university cyber lab to meet the STTR research institution requirement, and check ITAR constraints on your staff.

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 STTR topic DAF27TZ01-DV002?

It is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks on fog and edge computing devices and networks for mission assurance in contested environments.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested.

What feasibility evidence is required?

An approach, an architecture, and a prior demonstration of a limited-scope prototype that prevents or mitigates a single class of cyber attack on an edge node, embedded device, or similar device, with a path to scale and autonomous detection and response.

Do I need a research institution partner?

Yes. As an STTR, at least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR, and foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.