Part of the DoW SBIR/STTR FY27 Release 2 topic list. Browse all 83 topics by industry or service.
Topic DAF27BZ02-NV014 from the DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 2. Pre-release now; proposals due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET.
Quick answer
The Department of the Air Force wants to establish whether Rydberg atomic sensors can serve as a single, SI-traceable measurement standard for radar, EW, communications, and antenna testing from 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz, with the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) named as a key beneficiary and test environment. The topic describes a Phase I feasibility study followed by a Phase II prototype. Proposals are due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET.
Solicitation at a glance
- Topic number: DAF27BZ02-NV014
- Official title: Quantum Sensing Analyzer
- Agency: Department of the Air Force
- Program: SBIR (DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 2)
- Award type: Phase I (see topic text for Phase II)
- Award amount: Up to $300,000. Source: Department of the Air Force Release 2 instructions in DSIP.
- CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
- ITAR: No
- Technology areas: Electronics, Human Systems, Information Systems, Sensors
- Pre-release (direct TPOC contact allowed): November 4 to December 2, 2026, 8:00 AM ET
- Opens in DSIP: December 2, 2026, 8:00 AM ET
- Proposals due: January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET
- Official source: DSIP Topics app (search DAF27BZ02-NV014)
BW&CO's take
What the Department of the Air Force wants
Electromagnetic testing today relies on many specialized instruments, which adds cost and makes accuracy and repeatability hard to maintain across frequencies and inside anechoic chambers. The Air Force wants to test whether Rydberg atom sensors can replace that toolset with one compact, SI-traceable standard covering 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz. Phase I is a feasibility study of sensitivity (targeting sub-microvolt per meter), dynamic range, bandwidth, and BAF integration challenges, delivering a preliminary design and simulated performance data. Phase II builds a prototype and tests it in operationally relevant environments including the BAF, reaching TRL 6. Project objectives also include chamber characterization such as leakage detection, direction finding, near-field measurement, and quiet zone mapping.
Who is a good fit
- Hands-on Rydberg atom electric field sensing work, with data on sensitivity, dynamic range, and bandwidth.
- RF metrology and calibration expertise aimed at SI-traceable field strength measurement.
- Antenna measurement and anechoic chamber characterization experience, such as near-field measurement, reflection mitigation, and quiet zone mapping.
- Familiarity with test workflows for radar, electronic warfare, and communication systems.
Watch-outs
- The study must address the full 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz range and a sub-microvolt per meter sensitivity target, not a single narrow band.
- Phase I must identify integration challenges with existing test facilities, particularly the BAF, and Phase II must integrate into existing DoD testing workflows. A sensor-only proposal with no test facility plan is weaker.
- The topic expects progress from TRL 2 to TRL 6 by the end of Phase II, so the Phase I design should show a credible path to a field-tested prototype.
- The topic lists CMMC Level 2 (Self). It is not marked ITAR.
Think your company fits DAF27BZ02-NV014? Talk with BW&CO before the January 6 deadline.
Plan Your DAF27BZ02-NV014 Submission
Official topic text (verbatim from DSIP)
The text in this section is copied word for word from the official DSIP topic as published on November 4, 2026. DSIP is the official source and topics can be amended. Always confirm the current version at dodsbirsttr.mil before you submit. Our commentary above is BW&CO's interpretation, not Government guidance.
Title
Quantum Sensing Analyzer
Objective
Investigate and validate the feasibility of developing a novel quantum-based sensing technology utilizing Rydberg atomic sensors as an ultra-wideband universal measurement standard for electromagnetic systems. Demonstrate the potential of these sensors in a calibrated and highly sensitive universal measurement standard to enhance radar, electronic warfare, and antenna characterization.
Description
The “Quantum Sensing Analyzer” project aims to address critical limitations in existing electromagnetic measurement technologies by developing a novel quantum-based sensing capability utilizing Rydberg atomic sensors. These sensors, leveraging quantum properties, exhibit extraordinary sensitivity and accuracy over a widespread frequency spectrum ranging from DC to 1 THz, with potential scalability to even broader ranges. This initiative is designed to modernize and standardize test and evaluation processes within the Department of Defense (DoD), particularly benefiting the Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) and its mission to support advanced electromagnetic system testing.
Problem Statement and Opportunity:
Current electromagnetic measurement techniques rely on diverse and complex instruments, which introduce inefficiencies, inconsistencies, and increased costs for the acquisition, testing, and integration of modern radar systems, electronic warfare platforms, communication systems, and antennas. These existing systems also face challenges in maintaining accuracy and repeatability, particularly when evaluating performance across a wide range of radio frequencies or within controlled environments like anechoic chambers.
The introduction of Rydberg sensor technology represents a disruptive opportunity to establish a universal, high-precision, SI-traceable standard for electromagnetic measurements. By adopting a single, compact, and adaptable sensor for diverse measurement tasks—including spectrum analysis, field strength monitoring, and chamber characterization—this capability promises to significantly reduce infrastructure requirements, simplify operational workflows, and enhance confidence in test data accuracy.
Project Objectives:
● Develop and validate a proof-of-concept Rydberg-based quantum sensing system capable of performing highly accurate and repeatable electromagnetic measurements across 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz.
● Demonstrate the ability of the sensor to serve as a universal measurement standard for radar, electronic warfare, communication systems, and antenna evaluation.
● Establish enhanced chamber characterization capabilities, including electromagnetic leakage detection, direction finding, near-field measurement, reflection mitigation, and quiet zone mapping, to improve the testing environment quality.
● Progress the technology readiness level (TRL) from TRL 2 at project initiation to TRL 6 by the conclusion of Phase II.
Required Efforts and Phase Activities:
Phase I:
● Perform a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the applicability of Rydberg atomic sensors as a universal electromagnetic measurement standard.
● Evaluate the sensors’ technical attributes, including sensitivity (targeting sub-microvolt/meter thresholds), dynamic range, and bandwidth.
● Identify potential integration challenges with existing test facilities and systems, particularly those used in the BAF.
● Deliverables: Feasibility study report detailing technical analyses, identified challenges, and potential solutions; preliminary system design for a prototype quantum sensing analyzer.
Phase II:
● Develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a functional prototype of the Rydberg-based quantum sensing system, incorporating key findings from Phase I.
● Conduct extensive testing and validation of the prototype in operationally relevant environments, including the BAF, with emphasis on precision, SI-traceability, and repeatability of electromagnetic measurements.
● Integrate the system into existing DoD testing workflows, showcasing improvements in efficiency, reduced equipment requirements, and testing performance.
● Deliverables: Fully operational prototype, detailed test and evaluation report, system integration plan, and transition strategy for scaling and deployment within the DoD.
Desired Outcome:
The successful development of a Quantum Sensing Analyzer will revolutionize the DoD’s electromagnetic measurement and testing capabilities by delivering a single, universal, quantum-enabled sensing standard. This solution will eliminate the need for multiple specialized instruments, streamline developmental and operational testing, and significantly enhance test accuracy and repeatability. Furthermore, the technology will address critical modernization priorities, such as advancing quantum science and enabling operationally focused Advanced Battle Management Systems (ABMS). This effort aligns with the Air Force’s strategic goals to improve mission readiness, accelerate technology deployment to the warfighter, and invest in cutting-edge testing capabilities that sustain innovation and technical superiority in defense systems.
Phase I
Phase I will assess the feasibility of Rydberg sensors for precise electromagnetic measurements (1.5 MHz–40 GHz). Goals include evaluating sensitivity, bandwidth, and range while addressing DoD test needs. Deliverables: technical feasibility analysis, preliminary design, and simulated performance data to validate the sensors’ potential as a scalable, SI-traceable measurement standard for advanced defense applications.
Phase II
Phase II focuses on developing, integrating, and testing a Rydberg-based quantum sensing prototype for 1.5 MHz–40 GHz electromagnetic measurement. Deliverables include a tested SI-traceable system demonstrating dynamic range, ultra-wideband operation, noise-level performance, operational integration, and resilience to interference. Success is defined by achieving TRL 6, validating accuracy, scalability, and compatibility with DoD testing environments such as BAF, and enabling future operational deployment.
Phase III Dual Use Applications
Phase III will advance the TRL 6 prototype Quantum Sensing Analyzer to TRL 8+ with non-SBIR funding, integrating it for operational assessments at BAF and other DoD labs. The system will support electromagnetic testing (1.5 MHz–40 GHz) for radar, EW, and communication systems. Commercial uses include electromagnetic compliance testing and telecommunications. Transition involves DAF partners, certifications, training, and infrastructure development for deployment.
References
National Quantum Initiative. www.quantum.gov
Air Force Research Laboratory Report (2023). Bottomley, Eric, Popovich, Zoya. “Rydberg-Atom Radio Frequency (RF) Sensors for Direction Finding and Geolocation.” AFRL-RY-WP-TR-2023-0180
The MITRE Corporation (2023). Fancher, Charles T. “Rydberg Atom Electric Field Sensors for Next-Generation Communications and Sensing”. 2023 MSS Tri-Service Radar Symposium.
Homeland Security Systems Engineering & Development Institute, The MITRE Corporations, DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (2024). “Performance of Antenna-base and Rydberg Quantum RF Sensors in the Electrically Small Regime”. K.M. Backes, P.K. Elgae, K.J. LeBlanc, C.T. Fancher, D.H. Mayer, P.D. Kunz, N. Malvania, K.L. Nicolich, J.C. Hill, B.L. Schmittberger Marlow, K.C. Cox. Applied Physics Letters, 125()
Quantum Economic Development Consortium. “Quantum Sensing and National Security: An Assessment of Space and Defense Applications” [Online Resource]. Available at: https://quantumconsortium.org
Christopher L. Holoway, Joshua A. Gordon, Steven Jefferts, Andrew Schwarzkopf, David A. Anderson, Stephanie A. Miller, Nithiwadee Thaicharoen, Georg Raithel. “Broadband Rydberg Atom-Based Electric-Field Probe: From Self-Calibrated Measurements to Sub-Wavelength Imaging”. IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, vol. 62, no.12, 6169-6182, 2014
Institute of Defense Analysis (2017), “Assessment of the Future Economic Impact of Quantum Information Science” [Online Resource]. Available at: https://www.ida.org/research-and-publications/publication/assessment-of-the-future-economic-impact-of-quantum-information-science
U.S. Government Accountability Office (2025), “Science & Tech Spotlight: Quantum Sensors” [Online Resource]. Available at: https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-107876
Technical Report (2017). Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Alan J. Fenn. “Electromagnetics and Antenna Technology, Ch.12”. Contract Number FA8702-15-D-0001
Keywords
quantum sensing; Rydberg atomic sensors; electromagnetic measurements; SI-traceable standards; radar systems; electronic warfare; communication systems; antenna evaluation; field strength monitoring; chamber characterization; anechoic testing.
Frequently asked questions
What is DAF27BZ02-NV014?
The Quantum Sensing Analyzer topic from the Department of the Air Force in the DoW SBIR 2027 BAA. It seeks a Rydberg atomic sensor system that can act as a universal, SI-traceable electromagnetic measurement standard for radar, EW, communications, and antenna evaluation.
When is DAF27BZ02-NV014 due?
Proposals are due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET. DSIP pre-release began November 4, 2026, and direct contact with the topic authors (TPOCs) is allowed only until the topic opens on December 2, 2026, 8:00 AM ET.
Is DAF27BZ02-NV014 Phase I or Direct-to-Phase II?
The topic describes a Phase I feasibility effort (technical feasibility analysis, preliminary design, and simulated performance data) followed by a Phase II prototype that is tested at the BAF and other operationally relevant environments.
What frequency range and sensitivity does the sensor need?
The objective is accurate, repeatable electromagnetic measurement across 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz. Phase I evaluates sensitivity targeting sub-microvolt per meter thresholds, along with dynamic range and bandwidth.