High-Gain Directional Low-Frequency Sonobuoy ArrayNAVY - SBIR Topic DON26BZ01-NV006
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This topic was temporarily posted by the Department of War SBIR Program on March 2nd 2026 and removed the following day.
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Funding Amount:
Est. $240,000
Deadline to Apply:
Est. April 29th, 2026.
Objective:
Develop a high-gain, low-frequency vertical line array of vector sensors capable of long-range passive detection and enhanced signal processing, deployable in an A-size form factor.
Description:
To enhance anti-submarine warfare (ASW) detection and directional sensitivity in deep waters, the U.S. Navy requires a high-gain directional, low-frequency.
The objective is to develop a high-gain, low-frequency vertical line array of vector sensors capable of long-range passive detection and enhanced signal processing, deployable in an A-size form factor.
The system will be deployed from Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft, have capability across multiple operational environments, and will utilize the necessarily varied hardware configurations, passive processing, and frequency characteristics to consistently achieve critical ASW metrics.
The sonobuoy must support deep-water tactical operations. Deployment depths up to 1000’ and 8 hours of life is required. The array design will provide 17 dB of gain at the design frequency in a three-dimensional isotropic ambient noise field as a minimum. The maximum saturation level will be 128 dB/µPa at 100 Hz with a total dynamic range of 96 dB. The sensor solution must be low power and fit within an "A" size sonobuoy (4.875-inch diameter x 36-inch length, weight under 40 pounds). Acoustic data sent to the aircraft from each vector sensor shall consist of Omni, Sine, and Cosine data. The communications link must comply with NATO's STANAG 4718. Long term plans include using the array in a persistent sonobuoy.
Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVAIR to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Who will win?
If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any company that meets the following criteria:
For-profit company
U.S.-owned and controlled.
500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)
How Can BW&CO Help?
1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.
2) Proposal strategy and review.
3) Administrative & compliance support.
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