Long-Range Listening Device - SBIR Topic DON26BZ03-NV054

Funding Amount:

Est. $315,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

Develop and demonstrate a long-range listening device capable of accurately identifying and recording sounds at a distance.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

Counterintelligence and Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) Marines perform intelligence operations in support of Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations, with a focus on the collection of information and identification of threats posed by hostile organizations, espionage, sabotage, subversion, or terrorism. They require organic, portable capabilities to aid in the collection of information for intelligence reporting to decision makers. The capability to surveil sounds from a distance enhances their toolset. While long-range listening devices exist, innovation is required to meet the Marine Corps' portability, range, target area, accuracy, and recording requirements.

This SBIR topic seeks a small device that can accurately identify and record sounds at a distance.

Requirements for the Long-Range Listening Device

- Capable of effectively identifying and recording sounds at a distance of 200m (Threshold), while maintaining a minimal terminal target area of no more than 2 meters (Threshold).

- Capture and deliver sufficient recorded sound quality and target precision (at range) for a human listener to reliably differentiate voice, mechanical noises, and natural sounds such as wind and water.

- Small enough for an individual person to transport (50lbs or less) and set up from transit case to operational within one hour.

- Non-military in appearance (preferred).

- Able to operate by battery power with a minimum continuous recording time of 24 hours.

PHASE I

Design a concept for a long-range listening device that can meet the performance and size constraints listed in the Description. Demonstrate and validate the feasibility of the concept. Prepare a Phase II development plan with performance goals, key technical milestones, and risk reduction approaches.

PHASE II

Produce prototype hardware for a long-range listening device based on the Phase I work and requirements in the Description. Demonstrate and validate prototype performance in a realistic operational environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Though the primary objective is to support the Marine Corps to transition to support CI/HUMINT and force protection operations for the MAGTF. The other military Services and federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Secret Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are likely to adopt this capability for similar long range surveillance operations. State and local law enforcement and private investigators could also employ the capability for surveillance.

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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