Software Defined Radio for Link Diversity - STTR Topic MDA26TZ04-NV004

Funding Amount:

Phase I - $314,000

Deadline to Apply:

August 19th, 2026

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 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.

Objective:

Design and develop an agile software defined radio (SDR) system capable of supporting multi-band communications with advanced frequency management for interceptor platforms.

Description:

This topic seeks to design and develop an SDR featuring multi-band operation, advanced frequency management, and enhanced processing capabilities.

The program desires to create drop-in, or near drop-in replacements of existing radio systems to enhance communication capabilities of interceptors across S, X, and Ka bands.

The radio must feature independent RF chains capable of rapid frequency hopping, adaptive frequency selection based on signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and make-before-break handover mechanisms.

The system shall incorporate temperature-controlled crystal oscillation for precise timing and demonstrate the ability to continuously sense, rank order, and schedule frequencies within specified bands.

The radio must be survivable against the austere environments of interceptor flight while maintaining simultaneous communications with ground and space assets.

Specific communication bands and performance metrics will be provided after award.

PHASE I:

Phase I aims to establish and validate a Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture that fulfills the operational requirements outlined in this description, with demonstrations conducted in a controlled laboratory environment (Technology Readiness Level 4).

The proposed solution must demonstrate technical feasibility while laying the groundwork for miniaturization and commercialization.

Through rigorous testing and systematic evaluation, the Phase I effort will focus on proving core functionalities and critical performance parameters of the SDR system.

To achieve these objectives, the SDR demonstration must successfully address the following key technical elements:

• Multiple independent RF chains capable of simultaneous operation through functional hardware implementation, including practical demonstration of chain isolation and interference mitigation.

• Measurements of link quality after frequency hopping e.g., bit error rate, signal quality, and recovery time.

• Quantification of in-band retune times and band-to-band hopping times with demonstrated make-before-break capabilities.

• Demonstrated frequency management and handover mechanism.

• Validated temperature-controlled oscillator performance.

• Demonstrated paths to a MIL-STD-1553 or similar bus interface.

PHASE II:

Phase II efforts will focus on implementing the proven radio architecture into a form factor compatible with existing interceptor radio dimensions.

This phase emphasizes the integration of all RF chain components, timing elements, and processing hardware into a single, survivable package while maintaining or improving upon Phase I performance metrics.

The prototype must demonstrate the ability to fully exploit the multi-band capabilities of advanced antenna systems while operating in representative environments.

Particular emphasis should be placed on the radio's ability to maintain reliable communications through intelligent frequency management across all available bands during simulated contested operations.

Primary objectives include:

• Integration of all RF chains and supporting hardware into a single enclosure matching existing interceptor radio dimensions.

• Demonstration of survivability under MIL-STD vibration PSDs and temperature limits (e.g., MIL-STD-810).

• Reduction of retune and band hop times by at least half from those achieved in Phase I.

• Implementation and demonstration of continuous sensing, frequency rank ordering, and scheduling.

• Achievement of sensitivity and noise figure requirements (to be provided upon award).

• Demonstrate the ability to engage in encrypted communications using publicly available, NIST-approved encryption schemes while maintaining frequency agility (e.g., FIPS-validated algorithms).

The Phase II effort must deliver functional radio hardware, complete design documentation, and comprehensive test results validating all requirements listed above.

Test results should include characterization of frequency agility, encryption performance, link quality measurements, and environmental test data.

All demonstrations must be performed in a relevant ground test environment.

Phase II deliverables shall include evidence that TRL 5 has been achieved and analysis showing commercial viability of the technology.

NOTE TO OFFERORS:

Due to the nature of this technology and its potential integration with existing interceptor systems, Phase II efforts may require transition to a classified environment.

Offerors must address in their initial proposal their ability to execute classified work, either through their own Facility Clearance Level (FCL) or through established relationships with cleared facilities capable of supporting classified efforts under DD-254 requirements.

Failure to demonstrate a viable path for classified execution may impact further consideration.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS:

Phase III efforts will focus on achieving operational requirements within an existing interceptor radio form factor and demonstrating flightworthiness through testing on a representative vehicle.

The radio must demonstrate full multi-band capability with advanced frequency management, make-before-break handover, and integration with military encryption standards.

Commercial applications of this technology include satellite communications systems, commercial aviation, and other platforms requiring secure, reliable communications across multiple bands.

Additional reduction in SWaP while maintaining or enhancing performance across all communication bands is encouraged.

The small business is expected to obtain funding from non-SBIR government and private sector sources to transition the technology into viable commercial products.

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.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below: