Part of the DoW SBIR/STTR FY27 Release 2 topic list. Browse all 83 topics by industry or service.
Topic MDA27BZ02-DV001 from the DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 2. Pre-release now; proposals due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET.
Quick answer
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) wants infrared interceptor seekers, or seeker components, that cost significantly less than the current state of the art while keeping acceptable performance. This is a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR topic; Phase I-like proposals will be rejected. Proposals are due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET.
Solicitation at a glance
- Topic number: MDA27BZ02-DV001
- Official title: Low Cost Infrared Seeker
- Agency: Missile Defense Agency
- Program: SBIR (DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 2)
- Award type: Direct to Phase II (no Phase I awards)
- CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
- ITAR: Yes. Export-controlled (ITAR/EAR); see topic text
- Technology areas: Electronics, 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 MDA27BZ02-DV001)
BW&CO's take
What the Missile Defense Agency wants
MDA wants to cut the cost of IR interceptor seekers through new materials, advanced or scalable manufacturing, novel COTS integration, or other innovations. Proposals can cover a full seeker (cover, optics, IR sensor with FPA and readout IC, cooling, gimbal, signal processing) or a single component, as long as cost savings are explicitly quantified. A full seeker's production cost should be under $250,000 at threshold and under $150,000 at objective. Proposers must name the relevant threat types and state their integration assumptions. Phase II builds a prototype, validates it in the lab, and demonstrates it in a ground test facility against an IR target source.
Who is a good fit
- An existing IR seeker or seeker component (FPA, readout IC, cooler, optics) with test data showing feasibility
- A clear, quantified cost model tied to high-throughput, repeatable production
- Experience with IR focal plane materials or COTS IR integration for defense applications
- Access to, or a plan for, ground test facilities with IR target sources
Watch-outs
- Direct-to-Phase II only: you must submit feasibility documentation (technical reports, test data, prototype designs) for work substantially performed by your company or PI; Phase I-like proposals are rejected.
- Cost savings must be explicitly quantified; a performance-only proposal does not meet the topic.
- The topic is ITAR-restricted, which generally limits participation by foreign nationals; confirm your team's eligibility before proposing.
- The topic lists CMMC Level 2 (Self). Direct contact with the topic authors is allowed only during pre-release, which ends when the topic opens December 2, 2026, 8:00 AM ET.
Think your company fits MDA27BZ02-DV001? Talk with BW&CO before the January 6 deadline.
Plan Your MDA27BZ02-DV001 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
Low Cost Infrared Seeker
Objective
Provide novel infrared (IR) seeker solutions that significantly reduce costs compared to the state-of-the-art onboard interceptor applications.
Description
Develop a cost-effective IR interceptor seeker through methods such as novel material development, advanced manufacturing and/or scalability, novel commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integration, or other innovations that could reduce costs and maintain acceptable seeker performance. Both full seeker solutions and novel seeker components (focal plane array, readout integrated circuit, cooling system, telescope optics, etc.) are acceptable so long as cost savings are explicitly quantified in the proposal. A "full seeker" solution should include: Cover (if applicable), telescope assembly/ optical system (lenses, mirrors, filters, etc.), the IR sensor (filter, Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) Readout Integrated Circuit, cooling systems (if applicable, etc.), gimbal system (as applicable), signal processing electronics, and the Final seeker production cost should be less than $150,000 for objective cost or less than $250,000 for threshold. Proposed solutions should be amenable to repeatable high throughput production processes. Proposal should include a plan for demonstration of seeker performance in a ground test facility. Additionally, proposers should identify the threat type(s) (ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missile, etc.) that are relevant to the proposed technology, and any assumptions made concerning the technology or its integration into the missile defense system should be explicitly referenced.
Phase I
Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. For this topic, the Government expects the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-like effort via some other means, e.g., independent research and development (IRAD) or other source, a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic capabilities of the stated objective above. Proposal must show, as appropriate, a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. The documentation provided must substantiate the proposer’s development of a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal in meeting topic objectives.
Documentation should comprise all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Feasibility = maturity and what have you already done/validated.
Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their responses to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met.
(i.e., the small business must have performed a proof of concept like “Phase I” component and/or other validation in a relevant environment, and/or at a much higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level (5 or higher) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology in previous work or research completed.)
IRAD work: Documentation should include the most relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and/or performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the proposer and/or the principal investigator (PI).
Phase II
Develop a prototype low-cost IR seeker or integrated seeker component(s). Provide design specifications including size, power, weight, field of view, etc. during development. Validate concept performance in laboratory environment. Demonstrate prototype seeker performance in a ground test facility at relevant environments using an IR target source. Planning for a flight demonstration is desired, but not a requirement.
Phase III Dual Use Applications
These low-cost IR seeker technologies could be utilized in the commercial infrared camera industry.
References
https://aerospacedefenserd.com/modular-low-cost-cruise-missiles/
Adrienne D. Stiff-Roberts, IEEE, “Quantum dot infrared photodetectors: Advantages, challenges, and future research directions”
S. Abdollahi Pour; E. K. Huang; “High operating temperature midwave infrared photodiodes and focal plane arrays based on type-II InAs/GaSb superlattices” Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 143501 (2011)
Keywords
Infrared; seeker; low cost; interceptor
Frequently asked questions
What is MDA27BZ02-DV001?
It is a Missile Defense Agency SBIR topic in the DoW SBIR 2027 BAA seeking novel infrared seeker solutions, either full seekers or seeker components, that significantly reduce cost compared to state-of-the-art interceptor seekers.
When is MDA27BZ02-DV001 due?
Proposals are due January 6, 2027, 12:00 PM ET. Pre-release began November 4, 2026, and direct contact with the topic authors is allowed only until the topic opens on December 2, 2026, 8:00 AM ET.
Is this a Phase I or Direct-to-Phase II topic?
Direct-to-Phase II. The topic states that Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected. You must document Phase I-equivalent feasibility from prior work, such as IRAD, a proof of concept, or validation in a relevant environment or at TRL 5 or higher.
What cost target does a full seeker need to meet?
The final seeker production cost should be less than $250,000 at threshold and less than $150,000 at objective. Component-only proposals are also acceptable as long as cost savings are explicitly quantified.