OSW26BZ05-DV019: Collaborative Distributed Swarm Radar
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Quick Answer
OSW26BZ05-DV019 is a 2026 OSW-Reliance 21 SBIR topic under the DoW SBIR Program funding signal processing methods that combine information from multiple small radar sensors, such as those carried on unmanned aerial systems, to improve collaborative target detection and identification. Phase I offers a base award of $314,363 over 12 months with a 20-page technical volume limit. A Direct to Phase II track is available at $2,095,748 over 24 months. This topic is ITAR/EAR restricted. Proposals are due September 23, 2026 and must be submitted through DSIP.
Overview
A network of radar-equipped UAS or dispersed sensors can act as a collaborative distributed radar team, pooling information to improve detection, tracking, and identification of ground or maritime targets beyond what any single radar in the network could achieve alone. This topic is looking for the sensor swarm geometries, data fusion schemes, and signal processing algorithms that make that teaming approach actually work.
Phase I is modeling and simulation focused. Proposers need to design candidate swarm geometries and fusion schemes, develop the signal processing algorithms, and use M&S to quantify the expected performance improvement of a radar team compared to a single radar operating alone. Deliverables include a feasibility study, system design, algorithm details, and the software implementation, along with any synthetic data generated during the study.
Phase II moves from simulation to hardware, building a prototype swarm of three or more sensors to validate the Phase I signal processing approach against real collected data, and quantifying performance gains for target detection, tracking, and identification relative to a single radar system. Phase II also requires a commercialization analysis based on what is learned during the hardware phase.
The dual-use potential is significant. Distributed radar swarms have clear civilian applications in environmental monitoring, such as fleets of gliders mapping terrain, as well as broader surveillance and emergency response use cases.
This is a strong fit for companies with experience in radar signal processing, sensor fusion, swarm robotics or UAS platforms, and distributed systems architecture. Because this topic touches sensitive radar and networked sensing technology, it is ITAR/EAR restricted, and any proposed use of foreign nationals must be disclosed in detail.
Funding and Timeline
Phase I base award: $314,363 Phase I period of performance: 12 months Phase I technical volume limit: 20 pages Direct to Phase II award: $2,095,748 Direct to Phase II period of performance: 24 months Direct to Phase II technical volume limit: 20 pages Proposal deadline: September 23, 2026 Submission portal: DSIP only, no other submission method is accepted Additional funding available: TABA funding, up to $6,500 for Phase I awardees and up to $50,000 per Phase II project Critical Technology Area: Quantum and Battlefield Information Dominance CMMC level requirement: Level 2 (Self) Export control status: ITAR/EAR restricted
Who Should Apply
Companies with radar signal processing expertise, particularly those who have worked on multi-sensor fusion, swarm coordination, or UAS-mounted sensing payloads, are well positioned for this topic. A credible plan for building a three-plus node hardware testbed by Phase II will strengthen any proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for OSW26BZ05-DV019? The proposal deadline is September 23, 2026. Proposals must be submitted through DSIP before the topic closes.
How much funding is available for Phase I? Phase I offers a base award of up to $314,363 for a 12 month period of performance.
Can a company skip Phase I and apply directly for Phase II? Yes. This topic accepts Direct to Phase II proposals, but only from companies that can document completed proof-of-concept work meeting the Phase I objectives, performed independently of any prior SBIR or STTR federal funding.
How many sensors are needed for the Phase II prototype? Phase II requires a prototype swarm of three or more sensors to test the collaborative signal processing approach in hardware.
Is this topic export controlled? Yes. This topic is restricted under ITAR and EAR. Any proposed use of foreign nationals must be disclosed, including country of origin, visa or work permit type, and specific tasks assigned, and participation may be restricted.
What civilian applications does this technology have? Environmental monitoring, such as glider swarms mapping terrain, along with broader surveillance and emergency response applications.
What does Phase II require besides the hardware demonstration? A commercialization analysis based on what the company learns during Phase II hardware testing, in addition to the signal processing software and collected data.
Is TABA funding available for this topic? Yes. Phase I awardees may request up to $6,500 in TABA funding, and Phase II awardees may request up to $50,000 per Phase II project.
