OSW26BZ05-DV020: Joint Radar & Communication Waveforms
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Quick Answer
OSW26BZ05-DV020 is a 2026 OSW-Reliance 21 SBIR topic under the DoW SBIR Program funding dual-functional radar communication techniques that embed information directly into radar waveforms, reducing or removing the need for a separate communications datalink. 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
Radar sensing and communications conventionally require separate hardware on surveillance platforms, which adds complexity, weight, and latency. This topic is looking for waveform diversity or modulated pulse techniques, sometimes called Dual-functional Radar Communication (DFRC), that encode arbitrary communication data directly into the radar pulse itself rather than sending it over a dedicated communications link.
Phase I calls for developing chirp or phase-modulated encoding schemes that embed additional information into a radar pulse, then validating through simulation or lab testbeds that a receiver can decode that embedded data while still correctly processing the radar return itself, with minimal degradation to radar signal processing performance. Phase II moves this into hardware, implementing the encoding and decoding scheme on a prototype radar and running real hardware tests to evaluate bit error rate against radar performance and study real-time operation requirements.
The commercial angle is meaningful here. Similar techniques could support civilian networks, such as embedding vehicle ID or geolocation into automotive radar pulses, or adding redundancy to automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems used by the FAA.
This is a strong fit for companies with expertise in radar waveform design, RF communications, signal processing, or dual-function sensing systems. Because this topic touches sensitive radar and communications technology, it is ITAR/EAR restricted, and any proposed use of foreign nationals must be disclosed in detail, including country of origin, visa type, and specific tasks.
Companies pursuing Direct to Phase II must document completed proof-of-concept work meeting the Phase I objectives, performed independently of any prior federally funded SBIR or STTR Phase I effort.
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 waveform design experience, RF and communications engineering backgrounds, or prior work on dual-function radar communication systems should take a close look here. A credible plan for hardware validation by Phase II strengthens the proposal significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for OSW26BZ05-DV020? 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.
What is Dual-functional Radar Communication? It is an approach where communication data is encoded directly into a radar's transmitted waveform, such as through chirp or phase modulation, rather than sent over a separate communications link.
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? Embedding vehicle ID or geolocation data into automotive radar pulses, and adding redundancy to automatic dependent surveillance broadcast systems used in aviation.
What does Phase I need to demonstrate? That embedded communication data can be recovered from a radar pulse with minimal impact on the radar's own signal processing performance, validated through simulation or lab testbeds.
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.
