DOE DE-FOA-0003634: Advancing Oil and Natural Gas Production and Delivery ($81.9M NOFO)

Quick Answer

The U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office (HGEO) issued Notice of Funding Opportunity DE-FOA-0003634, "Advancing Oil and Natural Gas Production and Delivery," on July 22, 2026. The opportunity makes up to $81,875,000 available ($65,500,000 in federal funding plus a required 20% cost share) across four topic areas addressing natural gas flaring reduction, sour gas treatment, infrastructure resilience, and AI-enabled digital transformation of upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. Applications are due September 22, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. ET, submitted through DOE's NETL eXCHANGE portal. The NOFO uses cooperative agreements or Other Transaction Agreements and may remain open for up to 72 months with annual review cycles.

What Is DE-FOA-0003634?

‍ ‍

DE-FOA-0003634 is a Financial Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity issued by DOE's Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, Division of Transport and Storage. It funds research, development, and field validation of technologies that improve the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of the U.S. oil and natural gas supply chain, spanning extraction through processing, transport, and delivery.

‍ ‍

The program specifically targets three long-standing problems in the sector: natural gas that is flared or vented instead of captured, aging infrastructure prone to corrosion and unplanned downtime, and slow adoption of digital technologies such as AI, machine learning, digital twins, IoT, and edge computing in upstream and midstream operations.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for DE-FOA-0003634?

Eligible applicants are domestic entities, including:

‍ ‍

• Institutions of higher education

• For-profit organizations

• Nonprofit organizations

• State and local government entities

• Indian Tribes, as defined under 25 U.S.C. § 5304

‍ ‍

To qualify, an entity must be organized or incorporated under U.S. or state law, be majority domestically owned and controlled, and maintain a physical place of business in the United States.

‍ ‍

Important eligibility limitations:

‍ ‍

• DOE and non-DOE Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may participate only as subrecipients, not as the prime recipient, and FFRDC effort cannot exceed 20% of total project cost.

• The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is not eligible as a recipient or subrecipient. Including NETL in either role makes an application non-responsive.

• Foreign entities are generally ineligible but may apply with an approved written waiver.

• All project work must be performed in the United States unless a waiver is granted.

• Entities debarred or suspended from federal programs, those on the OFAC Specially Designated Nationals list, and 501(c)(4) nonprofits that lobbied after 1995 are ineligible.

• Entities of Concern are prohibited from participating.

‍ ‍

Applicants may submit more than one application, provided each describes a scientifically distinct project.

‍ ‍

How Much Funding Is Available, by Topic Area?

‍ ‍

DOE structured DE-FOA-0003634 around four topic areas, each with its own funding pool, award size, and project period.

‍ ‍

Topic Area 1a: Laboratory Validation of Catalysts and Unit Operations

‍ ‍

• Federal funding available: $7,500,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 5

• Typical award size: $1,500,000 federal (plus 20% cost share)

• Project period: approximately 24 months

• Starting TRL: 3 | Ending TRL: 5

‍ ‍

Topic Area 1b: Field Validation of Full System Prototypes

‍ ‍

• Federal funding available: $18,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 3

• Typical award size: $6,000,000 federal

• Project period: approximately 48 months

• Starting TRL: 5 | Ending TRL: 7

• Requires a letter of intent from an industry partner providing field site access, and a project team member committed to commercialization

‍ ‍

Topic Area 2: Resilient Infrastructure Technologies Enhancement (RITE)

‍ ‍

• Federal funding available: $12,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 4

• Typical award size: $3,000,000 federal

• Project period: approximately 48 months

• Starting TRL: 5 | Ending TRL: 7

• Also requires an industry field-site letter of intent and a commercialization-focused team member

‍ ‍

Topic Area 3: Hydrocarbon Infrastructure Test Sites (HITS)

‍ ‍

• Federal funding available: $28,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 4

• Typical award size: $7,000,000 federal

• Project period: approximately 60 months

• Requires a defined physical field test site and an industry letter of intent providing site access

‍ ‍

All topic areas require a minimum 20% cost share from nonfederal sources.

‍ ‍

What Technologies Is DOE Looking to Fund?

‍ ‍

Topic Area 1: Enhanced Resource Utilization and Production Technologies (ERUPT)

‍ ‍

This topic area targets the roughly $15 billion in natural gas value lost to flaring and venting over the past decade, along with stranded sour gas and stranded natural gas liquids (NGLs). DOE is interested in:

‍ ‍

• AI- and quantum-scale simulation-driven catalyst and reactor design to convert associated gas and NGLs into valuable products

• Modular, low-cost sour gas treatment systems capable of handling hydrogen sulfide (H2S) concentrations found across the Permian Basin, where more than 85% of gas contains some H2S and over 40% contains up to 10,000 ppm

• Novel separation technologies and chemical pathways that improve the economics of NGL recovery

• Sub-topic 1a covers laboratory-to-prototype-scale validation (TRL 3 to 5); sub-topic 1b covers field validation of full system prototypes (TRL 5 to 7) and requires an industry field-testing partner

‍ ‍

Topic Area 2: Resilient Infrastructure Technologies Enhancement (RITE)

‍ ‍

This topic area addresses the roughly $875 million in annual product losses and $1.37 billion in annual corrosion-related costs facing U.S. oil and gas infrastructure. Areas of interest include:

‍ ‍

• High-efficiency engines and compressors, including retrofit solutions, targeting a 10% increase in compressor performance and 25% increase in engine thermal efficiency

• AI/ML-driven, digital-twin-enabled real-time optimization of legacy compressor and engine performance, targeting a 20% reduction in maintenance costs

• Corrosion- and friction-resistant materials such as advanced coatings, composites, and alloys, targeting a 2 to 3% increase in pipeline deliverability

• Requires field testing and an industry partner letter of intent

‍ ‍

Topic Area 3: Hydrocarbon Infrastructure Test Sites (HITS)

‍ ‍

Modeled on the successful Hydraulic Fracture Test Sites (HFTS) program, HITS funds the establishment of physical field test sites, at existing operator assets, university facilities, private consortium facilities, national labs, or public-private partnerships, where applicants validate:

‍ ‍

• Digital twin development for surface production, processing, and transportation assets

• Predictive analytics for anomaly detection, remaining useful life prediction, and production forecasting

• Edge computing and cybersecurity for the edge-to-cloud continuum

• Autonomous and robotic inspection and maintenance systems

‍ ‍

Target outcomes include a 10 to 20% increase in hydrocarbon throughput, a 20% reduction in pipeline and facility downtime, and a 15% reduction in operating costs. Applications must include both a defined physical test site and an industry letter of intent providing site access.

‍ ‍

What Are DOE's Expected Performance Outcomes for This Program?

‍ ‍

DOE has set specific, quantifiable targets applicants should address in their technical volumes:

‍ ‍

• Increase natural gas utilization to 80% by 2035

• Reduce annual flaring losses by approximately $1.5 billion

• Unlock production from an estimated 7,500 remaining wells in the eastern Delaware Basin currently limited by sour gas

• Reduce sour gas treatment costs by more than 20%

• Increase U.S. natural gas delivery system efficiency from 92% to 94% by 2030

• Increase pipeline deliverability by 2 to 3%

• Reduce operational disruptions and maintenance costs by at least 20%

• Increase saleable hydrocarbon throughput by 10 to 20% and reduce OPEX by 15% or more through digital and physical optimization

‍ ‍

What Applications Will DOE Not Consider?

‍ ‍

DOE will not review applications that:

‍ ‍

• Fall outside the technical scope defined in the Topic Areas

• Rely on approaches inconsistent with established scientific principles

• Fail to articulate impact on U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, domestic manufacturing, or job creation

• Lack cost share commitment letters at submission

• Propose technologies that are already commercially mature and widely deployed without demonstrating a genuine advancement

• Propose chemical conversion to fuels such as gasoline or diesel (Topic Area 1)

• Propose traditional, centralized amine treatment or cryogenic NGL recovery without a novel, modular, or cost-reducing angle (Topic Area 1)

• Focus solely on sensor hardware without system-level integration (Topic Areas 2 and 3)

• Fall outside the specified beginning or ending TRL range for the topic area

• Omit a required industry letter of intent for field site access (Topic Areas 1b, 2, and 3)

What Does an Application Require?

Applications are submitted as a single phase through NETL eXCHANGE. Core components include:

• Technical Volume (20-page limit): covers project objectives, Buy America/Buy America (BABA) applicability, discussion of each technical review criterion, relevance and expected outcomes, participant roles, facilities, and equipment

• Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO): 8-page limit, Word format

• Project Management Plan (PMP): 8-page limit

• SF-424 and SF-424A: standard federal assistance and budget forms

• Budget Justification Workbook and, if applicable, Subrecipient Budget Justification

• Letters of Commitment/Intent: 1 page each, required for Topic Areas 1b, 2, and 3 to demonstrate field site access

• Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support for every Covered Individual, produced via SciENcv, consistent with NSPM-33 disclosure requirements

• Impacted Indian Tribes Documentation, where applicable

• Locations of Work, Environmental Questionnaire, Summary for Public Release, and Summary Slide

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least 48 hours before the deadline. DOE does not extend deadlines for server or connectivity issues.

How Will DOE Evaluate Applications?

Applications are scored against three weighted technical review criteria:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit, 45%: technical soundness, degree of advancement over baseline technologies, and alignment with topic area performance targets

2. Technical Approach and Understanding, 25%: quality of the Statement of Project Objectives, completeness of the Project Management Plan, and financial viability of the proposed budget

3. Technical and Management Capabilities, 30%: organizational structure, relevant corporate experience, key personnel qualifications, and adequacy of facilities and field sites

DOE may also weigh other selection factors, including technological diversity relative to its existing portfolio, industry involvement and commercialization potential, domestic manufacturing and job creation impact, and geographic distribution of upstream and midstream assets.

Why This Matters for Deep-Tech and Energy Innovators

DE-FOA-0003634 is one of the larger non-dilutive funding opportunities currently open for hydrocarbon-adjacent technology developers, and it explicitly rewards teams that pair strong science with a credible path to commercialization. Every topic area beyond 1a requires DOE's Technology Maturation Plan, Techno-Economic Analysis, and Adoption Readiness Level framework, meaning applicants need to show DOE not just that a technology works, but that it can be adopted and scaled by small and mid-size operators.

For companies working in catalysis, separations, sour gas treatment, corrosion-resistant materials, industrial AI/ML, digital twins, or autonomous field robotics, this NOFO represents a substantial, multi-year funding pathway, with the caveat that Topic Areas 1b, 2, and 3 all require a committed industry partner willing to provide field site access before an application can even be considered responsive.

Need Help With Your DE-FOA-0003634 Application?

BW&CO Consulting helps deep-tech, energy, and infrastructure companies secure non-dilutive federal funding through programs like this one. If your team is evaluating a Topic Area 1, 2, or 3 submission, including securing an industry field-site partner or building out your Technology Maturation Plan, contact BW&CO to discuss fit and strategy before the September 22, 2026 deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DE-FOA-0003634? DE-FOA-0003634 is a DOE Notice of Funding Opportunity titled "Advancing Oil and Natural Gas Production and Delivery," issued by the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office to fund technologies that improve efficiency, reliability, and digital transformation across the U.S. oil and gas supply chain.

How much funding is available under DE-FOA-0003634? Up to $81,875,000 total, made up of $65,500,000 in federal funding and $16,375,000 in required cost share, spread across four topic areas.

When is the DE-FOA-0003634 application deadline? Applications are due September 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, submitted through DOE's NETL eXCHANGE portal.

Who can apply for DE-FOA-0003634? Domestic institutions of higher education, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, and Indian Tribes. FFRDCs may only participate as subrecipients, and NETL is barred from participating in any role.

Is cost share required? Yes. A minimum 20% cost share of total project costs is required from nonfederal sources, and applications without a cost share commitment letter at submission will not be reviewed.

Does this NOFO require an industry partner? Yes, for Topic Areas 1b, 2, and 3. Each requires a letter of intent from an industry partner providing access to a field test site, and a project team member committed to pursuing commercialization.

When will DOE announce selections and make awards? DOE anticipates notifying selected applicants by December 11, 2026, with an anticipated award date of March 1, 2027.

Chain Reaction Innovations 2027 Cohort: DOE-Funded Entrepreneurship Program at Argonne National Laboratory

Quick Answer

Chain Reaction Innovations (CRI) is a Department of Energy entrepreneurship program at Argonne National Laboratory that embeds individual innovators in physical science and energy technology fields for up to two years. Selected innovators receive a personal stipend, travel allowance, and health benefits through an ORISE fellowship, along with lab space, technical collaboration, and structured mentorship at Argonne. The program is open to individuals, not companies, and applicants must have at least five years of technology R&D experience and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Applications are submitted through the CRI online portal at chainreaction.anl.gov.

What Is Chain Reaction Innovations?

Chain Reaction Innovations was created at Argonne National Laboratory to accelerate the applied research, development, and deployment of physical science-based technologies, including materials and manufacturing innovations, capable of transforming the nation's energy systems. The program addresses a specific gap in the innovation pipeline: early-stage technologies that are too scientifically or technically uncertain for venture capital funding, but that hold significant potential for energy and manufacturing impact.

Rather than funding a company or research proposal directly, CRI funds the innovator. The program embeds selected entrepreneurial researchers within Argonne National Laboratory, pairing them with scientific and technical mentorship, unique R&D assets, and national laboratory expertise. The goal is to help innovators move their technology from proof-of-concept to proof-of-product within a defined period, while simultaneously developing the entrepreneurial skills needed to commercialize it.

CRI is a Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP), a DOE Office of Technology Transitions initiative that places entrepreneurs inside national laboratories. Argonne is currently recruiting its 2027 cohort through this solicitation.

Program Benefits

Selected innovators may receive up to 24 months of program resources, subject to performance reviews and availability of funding. Benefits include:

A personal stipend, travel allowance, and health benefits through an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship for up to 24 months

Lab space and technical collaboration support from Argonne National Laboratory for up to 24 months

Structured Chain Reaction Innovations programming and mentorship

Participation is governed by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Argonne and the innovator's company. Either party may terminate the CRADA with sixty days written notice. All benefits are contingent on funding availability, negotiation of a mutually agreeable scope of work, innovator performance, DOE selection and site access approval, and CRADA approval by DOE, including any required reviews under DOE O 142.3 (Unclassified Foreign National Access Program) and DOE P 485.1 (Foreign Engagements with DOE National Laboratories).

At the end of the first year, innovators undergo a midpoint review to confirm their performance and progress meet the minimum criteria to continue into the second year of the CRADA period.

Program Structure: Two Budget Periods

Scope and Planning Phase (Budget Period 1): Typically lasting less than six months, this phase involves paper-based analysis such as market studies, refinement of the research scope alongside Argonne personnel, and a survey of the intellectual property landscape surrounding the innovator's technology. During this phase, innovators must develop an Intellectual Property (IP) Management Plan, which requires approval from the DOE Technology Manager with concurrence from DOE Patent Counsel before the project can proceed. Innovators must obtain a license or option to license any necessary background IP no later than the one-year review, or risk termination from the program. In some cases, this phase may be shortened or skipped entirely.

Research and Development Phase (Budget Period 2): Once the Scope and Planning phase is complete, or deemed unnecessary, the R&D phase proceeds subject to DOE approval. This is the core technical development period of the CRADA.

Who Is Eligible

Eligibility for the CRI 2027 cohort is specific and individual-based:

Applicants apply as individuals, not as companies or organizations, although a CRADA will ultimately be established between Argonne and the selected innovator's company

Technical leads must have a minimum of five years of technology R&D experience

Technical leads must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident at the time of initial application submission

The proposed work must have the potential for broad impact aligned with DOE's mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States

Only individuals may apply; incorporated entities may not apply, though applicants may have an incorporated entity associated with their work

Innovators who have raised more than $2 million in private-sector equity at the time of application are not eligible

Current Argonne National Laboratory employees are not eligible to participate while directly employed by the Laboratory; Argonne employees may apply but must take Entrepreneurial Leave or terminate their employment with the Laboratory to participate if selected

What CRI Looks For: Selection Criteria

Argonne evaluates applicants across three core dimensions:

Project Leader. Reviewers look for outcome-oriented, entrepreneurial technical innovators capable of building a foundational technology vision and leading a team. Ideal candidates demonstrate technical strength (detailed knowledge and conceptual depth), outcome orientation (systems-level thinking, risk evaluation, commercial awareness), and personal excellence (drive, resourcefulness, communication skills, integrity, and adaptability).

Project Concept. While concepts may evolve over the course of the program, the initial idea should be technically sound, reasonably differentiated, and framed around a well-defined problem with significant long-term impact potential. Reviewers assess economic impact potential, technical merit and differentiation, business idea maturity (market research, IP position, understanding of barriers to entry and incumbents), and CRI fit, meaning how much the program's support would change the innovator's timeline or probability of success.

Technology Fit. Proposed innovations must align with the technology mission space of the CRI program sponsors. Additional detail is available through the DOE Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP) website and the Chain Reaction Innovations application page.

All applicants are reviewed by Argonne National Laboratory and must ultimately be selected by a Federal Official from the Department of Energy.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following through the CRI online portal at chainreaction.anl.gov:

1. Innovator narrative: Background on the applicant and their project, including the origin of the idea, current status of the technology and team, and the applicant's motivation and qualifications

2. Innovator's vision: A description of the technology concept, with commentary on its potential impact on U.S. energy and manufacturing competitiveness

3. Why Chain Reaction Innovations: An explanation of what attracts the applicant to the program specifically, why CRI is the ideal home for the project compared to alternative paths, and which Argonne people or facilities would be most valuable to the work

4. Business idea: A description of how the applicant envisions commercializing the technology, including target market, customers, potential suppliers and distributors, relevant intellectual property status, barriers to entry, and market incumbents

5. Argonne affiliation disclosure: A statement identifying any affiliation with Argonne National Laboratory, UChicago Argonne LLC, or the University of Chicago, or confirmation that no affiliation exists

6. Optional additional materials: Anything else the applicant chooses to include

7. One-page resume for the innovator

8. Technical deck: A five-page high-level overview of the proposed innovation's technical components

Intellectual Property Considerations

Argonne makes no claim to any background intellectual property an innovator brings into the program. Under the CRADA, selected innovators may copyright and publish materials developed during the program, subject to national security considerations and a royalty-free license retained by the government. Innovators generally retain principal worldwide patent rights to inventions they develop under the CRADA, subject to a reserved government use license and the limitations set out in 37 CFR 401.

For inventions developed by Argonne itself under the CRADA, the innovator does not own the invention but receives an option for up to an exclusive license for the term of the CRADA plus six months.

Every participant is required to establish an IP Management Plan that sets clear, mutual expectations for handling both background IP and any IP developed during the program.

Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Notes

Work conducted through CRI must comply with Argonne's Prime Contract and its conflict of interest policies. Innovators affiliated with Argonne, UChicago Argonne LLC, or the University of Chicago are subject to an organizational conflict of interest management plan.

Applicants should also be aware that the CRI application review involves independent advisors external to Argonne and DOE, and that CRI finals and related events are open to the public. No proprietary information should be included in any application, since submitted information is treated as non-proprietary and not subject to any obligation of disclosure.

How BW&CO Consulting Can Help

Navigating a program like Chain Reaction Innovations involves more than a strong technology story. It requires positioning an individual innovator's narrative, business case, and technical deck to meet DOE's mission alignment criteria, structuring an IP Management Plan that will satisfy DOE Patent Counsel, and understanding how a CRADA fits alongside other non-dilutive funding sources like SBIR and STTR. BW&CO Consulting helps deep-tech and energy technology innovators build application materials that speak the language federal reviewers are looking for, and helps applicants understand how a lab-embedded entrepreneurship award like CRI can complement a broader federal funding strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chain Reaction Innovations a grant to my company? No. Innovators apply as individuals, not as companies or organizations. Once selected, Argonne establishes a CRADA with the innovator's company, but the initial application and eligibility criteria apply to the individual.

Can I apply if I already have a company? Yes. Individuals with an incorporated entity may apply, but the incorporated entity itself cannot be the applicant. However, innovators who have raised more than $2 million in private-sector equity at the time of application are not eligible.

How much funding does CRI provide? CRI does not provide a lump-sum grant. Instead, selected innovators receive up to 24 months of an ORISE fellowship stipend, travel allowance, and health benefits, plus Argonne lab space, technical collaboration, and mentorship, contingent on funding availability and performance.

Can current Argonne employees apply? Yes, but they cannot participate while directly employed by Argonne. Selected Argonne employees must take Entrepreneurial Leave or terminate their employment with the Laboratory to participate in the program.

What happens after the first year? Innovators undergo a midpoint review at the end of year one to confirm their progress meets the minimum criteria required to continue into the second year of the CRADA period.

Who owns the intellectual property I develop at Argonne? Innovators generally retain principal worldwide patent rights to inventions they personally develop under the CRADA, subject to a reserved government use license. If Argonne itself develops an invention under the CRADA, the innovator instead receives an option for up to an exclusive license for the CRADA term plus six months.

Where do I apply? Applications are submitted through the online portal at chainreaction.anl.gov.

DOE Genesis Mission | SBIR/STTR Phase I Funding Opportunity

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Quick Answer:

DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization, working through ConnectWerx, is opening the first Phase I SBIR/STTR opportunity under its new Genesis Mission umbrella. The opportunity targets four AI-driven topic areas: biotechnology, quantum computing, materials design, and autonomous laboratories. DOE intends to make approximately 40 awards totaling $10,000,000, representing up to $44,000,000 in cumulative funding across the projects' full lifecycles. Unlike a standard SBIR proposal, this program requires a short Pitch application first; only companies invited after Pitch review can submit a full application.

Pitch applications are due September 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.

What Topics Does This Opportunity Cover?

Four topic areas are open under this Genesis Mission Phase I opportunity:

• Scaling the Biotechnology Revolution — AI tools for biomolecular design, genotype-phenotype relationships, predictive microbiome engineering, and accelerated bioreactor design and biomanufacturing.

• Realizing Quantum Systems for Discovery — AI for qubit decoherence characterization, quantum error correction, quantum processing unit control, resource estimation, and hybrid classical-quantum-AI workflow management.

• Designing Materials with Predictable Functionality — AI frameworks enabling inverse design, where materials are engineered from the start to meet specific property requirements.

• Achieving AI-Driven Autonomous Laboratories — AI integrated directly into experimental workflows, including advanced robotics, remote handling, diagnostics, and neuromorphic computing circuit primitives.

What Is the Pitch-First Process?

All applicants must first submit a short Pitch application before gaining access to the full application. Only Pitch applications selected in review are invited to submit a full proposal. The Pitch consists of four open-text questions, each with strict word-count limits, plus an optional bibliography. DOE recommends drafting responses outside the application portal before pasting them in.

How Is a Pitch Evaluated?

Pitch applications are scored across four equally weighted areas:

• Summary, Topic, and Mission Alignment — fit with the chosen topic and DOE's mission priorities.

• Technical Promise — significance of the problem, novelty of the approach, and feasibility within the proposed timeline and budget.

• Commercialization Potential — value proposition, competitive landscape, and go-to-market strategy including supply chain and sales channels.

• Team Qualifications — relevant company experience, strength of partnerships, and a credible plan for follow-on funding.

Beyond reviewer scores, the DOE Selection Official retains discretion to weigh additional program policy factors in final funding decisions.

[Complimentary Assessment]

What Is the Funding Amount and Timeline?

DOE intends to make approximately 40 awards from a combined $10,000,000 Phase I budget, representing up to $44,000,000 in potential cumulative funding across Phase I, Phase II, Phase II.2, and Strategic Breakthrough Awards over each project's lifecycle. Selection for award negotiations is not a funding commitment; DOE may cancel negotiations at any point before an award is issued. Later-phase awards depend on milestone performance and future funding availability.

What Is the Application Timeline?

• July 22, 2026 — Opportunity announced; Acquisition Management Portal (AMP) access requests open.

• Mid-August 2026 — AMP applications open; two virtual Office Hours sessions with DOE and ConnectWerx.

• September 10, 2026, 2:00 PM ET — Pitch application deadline. Late submissions are not accepted, though submitted Pitches can be updated up to the deadline.

How Do I Submit a Pitch?

Pitches are submitted through the Acquisition Management Portal (AMP). Applicants download the Pitch Development Guide, answer four questions within the specified word limits, optionally attach a bibliography, and submit through AMP. All files must be print-ready PDFs under 5MB, without passwords, and free of special characters in filenames.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility follows standard SBIR/STTR Phase I requirements. Applicants should confirm specific criteria on DOE's eligibility page before applying.

Key Dates

Pitch due date: September 10, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

Anticipated AMP access requests open: July 22, 2026

Office Hours sessions: Mid-August 2026

How Can BW&CO Help With a Genesis Mission Pitch?

This will be a competitive opportunity. Our “Back Door” approach will help you understand what DOE is really looking for and how to frame your project to give you a competitive edge.

Contact BW&CO Consulting to discuss DOE Genesis Mission SBIR/STTR Phase I eligibility and Pitch strategy.

NASA ROSES | C.4 Planetary Science Enabling Facilities

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Quick Answer:

NASA's Planetary Science Enabling Facilities (PSEF) program element, amended July 21, 2026, funds experimental and analytical research facilities that support the planetary science community. This is a new addition to ROSES-2025, previously listed as not solicited for the year. Proposals are due November 10, 2026, and unlike prior PSEF cycles, no Step-1 submission or Notice of Intent is required this year. Proposals will be evaluated for the first time under NASA's dual-anonymous peer review process. The program expects to fund about 2 to 8 new awards from an annual budget of roughly 5 million dollars, with awards running up to 4 years.

What Is a Planetary Science Enabling Facility?

NASA defines a Planetary Science Enabling Facility as a combination of equipment, instrumentation, infrastructure, and staff, typically supporting complex or challenging experiments or measurements, that is not otherwise widely available to the research community. Facilities must enable or enhance research funded under Solar System Science, Interdisciplinary Consortia for Astrobiology Research, the Exoplanets Research Program, or the Planetary Science Internal Scientist Funding Model.

What Types of Facilities Can Be Proposed?

Eligible facilities must be dedicated to one or more of four activities: characterization of chemical, isotopic, or physical properties of materials; experimentation on materials under defined environmental conditions; synthesis of new materials under defined conditions; or sample preparation, which must also pair with one of the other three activities. Proposed activities can include acquiring instruments or equipment, supporting technicians and operational personnel, developing new laboratory instruments or analytical methods and standards, and supporting instrument maintenance.

What Is Excluded From This Program?

PSEF does not fund scientific research itself, reference dataset acquisition, development of new flight instruments, facilities primarily supporting mission development rather than fundamental research, computing facilities, astronomical or observing facilities, data archiving facilities, laboratory construction and outfitting, or sample curation and repository facilities.

What Priorities Does NASA Emphasize This Year?

Three priority areas are specifically emphasized for ROSES-2025: facilities enhancing lunar science in the Artemis era, with particular encouragement for proposals pushing technology limits such as quantum sensors, artificial intelligence, integrated systems, parallel sensing, robotics and automation, and cold or cryogenic analysis capabilities; facilities enhancing Mars science aligned with Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group goals; and facilities enhancing astrobiology and planetary protection research, including bioburden detection, terrestrial microbe classification, and contaminant transport studies.

Who Is Eligible?

Proposals are welcomed from all research institutions, including emerging research institutions, institutions that have rarely or never received Planetary Science Division funding, and Primarily Undergraduate Institutions and Community Colleges. Institution type may be considered as a programmatic factor in selection. Institutions may participate as proposing organizations, sub-awardees, or unfunded partners.

How Are Proposals Structured and Formatted?

This year's PSEF uses a single-step submission process with one deadline, replacing the two-step process used in PSEF22 and PSEF24. The anonymized Science/Technical/Management section is capped at 13 pages total, made up of Technical Capabilities (up to 12 pages), Anticipated Userbase (up to 1 page), and an optional Facility-Relevant Training Opportunities section (up to 2 pages). Proposals requesting equipment or instrumentation over 50,000 dollars must include a descope plan showing how the facility would operate without that equipment if it is not funded. An anonymized Open Science and Data Management Plan of up to 2 pages and an anonymized Table of Work Effort are also required, followed by references with no page limit.

What Goes in the Non-Anonymized Expertise and Resources Document?

A separate Expertise and Resources document includes a Facility Management Plan of up to 2 pages covering user access priority, access procedures, costs, and safety practices; a non-anonymized Table of Personnel and Work Effort; Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending Support in SciENcv format for all PIs and Co-Is spending 10 percent or more time on the project; facilities and equipment descriptions; and, if applicable, a High-End Computing request.

Is Research Security Training Required?

Yes. Any PI or Co-I dedicating 10 percent or more time to a proposed award must certify completion of research security training, satisfied by either the four NSF Research Security Training modules or the SECURE Center's condensed equivalent, effective August 5, 2026.

How Are Proposals Evaluated?

NASA evaluates PSEF proposals on three criteria: scientific and technical merit of the proposed facility, including the Open Science and Data Management Plan, appropriateness of equipment and staff, facility uniqueness, and expected volume of use; relevance to Planetary Science Division research priorities; and cost reasonableness, covering both proposed work effort and other direct costs such as supplies, equipment, travel, and anticipated tariff costs. The Facility Management Plan is also assessed for whether it ensures adequate community access and sound user request procedures. Cost sharing is not required or scored but may be a tiebreaker between proposals of otherwise equal merit.

What Is the Funding Amount and Timeline?

NASA expects to fund approximately 2 to 8 new awards from an annual budget of about 5 million dollars. There is no explicit cap on individual award size. Awards run up to 4 years, with funding expected to begin about 9 months after the proposal due date.

How Do I Submit a Proposal?

Proposals are submitted electronically through NSPIRES at nspires.nasaprs.com. No hard copies are accepted. Applicants who need to submit through Grants.gov must request access at least 30 days before the due date from the point of contact below, copying sara@nasa.gov. The Grants.gov funding opportunity number is NNH25ZDA001N-PSEF.

Key Dates

Proposal due date: November 10, 2026 No Step-1 or Notice of Intent required this year Anticipated funding start: approximately 9 months after the proposal due date

Program Contact

Michael Lienhard Email: HQ-PSEF@mail.nasa.gov

How Can BW&CO Help With a PSEF Proposal?

BW&CO Consulting helps research teams position competitive facility proposals for ROSES, including dual-anonymous peer review compliance, facility scope and userbase justification, cost reasonableness narrative, and NSPIRES submission logistics, so applicants can meet the November 10, 2026 deadline with a complete, evaluation-ready package.

Contact BW&CO Consulting to discuss NASA ROSES C.4 Planetary Science Enabling Facilities eligibility and proposal strategy.

NASA ROSES A.14: Atmosphere Research Program

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Quick Answer:

NASA's Atmosphere program element (A.14) is a new addition to ROSES-2025, amended July 20, 2026, that funds data analysis and modeling of NASA-supported airborne campaign data to advance understanding of atmospheric composition, air quality, and weather dynamics. Proposals must use NASA airborne campaign data as a required foundation, with satellite and ground-based data allowed only as a complement, not a substitute. A mandatory Notice of Intent is due August 20, 2026, and full proposals are due October 20, 2026. Proposals not preceded by an on-time NOI will be declined without review.

Program Background

In late 2025, NASA's Earth System Science Research Program replaced its prior six Focus Areas with six new Earth science research spheres: Atmosphere, Biosphere, Cryosphere, Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Enabling Capabilities. NASA now plans to issue an annual ROSES funding opportunity for each sphere, with specific themes changing year to year. The Atmosphere sphere absorbed several prior programs, including the Upper Atmosphere Research Program, Tropospheric Composition Program, Radiation Science Program, Atmospheric Composition Modeling and Analysis Program, and elements of the former Weather and Atmospheric Dynamics Focus Area.

What Science Questions Does This Program Address?

The Atmosphere program funds research that improves process-level understanding of phenomena not yet sufficiently observed or modeled, organized around four questions: how atmospheric composition is changing, how composition and solar radiation influence the Earth system, how composition and Earth system changes affect air quality, and how dynamic and thermodynamic structures tied to weather events evolve across spatial and temporal scales. Relevant science includes stratospheric ozone recovery and UV radiation impacts, tropospheric ozone and trace gas evolution, aerosol and cloud lifecycle effects on the radiation budget, and atmospheric dynamics tied to air quality.

What Data Must Proposals Use?

Use of NASA-supported sub-orbital (airborne) campaign data is mandatory. Proposals relying primarily on space-based remote sensing without airborne campaign data will be deemed unresponsive and returned without review. Preference goes to proposals that also pair airborne data with satellite remote sensing, ground-based observations, or modeling, and to proposals that draw on multiple field campaigns together. Illustrative airborne campaigns include ACCLIP, ACTIVATE, AEROMMA/STAQS, APMAC, ARCSIX, ASIA-AQ, ATom, CAMP2Ex, CPEX-AW, CPEX-CV, DCOTTS, IMPACTS, MAGEQ, MOOSE, PACE-PAX, SCOAPE, TRACER-AQ, and WHy2MSIE/APEX. Proposals tied to future campaigns such as NURTURE or EVS-4, or focused primarily on algorithm and model development without campaign data, are not solicited and will be returned without review.

What Are the Five Sub-Elements?

Proposers must select one primary sub-element for review panel assignment: Aerosols, Clouds, and Radiative Forcing; Tropospheric Composition and Dynamics; Upper Tropospheric and Stratospheric Composition and Dynamics; Atmospheric Physics, which is narrowed specifically to studies using NASA remote sensing assets targeting the planetary boundary layer; and Cross-Cutting Research, for proposals spanning multiple Atmosphere sub-elements or reaching into other Earth science spheres, provided atmospheric science remains the main focus.

Who Is Eligible?

The program follows standard ROSES eligibility. NASA center researchers already funded through the Internal Scientist Funding Model for matching work should not submit a proposal for that same activity, though they may participate as unfunded collaborators with program scientist approval. Federal agencies other than NASA cannot receive funding through this element but may participate as unfunded collaborators. Non-U.S. organizations may participate on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, with their portion of work funded through other sources.

What Are the Proposal Format Requirements?

The Science/Technical/Management section is limited to 10 pages. The anonymized technical proposal includes the S/T/M section, an anonymized Table of Work Effort, and references, all prepared for dual-anonymous peer review with numerical in-text reference callouts. A separate, non-anonymized Expertise and Resources document contains personnel details, biographical sketches and Current and Pending Support in SciENcv format, letters of support, facilities and equipment descriptions, and the Open Science and Data Management Plan, capped at two pages. A separately uploaded, unredacted Total Budget file is also required, along with an optional High-End Computing request.

What Is Dual-Anonymous Peer Review?

All proposals go through NASA's dual-anonymous peer review process, meaning proposers do not know reviewer identities and reviewers do not know proposer identities during evaluation. Proposals that violate anonymization or formatting rules may have material redacted or be returned without review; violations discovered later can result in a proposal being declined after review.

Is Research Security Training Required?

Effective August 5, 2026, any PI or Co-I dedicating 10 percent or more time to a proposed award must certify completion of research security training, satisfied by either the four NSF Research Security Training modules or the SECURE Center's condensed equivalent.

How Are Proposals Evaluated?

NASA divides the expected annual budget across the five sub-element panels before review begins, so proposals in different sub-elements do not compete against each other for the same funds. Each proposal is independently scored by three reviewers before the panel meeting, and proposals scoring below a general adjectival rating of Good may be triaged and not discussed in the full panel session, though written summaries are still prepared.

What Is the Funding Amount and Timeline?

NASA expects to fund approximately 30 to 50 new awards from an annual budget of about 8 million dollars, split across the five sub-elements after proposals are submitted. Awards run up to 3 years, with an anticipated investigation start about 6 months after the proposal due date.

How Do I Submit a Proposal?

Proposals are submitted electronically through NSPIRES at nspires.nasaprs.com. No hard copies are accepted. Applicants who need to submit through Grants.gov must request access at least 30 days before the due date from the points of contact listed in the solicitation, copying sara@nasa.gov. The Grants.gov funding opportunity number is NNH25ZDA001N-ATMOS.

Key Dates

Mandatory Notice of Intent: August 20, 2026 Proposal due date: October 20, 2026 Anticipated investigation start: approximately 6 months after the proposal due date

Program Contacts

Ken Jucks, Sphere Lead, kenneth.w.jucks@nasa.gov Emma Knowland, k.e.knowland@nasa.gov Will McCarty, will.mccarty@nasa.gov Ed Nowottnick, edward.p.nowottnick@nasa.gov John Sullivan, john.t.sullivan@nasa.gov

How Can BW&CO Help With an Atmosphere Proposal?

BW&CO Consulting helps research teams position competitive ROSES proposals, including anonymization compliance for dual-anonymous peer review, sub-element selection strategy, technical narrative development, and NSPIRES submission logistics, so applicants can meet the August 20, 2026 NOI deadline and October 20, 2026 proposal deadline with a complete, evaluation-ready package.

Contact BW&CO Consulting to discuss NASA ROSES A.14 Atmosphere eligibility and proposal strategy.

NASA SBIR/STTR Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP), Program Year 2026

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The NASA Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP) is a post-Phase II opportunity that matches private or non-SBIR government investment with additional SBIR/STTR program funds to accelerate a technology's transition to commercial or mission use. Eligible small businesses must have a completed, ongoing, or sequential NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II award and must secure an external investor willing to co-fund the maturation effort. NASA matches investor funds dollar-for-dollar, up to $2.5 million in SBIR/STTR funds against $2.5 million in outside investment, for a total award of up to $5 million.

Applications close August 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

This is a matching-funds pilot program requiring a secured external investor, a Letter of Commitment, and a 30-page technical application submitted through ProSAMS.

How much funding would I receive?

NASA matches SBIR/STTR program funds between $500,000 and $2.5 million per award, matched 1:1 by external investment, for a combined award of up to $5 million.

Eligibility Pathways (must meet one):

A completed NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II award (issued from NASA solicitations in approximately the last 10 years) with the Phase II period of performance complete by August 19, 2026

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II-E options resulting from Phase I awards starting in Program Year 2014 or later, regardless of when their period of performance ends

An ongoing or completed NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II Sequential award

Investor Requirement:

Must secure one or more investors external to the SBIR/STTR program (a company, VC firm, individual investor, or non-SBIR government program)

Owners, family members, and affiliates of the small business do not qualify as external investors

A signed Letter of Commitment from each investor is required at application, with matching funds transferred within 45 calendar days of selection notification

Other Key Requirements:

Small business must have 500 or fewer employees, combined with affiliates

Businesses majority-owned by multiple VC firms, hedge funds, or private equity firms are not eligible

Principal Investigator must be primarily employed by the small business; co-PIs are not allowed

NAICS code must be 541713 or 541715 at time of award

Active SAM.gov registration required at submission and award

Are there any additional benefits I would receive? Yes, non-dilutive and strategic benefits include:

Equity-free matching funds to accelerate commercialization beyond Phase II

Access to NASA's Technology Available (TAV) patent and software portfolio for use in the project

Optional participation in the NSF I-Corps™ program, with up to $30,000 in additional support

External validation of commercial potential through a qualified third-party investor

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding? Application deadline: August 19, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, submitted via ProSAMS

Anticipated period of performance: 24 months (may not exceed 30 months)

Investor funds must be transferred within 45 calendar days of selection notification; NASA does not accept investments obligated more than 60 days (non-government) or 90 days (federal/state government) prior to selection notification

No formal timeline for award and disbursement is specified in the solicitation beyond the negotiation process following selection

Where does this funding come from?

NASA SBIR/STTR Program, matched with funds from an external, non-SBIR/STTR investor

Applications processed by the NASA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office (NASA Ames) with contracting through the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC)

Who is eligible to apply?

U.S.-based small business concerns with a qualifying NASA Phase II history, as described above

Must register with the SBA Company Registry and SAM.gov, and submit via ProSAMS at https://prosams.nasa.gov/

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Applications are evaluated across four factors:

Scientific/Technical Merit and Feasibility — originality and feasibility of the proposed R&D, plus a review of prior Phase II results and objectives met

Experience, Qualifications, and Facilities — technical capability of the PI, key personnel, and any subcontractors, plus adequacy of instrumentation and facilities

Effectiveness of the Proposed Work Plan — comprehensiveness of the maturation strategy, schedule, resource allocation, and path beyond CCRPP toward NASA mission infusion

Commercial Potential and Feasibility — market segmentation, competitive landscape, commercialization plan, IP protection strategy, and prior commercialization track record

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

CCRPP funds may only be used to build on the firm's Phase II work; duplicative or unrelated effort is not eligible

Firms may not have already received a CCRPP or equivalent award (e.g., Commercialization Readiness Program) for the same Phase II technology

Subcontracting, including consultants, may not exceed 50 percent of the research effort

Technical application is capped at 30 pages, 1-inch margins, 10-point type minimum

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires a 30-page technical application (Customer Objectives, Additional Commercialization Information, and Implementation Approach), a detailed budget covering both SBIR/STTR and investor funds, a Briefing Chart, and a signed Letter of Commitment from each investor. Firms without an already-committed investor should expect the investor search and commitment process to be the longest lead item.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

Identifying and vetting appropriate external investors and structuring compliant Letters of Commitment

Translating your Phase II results into a Commercialization Plan aligned to the four-factor evaluation rubric

Building a credible budget and maturation schedule that satisfies NASA's matching-fund timing rules

Positioning past performance and IP strategy for NASA evaluators

Review solicitation here.

NASA ROSES A.13: Accelerating Earth Solutions (AES)

Quick Answer

NASA's Accelerating Earth Solutions (AES) program element is a newly amended addition to ROSES-2025 that consolidates what were previously separate program elements, including agriculture, disaster resilience, natural resources, health and air quality, water resources, wildland fire, energy systems, and resilient infrastructure, into a single, broader solicitation. The program seeks to accelerate the use of Earth-observing satellite data in real-world decision-making by funding work across three distinct tracks: Needs and Opportunities, Solutions Development, and Scaling Impact.

Selection priority is given to proposals that align with US resilience, resources, economic growth, health, and security; that increase the use of AI and machine learning; that cross boundaries between Earth Action thematic areas; that translate basic research or remote sensing advances into deployable solutions; and that draw on data from NASA's Earth observing missions, particularly NISAR, PACE, and SWOT, including combined approaches that pair NASA data with commercial satellite data available under the CSDA program.

Three Funding Sub-Elements

1. Needs and Opportunities (up to 1 year)

Supports early-stage engagement with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial decision-makers to identify needs, build partnerships, and co-design solution concepts so that NASA Earth data can be meaningfully integrated into decision-making frameworks. Required activities include understanding societal decision-making challenges, identifying relevant end-user organizations, assessing end-user needs and data practices, evaluating end-user capacity to adopt new solutions, and determining feasibility and viability of potential solution concepts. Deliverables include a project/engagement plan, a midpoint report, communications materials, and a final report identifying opportunities for integrating NASA Earth data into future solutions.

2. Solutions Development (up to 3 years)

Focused on co-developing, validating, and transitioning solutions into operational deployment within an end-user's decision-making workflow. Applicants must have already identified users and conceptualized a solution determined to be desirable, feasible, and viable. At least one end-user representative with direct decision-making authority must be a formal member of the project team. Continuation beyond Year 1 depends on quarterly progress reports and an annual report demonstrating assessed end-user needs and expected outputs from models, applications, or decision support tools.

3. Scaling Impact (up to 2 years)

Aimed at expanding existing NASA Earth observation decision-support capabilities, either horizontally (reaching more users) or vertically (new tools or new observations), building on existing operational systems whether or not previously NASA-funded. Proposers with prior NASA Applied Sciences or Earth Action funding must document the achieved impact of that prior work and show how it informs the proposed scaling effort. As with Solutions Development, at least one end-user representative with decision-making authority must be on the project team, and continuation beyond Year 1 depends on quarterly and annual reporting demonstrating end-user needs assessment, how existing capabilities inform the scaling effort, and expected outputs.

Proposers may submit multiple proposals but each individual proposal may address only one sub-element, and multiple proposals within the same sub-element must be differentiated by distinct topics, goals, or objectives.

Scope of Solicited Work

Proposed work must primarily benefit the United States, focusing on US states, territories, and tribal lands, or demonstrating direct benefit to national priorities. Eligible thematic areas include agriculture, disasters, natural resources, health and air quality, water, wildland fire, energy, and infrastructure, with cross-cutting challenges especially encouraged. Examples cited in the solicitation include wind damage risk assessments, agricultural pest and nutrient stress management (including screwworm and armyworm), early warning systems for infectious and vector-borne disease, integrated terrestrial and coastal water monitoring, conservation and hunting/fishing community support, urban and rural infrastructure resilience, and improved real-time multi-sensor Earth observability.

Eligibility

Open to US institutions of all types, including academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, non-profits, and private sector for-profit entities. Non-traditional and cross-sector partners are explicitly welcomed. Work that relies on proprietary data or methods that will not be publicly disseminated is ineligible for this element and should instead be directed to ROSES element A.10 (INNOVATE). Federal agencies other than NASA are not eligible for funding under this element, though government personnel may participate as unfunded collaborators. Non-US organizations may participate on a no-exchange-of-funds basis, with their portion of the work funded through other sources.

Proposal Format and Page Limits

The Science/Technical/Management (S/T/M) section is limited to 10 pages, excluding references and the Table of Work Effort. All proposals must describe alignment with the Scope of Solicited Work and the Earth Science to Action (ES2A) strategy. Needs and Opportunities proposals must describe the user engagement and co-design strategy and the potential for improving decision-making. Solutions Development and Scaling Impact proposals must additionally describe current and expected decision-making methods, the end-user's authority to act on project results, at least one supporting NASA Earth observation or model, methodology rationale (including AI/ML use where applicable), anticipated impact, and a transition plan. Scaling Impact proposals must also describe existing decision-support capabilities and the demonstrated impact of prior solutions.

Dual-Anonymous Peer Review

All proposals will be evaluated under NASA's dual-anonymous peer review (DAPR) process, meaning proposers do not know reviewer identities and reviewers do not learn proposer identities until after evaluation. The anonymized proposal document may name the end-user organization but not the individual Co-I representing it. Required anonymized components include the S/T/M section (with numerically formatted reference callouts), references, an anonymized Table of Personnel and Work Effort, and a redacted budget and budget narrative. A separate, non-anonymized "Expertise and Resources Not Anonymized" document must be uploaded containing team member roles and affiliations, a non-anonymized Table of Personnel and Work Effort, biographical sketches and Current and Pending Support in SciENcv format, letters of support, and facilities/equipment descriptions. The Open Science and Data Management Plan (2 pages) must also be anonymized. Total Budget must be uploaded separately and unredacted. Proposals that fail to follow anonymization or formatting requirements may be returned without review.

Research Security Training Requirement

Effective August 5, 2026, all PIs and any Co-Is dedicating 10% or more of their time to a proposed award must certify completion of research security training, satisfied by either the four NSF Research Security Training modules or the SECURE Center's condensed equivalent.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals are evaluated on Intrinsic Merit, Relevance, and Cost. Relevance evaluation considers alignment with the program's priority topics, the Scope of Solicited Work, and the ES2A strategy, along with the scalability and substance of the proposed decision-making impact. For Needs and Opportunities, Intrinsic Merit considers the quality of the user engagement and needs assessment strategy and its potential for lasting impact. For Solutions Development and Scaling Impact, Intrinsic Merit considers the likelihood of substantive, scalable impact; the quality of the co-development and adoption strategy; clarity around the end-user's decision-making authority and process; innovation and technical feasibility; and the quality of the transition plan into user operations. Cost evaluation includes the quality of the management plan and project timeline.

What are the formatting and page limits?

Technical proposals are capped at 15 pages (graphs, charts, and tables may run up to 10 additional oversized pages), submitted as unclassified PDFs in 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins. The mandatory cover page and signed Representation and Certification (Attachment 0002) are excluded from the page count, as are supplementary appendices.

Data and Publication Policy

All useful data, software, and peer-reviewed publications resulting from funded work must be made publicly available by the end of the award period of performance, consistent with NASA's Science Information Policy. The program also seeks science conducted per Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, meaning work that is reproducible, transparent, communicative of error and uncertainty, collaborative, interdisciplinary, skeptical of its own findings, structured for falsifiability, and treats negative results as valid outcomes.

Pre-Proposal Teleconference

NASA will hold an optional pre-proposal teleconference on Monday, August 31, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM Eastern Time, on a first-to-dial-in basis with no advance reservation required. The session will be hosted by program officer Dr. Erin Urquhart. Connection details:

Submission Logistics

Proposals must be submitted electronically through NSPIRES at https://nspires.nasaprs.com. No hard copies are permitted. Applicants who need to submit via Grants.gov must request access at least 30 days before the due date from the main point of contact, with a copy to sara@nasa.gov. The Grants.gov funding opportunity number is NNH25ZDA001N-AES.

Additional Resources

Contact our team for the PDF solicitation.

U.S. SBA’s Office of Investment and Innovation - Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program - SBA-OIIGA-26-001

Quick Answer

The Supply Chain Acceleration and Logistics Enablement (SCALE) Program is a new FY 2026 grant opportunity from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Investment and Innovation. SCALE funds organizations that deliver accelerator programming, technical assistance, and industry engagement to help small businesses overcome supply chain barriers in strategically important industries.

Funding Opportunity Number: SBA-OIIGA-26-001

How Much Funding Is Available Through SCALE?

SBA has allocated $9,000,000 in total FY 2026 funding under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. SBA expects to make approximately 20 awards, each up to $500,000, over a 24-month period of performance. Awards begin September 30, 2026.

When Is the SCALE Program Deadline?

The application window opened July 7, 2026 and closes August 7, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. Late submissions are rejected without evaluation, and Grants.gov registration alone can take one to two weeks, so organizations should begin the process immediately.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for SCALE Funding?

Eligible applicants are public or private entities, for-profit organizations, nonprofits, or institutions that plan to deliver accelerator programming, technical assistance, or industry engagement supporting small businesses in one of six priority supply chains:

• Advanced Manufacturing

• Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Supply Chains

• Defense Industrial Base Technologies and Components

• Energy, Critical Materials, and Industrial Inputs

• Food Supply and Agricultural Systems

• Transportation, Logistics, and Industrial Infrastructure

Each applicant may submit only one proposal. Organizations must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) through SAM.gov to register on Grants.gov and receive an award.

Who Is Ineligible for the SCALE Program?

Applications are automatically rejected without evaluation if the organization:

• Owes an unresolved financial obligation to the federal government

• Is currently suspended or debarred from federal awards

• Has an unresolved Single Audit Act deficiency within the past three years

• Filed for bankruptcy within the past five years

• Proposes to act as a pass-through entity

• Was convicted of a federal felony, or had an officer or agent convicted, within the preceding two years

What Does a SCALE Proposal Need to Include?

A complete SCALE application consists of five parts:

1. Cover Letter (1 page)

2. Technical Approach and Organizational Qualifications (5 pages each, single-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman)

3. Attachments and Exhibits, including resumes, consulting agreements, and an organizational chart

4. Budget Information, including SF-424, SF-424A, a Budget Detail Worksheet, Budget Narrative, Cost Policy Statement, and Indirect Cost Statement

5. Certification Forms and Assurances, including a recent A-133 audit or financial statements

How Are SCALE Applications Scored?

Applications are evaluated on a 100-point scale:

• Technical Approach: 80 points total, covering Supply Chain Challenge and Opportunity (20 points), Small Business Support Programming (45 points), and Key Milestones and Outcomes (15 points)

• Organizational Qualifications: 20 points total, covering Organizational Mission and Long-Term Viability (4 points), Project Team and Management Approach (4 points), Data Collection and Performance Management (4 points), and Relevant Experience and Past Performance (8 points)

SBA sets a minimum acceptable score before evaluation begins and also considers overall portfolio balance, meaning a high-scoring proposal can still be passed over if it duplicates the industry focus of another selected applicant. Per Executive Order 14332, SBA gives preference to organizations with lower indirect costs when all else is equal.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO Consulting helps deep-tech, biotech, medtech, healthtech, and defense-adjacent organizations position competitive federal funding applications, including complex multi-part submissions like SCALE. Our team supports technical narrative development, budget structuring, partnership alignment, and Grants.gov submission logistics so applicants can meet the August 7, 2026 deadline with a complete, evaluation-ready package.

Contact BW&CO Consulting to discuss SCALE Program eligibility and proposal strategy.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here: Subnet BAA

United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is an ongoing solicitation designed to help the Army rapidly identify and acquire innovative commercial technologies that support the modernization of military ground vehicle capabilities. Unlike a traditional grant or procurement with a single application deadline, this CSO contains multiple Areas of Interest (AoIs) covering a wide range of technologies including robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, power systems, vehicle survivability, software engineering, modeling and simulation, and next-generation vehicle electronics.

Most Areas of Interest accept solution briefs on a rolling basis while the CSO remains open. However, individual AoIs may establish their own submission deadlines, which take precedence over the general solicitation timeline. Companies should carefully review the specific AoI before preparing a submission.

Unlike many Department of Defense opportunities that seek early-stage research, this CSO emphasizes innovative commercial technologies that can be demonstrated, adapted, integrated, or rapidly transitioned into Army applications through commercial contracts, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), Cooperative Agreements, or other acquisition mechanisms. Awards may support commercially available products, prototype demonstrations, pilot programs, technology maturation, and other activities that improve Army ground vehicle capabilities.

Companies may submit solution briefs for any open Area of Interest. The Government may evaluate submissions through a multi-phase process consisting of a written Solution Brief, an optional presentation or demonstration, and an invitation to submit a Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP). The Government also reserves the right to skip phases or move directly to a proposal request when appropriate.

Because new Areas of Interest may be added throughout the life of the solicitation and existing topics may be amended, companies with dual-use technologies should periodically monitor the CSO for new opportunities that align with their capabilities.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, funding ranges, or the number of anticipated awards. Most awards coming from these CSOs range from the $500,000 to $5 million range.

Award values will depend on the individual Area of Interest, available funding, and the proposed commercial solution. The Government states that Requests for Commercial Solution Proposals (CSPs) are subject to the availability of funds, and that no specific dollars have been reserved for awards under the CSO.

Areas of Interest:

The following technology areas are currently included within the DEVCOM GVSC Commercial Solutions Opening. Unless otherwise stated within an individual Area of Interest, solution briefs may be submitted while the CSO remains open. Certain topics include separate submission deadlines, which take precedence over the general solicitation timeline.

GROUND VEHICLE ADVANCED POWER SYSTEMS:

This effort focuses on advancing electrical power systems up to 1.5MW of power for use on Military ground vehicles. The goal of this campaign is to meet the Army’s increasing electrical power needs while improving vehicle efficiency and the power density of power electronics. This will be made possible by exploiting the gains made in emerging power electronic designs and the use of cutting-edge electrical components. These advances will significantly impact future Army vehicle design and will enable the Army to have a decisive overmatch to near peer adversaries.

a. Power System Architecture up to 1.5MW: The objective of power system architecture topic develop architectures that are suitable for delivery of up to 1.5MW of power to vehicle systems and mission payloads. These architectures need to account for hybrid electric or all electric powertrains, high energy loads like cooling system, energy weapons, power export, and legacy 28Vdc/600Vdc power systems. There are three (3) key areas of investigation for this effort: 1) what safety features are needed to make the architecture a viable product; 2) is a voltage greater than 600Vdc needed; and 3) are electric components available at these voltage/power levels.

b. Advance Power Electronic Design: This topic focuses on taking advantage of cutting-edge power electronic design to significantly increase power density and power efficiency which will result in smaller devices that require less cooling and are easier to package. This topic includes, but is not limited to, advanced designs such as wideband gap semiconductors, soft switch, zero-volt switching, zero-current switch, modular multi-level converter, active filtering, and all other techniques to meet the focus of increased power density and power efficiency.

c. Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning (AI/ML) in Power Management Systems: This topic focuses on advancement in power management systems for ground vehicles as power management will enable more efficient vehicles. This topic incorporates advancements in AI/ML algorithms and knowledge base to adapt to how the vehicle is being used and learn the most efficient way to operate the vehicle. This topic also has two (2) key enablers in advancing AI/ML power system development: 1) power system modeling; and 2) hardware in-the loop software development.

d. Wireless Power Transfer: This topic focuses on wireless power transfer up to 1MW of power as there are two (2) target areas for wireless power transfer on Army ground vehicles. The first focus area is a safe, reliable way to recharge the vehicles through wireless recharge stations. The second focus area is wireless power transfer to transfer power between a hull and turret, bypassing the slipring.

e. Power System Physical Interfaces: Often when developing advance power electronics, the height and width of the design is dictated by the physical interface components, such as connectors, coolant fitting, and cabling. This topic focuses on the necessary advancement of interface components to reduce the physical size of the design. Also, these physical interface components often have very long lead times which can be problematic for procurement and integration, so advanced manufacturing approaches to reduce component lead time will also be explored under this topic.

f. Ground Vehicle MIL-Rugged Computing Architectures for Artificial Intelligence Applications: The US Army is interested in ruggedized computing architectures designed for running AI applications on military ground vehicles. In order to be considered rugged, the computers would need to meet ATPD-2404 requirements such as operating through pressure washing, submergence in 1 meter of water, gun shock, and operating in a 71C environment with little to no airflow. AI applications for mobility, autonomy, or target recognition largely depend on GPU or GPU-like processing ability with quick access to large amounts of memory. Utilizing MIL-STD-1275F or MIL-STD-3072 electrical power input, what products are available or could be developed to provide the most processing capability in a Standardized A-Kit Vehicle Envelope (SAVE) space claim or smaller and still meet the required environmental conditions?

g. Advanced Power Production and Storage: The US Army is interested in advanced power production and storage technologies, including novel batteries and fuel cells. Objectives include those that provide improved durability, reduced costs, and increased energy density, making them an attractive option for military vehicle applications. These technologies also include the ancillary enabling technologies, such as production of hydrogen for hydrogen fuel cells. These may come from industries such as automotive, aerospace, and energy.

h. Prototype Vehicle Experimentation Technical Support. The US Army is seeking technical support for high voltage vehicles during soldier touchpoint and demonstration events. Objectives include CONUS and OCONUS field repair and component replacement for the high voltage vehicles and are required to include the following: provide safety and driver training to select Government and military personnel; provide onsite technical/repair support (as needed) during vehicle events; order and field receipt of repair parts and supplies; diagnose, develop and execute plans for field maintenance and repair; arrange vehicle transportation to and from experimentation sites or for major repairs or regular maintenance; conduct major repairs and regular maintenance (as required); provide reach back technical and engineering support (as required). Working knowledge of the specific vehicle is required.

GROUND VEHICLE ROBOTICS (GVR):

The GVR mission is to develop, experiment, demonstrate, test and transition autonomy enabled ground system capabilities and technologies to meet and shape Army requirements.

The U.S. Army DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) seeks innovative commercial solutions that advance Autonomous Multidomain Robotic Systems. As the Army accelerates modernization toward multi-domain operations (MDO), the integration of heterogeneous robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) operating cohesively across ground, air, and sea domains represents a critical capability gap and strategic priority. GVSC, in support of CPE Mission Autonomy's future efforts, is interested in technologies and approaches that enable unmanned systems to function as a unified, intelligent combat team to execute complex missions with minimal human intervention while preserving human decision authority where necessary.

a. Agile Development of Logistics Material and Technical Services. To rapidly demonstrate and test GVR vehicle autonomy system innovative commercially available solutions for logistics material development that leverage existing autonomy systems, documentation, software and displays. Reducing cost and delivery time is required across the full spectrum of logistics material development. Application of Agile Development Process for maintenance, operation, supply, training materials and services is desired. Leveraging innovative commercial technologies, capabilities, processes, and techniques along with demonstrating the benefits of continuous integration and delivery during the development of operator and maintainer training, technical manuals, publications, and field support is desired. Additionally, the Government seeks alternative methods of delivering the materials to the soldier and collecting feedback and validating the new methods as well as supporting the transition of the new processes to programs of record is desired.

b. Cybersecurity. Commercial software and hardware to address cyber threats, which are a threat in the battlespace. Of particular interest is commercial software that enables the Army and its ground vehicle fleet to adapt to this environment with advancing cybersecurity technologies to become resilient to such threats. This includes applications of AI and quantum decryption as part of cyber security.

c. C-UAS. Commercial technology to counter the threat of drone-based attacks on ground vehicles and their sustainment and command and control support systems. Counter UAS capabilities of particular interest include one or more of the following technologies:

1) Sensing, such as radar, lidar, acoustic detectors, and optical sensors, which can detect, identify, classify, and track drones in real-time.

2) Hostable Portable software suitable for Fire Control, Blue Force deconfliction, Threat Point Of Origin (POO) and Track Triangulation, Sensor Fusion, Protection Projection, threat intent classification, payload identification, and weapon system handoff ( on and off platform), crew notification and interaction

3) Effectors to include but not limited to Kinetic Hard Kill (to include purely kinetic, fragmentation, and blast warheads), Electronic Warfare, Directed Energy, High Power Microwave, Electro Magnetic Pulse, Laser Dazzlers, and permanent sensor induced damage / degradation.

4) The ability to host complimentary capabilities within the Modular APS Controller (MAC) level and Modular APS Framework (MAF).

Seeking whitepapers that clearly identify a near term pathway to capabilities that can be demonstrated via experimental soldier touchpoints within 6-12 months and subsequent expedited fielding via PdM VPS or equivalent.

e. Textile Based Camouflage System. Commercial textile-based technology that will reduce the probability of a vehicle being detected by sensors and detectors whether the vehicle is stationary or on the move. Of particular interest are commercial solutions that allow adequate air flow to prevent damage to the textile-based technology, and that do not impede driver vision.

f. Thermal and HD Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) Camera. Commercial technology that provides day / night, real-time surveillance, 24/7 observation through degraded environments that allows for response to threats. Of particular interest is commercial solutions that allow for 360 degree visibility and allow for rapid integration onto multiple platforms.

g. Multi-Payload Launcher. This topic focuses on a system that can rapidly deploy multiple drones/payloads, either simultaneously or in quick succession, with each drone/payload potentially equipped to perform a distinct task. This creates a coordinated, multi-faceted capability that can be managed by a single operator or an autonomous control system.

The key to the system's versatility lies in its ability to launch a variety of drones/payloads, each tailored for a specific function. This "flexible loadout" can include:

1. Loitering Munitions: Designed for precision strikes against targets, with some variants capable of defeating armored vehicles.

2. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR): Designed to provide real-time video, intelligence, and situational awareness for ground troops.

3. Electronic Warfare (EW): Designed to jam enemy communications or spoof their navigation systems.

4. Counter-Drone Systems: Designed to intercept and neutralize hostile drones.

h. Autonomous Commercial Vehicle (ACV). This topic focuses on the ACV capability which is a transformational unmanned ground platform designed to redefine maneuver warfare. Equipped with Modular Mission Payloads (MMPs), it provides Army units flexible options for reconnaissance, security, direct action, fires support, logistics, and deception. Leveraging mass-produced vehicle technologies, the ACV reduces cost, maintenance, and complexity while delivering lethal and non-lethal effects at the commander’s discretion.

Built for fast, distributed operating environments, the ACV enhances survivability and lethality through scalable production and vendor supply chains. It expands battlefield geometry, enabling commanders to shape engagements by employing Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) for time, space, and cross-domain maneuver advantage. At the point of need, it delivers advanced battlefield capabilities.

i. Aided Detection Target Recognition (AiDTR) System. This topic focuses on a sophisticated Artificial Intelligence (AI) that employs machine learning to autonomously identify and categorize threats from sensor data, such as enemy combatants or vehicles. The primary goal of AiDTR is to reduce the cognitive burden on soldiers while increasing probability of threat detection and lowering false alarm rates, enabling faster threat identification and superior situational awareness. It is engineered for seamless integration with vehicles and advanced sensor systems.

j. Modular Obscuration System. This topic focus is seeking a mature, production-ready technology for a modular obscuration system. The desired system will provide a non-lethal effect to degrade enemy reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities and defeat visually and infrared-guided weapon systems. The primary objective is to hamper battlespace visibility, thereby increasing warfighter and platform survivability. Desired specifications include:

1. Obscure wavelengths from the visual through the near-infrared (NIR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

2. Generation of a visually impermeable screening effect in less than two minutes.

3. The obscuration effect should be sustained for more than 12 minutes from a single dissemination.

4. Man-portable and capable of being operated by a single soldier.

5. Support both dismounted and mounted operations.

6. Offers flexible control options: remotely via a wireless signal or directly through a wired connection.

k. Mission Autonomy Common Control Architecture Strategies, Prototypes & Solutions. Program Manager Robotic Command and Integration (PM RCI) seeks innovative commercial solutions and professional services to provide rapid, on demand technical expertise that accelerates Mission Autonomy (MA) development through advanced architecture maturation, mission engineering, modeling and simulation, cybersecurity analysis, and rapid acquisition and technical prototyping. Desired specialties also include multidisciplinary engineering and human factor analysis of MA systems and operations. Required capabilities include evolving the Mission Autonomy Common Control Architecture (MACCA); producing mission level modeling and architectural artifacts; conducting multidisciplinary engineering analysis; evaluation and verification (virtual and physical); system prototyping and integration; and delivering autonomy focused cybersecurity products such as threat models, attack surface assessments, survivability requirements, and adversarial testing strategies. PM RCI also requires commercial partners capable of shaping and executing sound acquisition strategies that shorten procurement timelines, drive faster prototype delivery, and apply innovative contracting methods aligned with DoW’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy to promote rapid, iterative development. Solutions should enable rapid task activation, scalable team deployment, and streamlined deliverables, while integrating commercial best practices that accelerate fielding and expand PM RCI’s ability to assess, secure, and integrate autonomous system technologies. This includes command and control, autonomy architecture, and tactical networking capabilities essential for synchronized air and ground robotic operations across Army missions.

l. Unified Command and Common Control (UC3) for Multi-Entity Mission Autonomy (MEMA) for Robotic Operations. The U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive for Mission Autonomy (CPE MA), through PM RCI, seeks innovative solutions that advance architectures and technologies for Multi Entity Mission Autonomy (MEMA). The goal is to accelerate integration of autonomous capabilities across ground, air, maritime/surface, subsurface systems, payloads, and sensors. PM RCI requires scalable, modular hardware and software to support a Unified Command and Common Control (UC3) framework enabling and integrating coordinated operations among diverse autonomous systems. Solutions must provide safety assured control for crewed and uncrewed platforms operating in remote, supervised, or fully autonomous modes. Capabilities should reduce operator burden, enable one to many control, and adapt to varying supervision levels through independently verifiable, safety critical autonomy. Solutions should also address current UxS limitations, such as high operator to platform ratios, fragmented interfaces, stovepiped data, and challenges in Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments. PM RCI seeks prototype or mature product demonstrations of robust, interoperable UC3 frameworks using a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Desired elements include a mission level C2 Orchestrator and platform level Mission Autonomy Agents that enhance distributed processing, resilience in contested environments, and seamless data orchestration across tactical networks. Solutions should support development of Mission Autonomy Common Control Architecture (MACCA) to ensure interoperability across Army, Joint, and allied autonomous systems.

m. Unified Combat Teaming. GVSC is seeking the connective architecture, control, and integration capability that turns a diverse, multi-vendor mix of unmanned ground, air, and sea systems into a single, scalable, controllable combat team, not a proprietary autonomy stack or isolated platform. We invite architecture-led and tooling-led innovators to address one or more of six interlocking Technical Workstreams (TW#) and/or Enabling Workstream (EW#) areas: open, severable modular architectures that let one vendor's system be cleanly swapped for another's [EW1]; common control and data standards (e.g., JAUS, DDS, TAK, STANAG) proven by dissimilar systems sharing one operational picture in Electronic Warfare/GPS-contested conditions [EW2]; onboarding tooling and SDKs that make third-party integration repeatable, not bespoke [EW3]; dynamic, decentralized task allocation and mission planning that lets one Soldier direct a multi-vendor formation as one team [TW1]; human-machine teaming that grows the agents one Soldier commands without growing the workload [TW2]; and the experimentation and evaluation harness to measure, replay, and compare teaming across simulation and hardware [TW3].

We value capability that is demonstrated, not asserted, works with platforms you did not build, carries a clear MOSA underpinning, and proves itself through physical experimentation, with a credible simulation path to scale preferred over a large fleet. We invite you to propose your open, interoperable technology that can show real results on a few systems today and a defensible path to large multi-vendor formations tomorrow, evaluable in a Hardware In the Loop or live settings within 6 to 12 months of award, whether addressing a single area or spanning several.

Please see attachment, “Area of Interest - Unified Combat Teaming” for all additional information regarding this AoI.

Solution briefs may address one or more of the six workstreams described in the attachment. Multi-workstream and integrated system proposals spanning the full Unified Combat Teaming capability are strongly encouraged.

While this Area of Interest will remain open, the Army will make initial award(s) based on White Papers submitted by 01 August 2026.

FORCE PROJECTION TECHNOLOGY (FPT):

The FPT provides mission lifecycle engineering for Army Combat Support and Combat Service Support equipment for gap crossing, petroleum & water systems, combat engineering, material handling, and fluid and petroleum quality surveillance. Its laboratories facilitate research, development, and engineering services to support fuels, fluids, water, wastewater and military bridging systems to keep the US Army in motion anytime, anywhere.

a. Demand Reduction

i. Alternative Sources of Water / Atmospheric Water Extraction (AWE). The Army has gaps in the ability to supply potable water to distributed, semi-independent units conducting multi-domain operations in a contested logistics environment. Currently, Large Tactical Water Purification Units that must be stationary during operation are used to produce bulk drinking water, which is then stored, bottled, and distributed tethering units to long lines of resupply.

b. Predictive Logistics and Maintenance. GVSC is interested in commercial software and integrated hardware solutions that provide the Army, and joint and multinational partners where possible, with improved sustainment posture through improved precision and accuracy in sustainment operations, such as maintenance and equipment status, and tracking of classes of supply, such as major end items, fuel, water, and spare parts. Specific interests in this area follow.

i. Logistics Tracking and Planning. GVSC is pursuing improved tracking of classes of supply, to include through multinational partners and channels. The purpose is to provide improved status reports to facilitate rapid, accurate decision making. Ideal solutions will provide not only Army visibility, but compatibility or integration into joint and multinational partners. While envisioned as software, integrated software-hardware solutions will be considered. Training, modelling, and simulation software to facilitate improved understanding, tracking, and decision making may be applicable here as well. In general, ideal proposals will include or culminate in successful demonstrations and pilot implementations that show paths to transition.

ii. Smart Fuel Metering and Management. Provide near real-time understanding of fuel status, fuel (supply) availability/quantity, location, and supply actions. The objective is to extend the operational reach and readiness of the Warfighter by providing fuel awareness and fuel management decision support for commanders in Multi Domain Operations throughout the range of military operations.

Commercial sensors, software, or integrated hardware-software solutions to support this project will support the ability to collect fuel measurement data from collapsible bags at fuel points during field experiments with the Army and United States Marine Corps (USMC) operations. Additionally, commercial solutions to assist in the development of a fuel management system to enable commodity managers to track and account for material as it is received, stored, transported, issued, and consumed delivering end-to-end visibility shared across the enterprise. Selection will be made on the basis of enabling the warfighter to improve decisions, manage multiple fuel sources, reduce demand, balance loads, and improve efficiencies within contingency bases, optimizing fuel management in expeditionary environments.

c. Advanced Manufacturing. New and novel technologies in the realm of advanced manufacturing technologies to include innovative technologies and processes to produce high-quality products with increased efficiency and reduced waste. This includes the integration of digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), to create smart factories that can adapt to changing production demands for supply of parts and services of interest to GVSC.

d. Autonomous Resupply. GVSC is interested in technologies that allow the Army to enhance multi domain distribution, extend reach, and increase the volume of supplies to dispersed formations through advanced platforms.

e. Advanced Power and Energy Solutions. GVSC is interested in technologies that allow the Army to field alternative energy solutions through advanced solutions such as fuel cells, advanced batteries, microgrids.

f. Bridging and Gap Defeat. Develop, test, experiment with, or demonstrate new innovative technology or mature existing technologies to defeat manmade or natural gaps found on the battlefield. Areas of interest include materiel solutions focused towards either wet or dry gaps and over a variety of defeat lengths, as well as the addition of AI/ML capabilities to new or existing materiel for both assault as well as logistical support missions. Efforts in this area support assured mobility in assault operations and the efficient execution of logistics in disbursed contested environments.

g. Fuel Handling Equipment. The Army is interested in advanced tactical fuel handling equipment. Areas of interest include but are not limited to fuel storage, distribution, filtration, and monitoring technologies and hardware. These efforts will increase fuel distribution capacity and tempo to extend operational reach, enable dispersion, and increase lethality as required for Joint All Domain Operations.

GROUND VEHICLE MATERIALS ENGINEERING (GVME)

The GVME mission is to provide materials technologies and engineering support to ground systems from cradle to grave to enhance warfighter readiness. GVME supports a diverse materials mission to include corrosion, coatings, joining, additive

manufacturing, and material and manufacturing applications, all supported by a characterization and failure analysis branch with in-house testing capabilities.

a. Ceramic Material Technologies. Ceramic materials for application in military parts to take advantage of properties such as exceptional hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and applicability for high temperature environments. Areas of particular interest include applications for lightweighting, non- conductive, and non-magnetic applications.

b. Composites. Applications for composite materials that offer enhanced strength-to-weight ratios, improved corrosion resistance and increased durability compared to traditional materials. Of particular

interest are applications for composite rubbers for tracks and wheeled vehicle systems and applications of advanced composites for protective systems.

c. Composite and Transparent Armor. Commercial armor and advanced armor technologies to include transparent armor, reactive armors, and advanced material solutions for enhanced survivability for vehicles, payloads, and personnel.

d. Coatings. Coatings provide means of enhancing the properties of existing materials and components beyond what they are typically capable of. Advanced coating technologies, such as nanocoatings and thin- film coatings, offer improved properties, such as self-cleaning, antimicrobial, and anti-reflective characteristics. Coatings are also used to reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and minimize waste. Overall, coating technologies play a critical role in enhancing the performance, reliability, and lifespan of materials and components, while also reducing maintenance and operational costs.

e. Castings and Forging. GVSC is interested in advanced technologies which can support low volume, flexible, and responsive production of castings and forgings. This includes additive technologies, which enable substitution of the additive manufactured parts; incremental forming technologies; enabling technologies for rapid production of molds and dies; and computational tools to accelerate design and qualification of large castings and forgings with location-specific property prediction.

f. Tooling. GVSC is interested in advanced technologies which can support low volume, flexible, and responsive production of tooling. This includes technologies for rapid production of low volume tooling for composites, plastics, and other techniques suitable for low to medium volume production.

GROUND VEHICLE SURVIVABILITY AND PROTECTION:

Focuses on advancing vehicle and crew survivability for tracked and wheeled tactical and combat ground vehicles. The goal is to meet the Army’s increasing goal for higher mobility while maintaining or improving the survivability of the combat fleet. This will be made possible by exploiting increased computer power and implementation of AI in emerging active protection systems as well as innovative passive material solutions.

a. Next-Generation Vehicle Protection Systems Base Kit. Seeking innovative partners to deliver a critical technology for our next-generation vehicle protection strategy: the Vehicle Protection Systems Base Kit (VBK). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a revolutionary, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)-based Active Protection System (APS) framework designed to dramatically enhance soldier survivability and reduce lifecycle costs.

The VBK: A Foundation for Adaptable Protection

The VBK program is focused on creating a flexible, scalable, and rapidly adaptable APS framework – instantiated by the VBK Controller – that can be seamlessly integrated with a wide range of APS subsystems across diverse missions and platforms. We are partnering with industry leaders to build the core components of this framework, including the Modular Active Controller (MAC), Safety Control Interface Panel (SCIP)/User Interface Control Panel (UICP) and the optional Power Management Distribution System (PMDS).

Seeking a partner to build and deliver production-intent VBK prototypes based on Government-provided Technical Data Packages (TDPs).

The MAC, the main component of the VBK control system, is a high-performance 3U VPX chassis featuring:

• SOSA-Compliant Architecture: Ensuring interoperability and future-proofing.

• Powerful Compute Capabilities: Supporting advanced algorithms with multiple compute-intensive payload slots (3-5) and options for Intel Xeon or NVIDIA Jetson AGX (Orin or Thor) based processing.

• Versatile I/O Connectivity: A cutting-edge FPGA I/O card enabling high-speed data transfer via 1/10 Gigabit TSN Ethernet, RS-422, CAN, SDI, DisplayPort, HDMI, and a comprehensive range of discrete signals.

Deliverables & Impact:

Seeking delivery of fully functional, production-ready VBK prototypes, including individual Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) based on the Government-provided Technical Data Packages (TDPs) for the MAC, SCIP, UICIP and PMDS plus all necessary support components (cables, breakout connectors, special tools, mounting hardware).

By responding to this area of interest, you will:

• Shape the Future: Contribute to a groundbreaking system that will enable vehicle protection for years to come.

• Leverage Government Investment: Utilize provided TDPs to accelerate development and reduce risk.

• Become a Key Partner: Establish a strong relationship with the GVSC and the U.S. Army.

We invite qualified organizations with expertise in hardware development, firmware integration, and MOSA principles to submit proposals for delivery of 10 VBK prototypes, with a follow-on option to deliver additional kits.

See attachment 0001 and 0002

Suspense date for submittal under this AOI is 01/30/2026.

b. Signature Management Technologies. Seeking innovative commercial solutions to mitigate ground vehicle and marine vehicle signatures. The signatures being requested include thermal, acoustic, and radio frequency, but others will also be considered. The technologies may be applique or coatings.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING CENTER (SEC):

SEC provides full software lifecycle management; to engineer, develop, integrate and field precise software solutions; to improve Current Force effectiveness; and to provide superior software capabilities for the Future Force.

a. Government-Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) Common Operating System. The Army seeks innovative support to advance its Government-Off-the-Shelf (GOTS) Operating System (OS) for ground vehicle platforms. This initiative aims to establish a common, government-owned software foundation to reduce costs associated with commercial licensing, maintenance, and complex systems integration. Leveraging a standardized GOTS OS promotes software reuse, enhances cybersecurity through a common security posture, and ensures long-term scalability and maintainability across the fleet. The goal is to accelerate fielding schedules and reduce duplicative engineering efforts by providing a pre-accredited, adaptable operating system architecture for all vehicle programs.

Closing date for submittal under this AoI is 05/15/2026.

b. Embedded Software Maintenance. SEC is focused on providing software maintenance and sustainment for multiple vehicle platforms including Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This includes specific software development, integration, testing, validation, and fielding. The goal is to understand and innovate software solutions to integrate emerging technology and capabilities as it relates to obsolescence issues with legacy vehicle systems and equipment.

• Focus will be on tactical code development with military approved software (VXWorks, GHS, AdaCore) and communication systems (MIL-STD-1553, RS232/RS422/RS485)

• Automated and hybrid testing methodologies include simulation conception, testing development linking requirements traceability, and lab hardware/vehicle platform test management.

• Innovative hardware solutions to support design and building testing platforms, experimental/prototype vehicle integration efforts, and support priority equipment needs for software testing and validation.

g. Software & Hardware Integration and Fielding Support for Ground Vehicle Platforms - Data Integration for Ground Systems (DIGS) & Digital Logbook (DLB). The Army seeks innovative support to advance the integration and sustainment of the DIGS Kit and DLB for ground vehicle platforms. This initiative aims to automate manual processes, enhance equipment readiness visibility, and improve sustainment operations by digitizing maintenance tasks, streamlining Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS), and error-proofing parts ordering. DIGS leverages vehicle sensors to capture usage and fault data, enabling the generation of accurate 5988-E forms and supporting commanders in making informed decisions.

The DLB, installed on the Operator Support Device (OSD), ensures vehicle configuration management, provides access to specific technical manuals based on vehicle configurations, restricts NSN ordering errors, and maintains updated Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) via network architecture. DLB facilitates guided PMCS steps, fault recording, and requisition validation, seamlessly integrating with the Global Combat Support System - Army (GCSS-A) for fault and requisition communication. Additionally, DLB supports disconnected operations through QR code generation and network printing capabilities.

The SEC is focused on providing full software lifecycle management, including development, integration, testing, validation, and fielding of DIGS kits and DLB software. The goal is to innovate software solutions that integrate emerging technologies and address obsolescence issues in legacy vehicle systems and equipment, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness across multiple vehicle platforms.

h. Diagnostic Software (DS) for Vehicle Maintenance. The Army seeks innovative support to advance DS Viper, the latest generation of Army standard diagnostic software. DS Viper is designed to maintain Army Ground Combat Systems, Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, and Watercraft, providing a unified diagnostic solution to enhance maintenance operations across diverse platforms. DS Viper delivers decoupled diagnostics to support the Army’s transition to a single viewer, the Interactive Authoring and Display Software (IADS). As part of the Project Director Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (PD TMDE) Maintenance Support Device (MSD) system image, DS Viper ensures seamless integration, cybersecurity compliance, and eliminates licensing fees. The software simplifies training requirements by offering a standardized look and feel across platforms, reducing complexity and improving operational efficiency.

The SEC is focused on providing full software lifecycle management, including development, software sustainment/maintenance, integration, testing, and validation of the DS Viper software. The goal is to innovate software solutions that integrate emerging technologies and address obsolescence issues in legacy vehicle systems and equipment, ensuring operational efficiency and readiness across multiple vehicle platforms. This government-owned diagnostic solution underscores the Army’s commitment to delivering a cost-effective, scalable, and secure tool that enhances vehicle maintenance operations and supports readiness across the fleet.

i. Software Configuration Management (SCM). The SCM team is soliciting a user-friendly tool that can integrate with Source Management and code tools (Atlassian or GitLab) to track and manage final deliverables for all the projects we support. It needs to be able to establish what we expect to receive for each Release per Project and track if it was received, dates, from who, etc. with a hierarchy of deliverables and sub-components maintained. Store location information for both physical and electronic versions. Additionally, it needs to track physical and electronic receipt of information from external sources, who, what, where and their storage locations.

j. CI/CD Pipelines. The SEC is seeking an industry partner with GovCloud development experience to test and validate capabilities between our on-premise infrastructure and AWS cloud environment. Must have demonstrated experience in automation, responsible for developing Infrastructure as Code (IaC), with tools like Terraform or CloudFormation, and building CI/CD pipelines to ensure seamless building and integration of software source code and automated test. A strong background in AWS services, scripting (Python/Bash), and hybrid cloud security along with experience in the Army RMF process.

k. Artificial Intelligence in Software Engineering and Development. This topic focuses on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to assist software engineering professionals throughout the software development lifecycle—including requirements, architecture, design, implementation, and testing—to improve software quality and accelerate development.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Code generation models trained specifically for embedded, military, or safety-critical software development environments.

-AI-assisted expansion of unit testing in legacy code bases, including automated test generation and identification of gaps in test coverage.

-AI-assisted modernization of legacy software systems, including migration from legacy or military-centric programming languages to modern or general-purpose programming languages.

-AI-assisted acceleration of model-based software engineering, including generation of Unified Modeling Language (UML)/Systems Modeling Language (SysML) models from legacy documentation and/or source code.

- AI-assisted analysis of software engineering artifacts, including gap analysis and evaluation of design documentation and UML/SysML models.

-AI-assisted comprehension of legacy code bases, including extraction of architecture, interfaces, and system behavior from existing source code.

-AI-assisted refactoring and restructuring of software systems to improve maintainability, modularity, and performance.

-AI-assisted generation and maintenance of software documentation, including design descriptions, interface documentation, and developer guidance.

-AI-assisted traceability analysis across requirements, models, source code, and test artifacts.

-AI-assisted detection of software defects, vulnerabilities, and violations of safety or security coding standards.

-AI-powered developer assistants integrated into software development environments to support code generation, debugging, and refactoring.

l. Simulated/Emulated Hardware Targets for Automated Testing and Digital Twins. Provide subject matter expertise on the development of simulated/emulated hardware targets for embedded systems that can be used for automated testing and digital twin applications. The intent is to gain visibility on the state-of-the-art tools and practices for abstracting from hardware, understand in what situations to use specific tools, and potentially develop a reference architecture (e.g., a sample robot or vehicle) that can be used to assess capabilities and grow competency on how to build integrated pipelines and automation.

m. Multi-Tenant Cloud Solutions for Embedded Software Development. Provide subject matter expert support to bring industry best practices into the architectural design, implementation, and maintenance of a multi-tenant based cloud solution for hosting software development and test projects, with a primary focus on embedded software. This effort seeks experts to assist the government team in deploying concepts within government-owned cloud environments (e.g., SPDS, GDEV-C). The solution should provide projects with scalable, isolated cloud resources by default and include the ability for the defense industrial base to use the environment. A key focus is on automation, the adoption of AI (including pipeline development), and DevSecOps practices in alignment with DoW modernization goals. Subject matter experts will work with the government team and could form the basis of a persistent operations team or, at a minimum, inform the government on how best to organize such a team and identify the skills/resources needed to support the effort operationally.

n. Adoption and Use of Containerization in Embedded Systems. Provide subject matter expert support to bring industry best practices into the adoption and use of containerization within software development and test activities, including those with an embedded system focus. This effort seeks to leverage expert knowledge to address current gaps in security and utilization, and to discover more effective ways to use containerization to its fullest potential. A specific focus is desired on the hardening of containers and the enabling infrastructure, along with general supply chain management considerations. This includes various levels of usage for containers, from deploying enterprise solutions versus VMs, looking at how to do builds/tests for things like CIE, the possible application on actual embedded targets, and the general use of containers for tools and builds in general pipelines.

o. Software Test Automation. The SEC is advancing an enterprise Software Test Automation capability to modernize verification and validation across Army ground vehicle platforms. This initiative integrates automated and hybrid testing methodologies into the full software lifecycle, enabling continuous regression, requirements traceability, and objective digital evidence generation. Leveraging reusable automation frameworks (CATS), centralized orchestration platforms (CTAP), and Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environments, SEC reduces manual regression cycles, improves defect detection, and accelerates software fielding. The capability supports tactical code validation across approved military software environments and communication interfaces (e.g., MIL-STD-1553, CAN, serial protocols), while enhancing cybersecurity validation and sustainment readiness. The objective is to convert repetitive manual testing effort into scalable, reusable infrastructure that improves quality, lowers lifecycle cost, and supports rapid capability integration across current and future vehicle platforms.

p. Software Safety. The SEC provides comprehensive Software Safety engineering support across Army ground vehicle platforms to ensure safe, reliable, and mission-assured system operation. This capability includes support for Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), Functional Hazard Analysis (FHA), system and software hazard tracking, enforcement of coding standards such as MISRA, and implementation of safety-critical test requirements including C/DC and MC/DC coverage. SEC conducts independent technical reviews of software design, code, and verification artifacts while maintaining bidirectional traceability from hazards through requirements, architecture, implementation, and test results. The objective is to reduce safety risk, ensure compliance with Army and DoD safety standards, and support safe integration of new capabilities into both legacy and future vehicle systems.

q. Digital Distribution. The SEC seeks innovative support to advance its Digital Distribution capability to modernize the delivery and sustainment of software for ground vehicle platforms. Digital Distribution provides a secure, centralized platform for the rapid deployment of software updates, patches, and new capabilities, eliminating the need for physical media. This approach ensures that all systems remain up-to-date with the latest approved software versions, reducing downtime and enhancing mission readiness. By leveraging encryption and authentication protocols, Digital Distribution protects against unauthorized access and tampering, ensuring the integrity of critical software. The objective is to streamline version control and ensures consistency across the fleet, enabling faster and more efficient software fielding.

r. Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). The SEC seeks to enhance its SBOM capability to improve transparency and security across the software lifecycle. SBOM provides a comprehensive inventory of all software components, libraries, and dependencies used in a system, enabling proactive management of vulnerabilities and compliance with government standards. By identifying and tracking software components, SBOM ensures rapid detection and mitigation of cybersecurity risks, reducing the potential for exploitation. It also facilitates lifecycle management by addressing obsolescence issues and ensuring long-term maintainability. This objective is to support the Army’s efforts to improve software quality, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure compliance with Executive Order 14028 on improving the nation’s cybersecurity.

s. Hardware Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) Simulation. The SEC seeks to advance its Hardware LRU Simulation capability to modernize its software development and testing processes. Hosted in the cloud, this simulation environment provides a scalable and cost-effective solution for testing and validating software without the need for physical hardware. Hardware LRU Simulation enables developers to replicate the behavior of hardware components and systems, allowing for early detection of defects and interoperability issues. This approach accelerates development timelines, reduces costs associated with hardware procurement and maintenance, and supports the integration of emerging technologies. The objective is to provide a virtual environment for testing and have Hardware LRU Simulations to ensures that software is thoroughly validated and ready for deployment, enhancing the reliability and performance of Army ground vehicle platforms.

GROUND VEHICLE POWER AND MOBILTIY (GVPM):

GVPM provides the Army with solutions in Ground Vehicle Mobility, Power, and Propulsion. GVPM has developed powertrains, power generation, power distribution and energy storage systems. GVPM facilities encompass labs in engine research, engine/electric machine testing and development, and vehicle performance testing under all climate conditions.

Priority is placed on near term solutions that have the potential for rapid transition to a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL). GVPM maintains interest in longer term technology that advances the performance or enables compact power generation and propulsion systems. In addition, GVPM has interest in emerging technologies for ground vehicle applications for high power, power dense generators, and advanced power electronics that have been integrated into demonstrations as part of a vehicle.

a. Durable Replacement Track System for M88A2 Vehicle. Seeking a drop-in replacement for the M88A2 vehicle existing track systems. The desired solution should require minimal changes to the vehicle, limited to components such as the sprocket and carrier. It is highly desirable to retain the current OEM roadwheels. The solution should leverage proven, commercially available technologies that balance performance and durability with affordability. The T107 track system is currently on the Readiness Driver List, which could inversely affect the vehicles’ availability. PM Mounted Armored Vehicles (MAV) seeks an optimized and modern track solution that can be integrated into the M88A2 platform with minimal modifications while providing better availability, durability and value for the Government.

Requirements

The replacement track system must meet the following preliminary requirements:

1) Compatibility: The track system must be compatible with the current M88A2 platform, requiring minimal modifications (e.g., sprocket and carrier changes). It is highly desirable to retain the current OEM roadwheels.

2) Durability: The track system must demonstrate significantly improved durability compared to the current system, with reduced failure rates while following current OMS/MP (20% Primary roads, 40% secondary and 40% Cross Country roads. 30% of each of these will be completed in “Towed” conditions).

a) Track Pads: 1,000 miles Threshold (T) 2,000 Objective (O)

b) Track Body: 2,000 miles Threshold (T) 3,000 Objective (O)

3) Size and Weight: The track system must conform to the size and weight constraints of the 70T M88A2 vehicle. There is not a specific requirement for a maximum allowed track weight, however track weight and its impact on vehicle performance and life-cycle cost could be used for rating purposes.

4) Performance: The track system must maintain or improve the vehicle's mobility, traction, and operational performance in diverse terrains. Improved tractive effort during towing operations on sloped surfaces is highly desirable.

5) Proven Solution: The track system should be an existing, commercially available product with a proven track record of performance. Solutions used in Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or similar vehicles are encouraged.

6) Ease of Integration: The track system must be designed for straightforward integration into the M88A2 platform without requiring extensive modifications or redesign. Simplicity of integration is a key factor in reducing overall program cost.

7) Cost-Effectiveness: Solutions must demonstrate value through a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Respondents should describe how their solution minimizes costs over the entire life cycle, including acquisition, maintenance, and replacement.

Offeror must submit country of Origin for the proposed track system or percentage of the system that is made in the USA.

Suspense date for submittal under this AOI is 04/06/2026.

b. Vehicle Power Generation and Distribution. These systems or kits install a power generation capability to a vehicle at power levels 30kW to 350kW. Power dense packaging allows minimal engineering for installation in a vehicle with severe space availability. Utilize mechanical power takeoff interfaces from transmissions or engines. These solutions can include components that convert, condition, and provide connection for power to the common end user voltages (i.e. 600VDC, 440VAC 60hz, 208VAC 60hz, 110VAC 60hz, 24VDC, 12VDC, et. Al). Solutions showing previous demonstrations in a vehicle are of interest.

c. Components Required to Enable Vehicle Power Generation and Power Distribution. GVPM has interest in highly integrated electric machines/systems that are highly compact, nearing serial production, and installed on a vehicle system. Also, interest lies in innovative packaging of electric machines, power controllers and thermal management systems to allow complete compact packaging under space constrained conditions. Capabilities at power levels 30kW to 350kW demonstrated on a vehicle are of interest.

d. Propulsion Systems. Highly integrated power dense drive systems integrating electric machines, energy storage (regen and et. al), braking, and gear reduction. End system applications for 8000lbs to 75000lbs GVW. Any integrated combination of multiple component functions mentioned are also of interest. Solutions showing previous demonstrations in a vehicle are of great interest.

.MODELING AND SIMULATION (M&S)

The GVSC M&S mission is to accelerate innovation through rapid prototyping and experimentation, leveraging industry expertise and soldier feedback to quickly iterate and refine Army ground platform capabilities, optimize design and performance by reducing development time and costs to rapidly evaluate multiple design approaches and incorporate continuous soldier feedback for enhanced usability and operational effectiveness, and inform strategic decisions by maintaining a competitive advantage with data-driven insights by quantifying capabilities, identifying critical technology gaps, and illuminating capability investment opportunities. This effort focuses on advancing modeling and simulation tools and capabilities through industry partnerships and collaborations.

a. Innovative Training Aids and Simulators. With increases in onboard capabilities and increasing technical sophistication of ground vehicles, GVSC is interested in commercial solutions that can improve training, fielding, and maintenance of ground vehicles. This includes providing training and simulations using on- board computing capabilities but also includes standalone equipment.

b. Applying Artificial Intelligence Algorithms to Expedite the Platform Concepting Process for Early

Requirements Shaping and Trade Studies. GVSC M&S is looking to develop an on-premises, SME-credible AI-assisted ground-vehicle concepting demonstration that produces constraint-checked, auditable platform concepts suitable for early requirements shaping and trade studies. While the scope of this project includes expediting concept generation using a wide array of available AI methods, emphasis is placed on using LLM prompts to directly generate/expedite usable Computer-Aided Design (CAD) components. This work will be using decades worth of Government generated data and concepts and will not require additional contractor data. These AI methods must be usable within a U.S. government environment with expectations that the U.S. government will own rights to both the data being used as input but also for the resulting models.

c. Relocatable Facility Accreditation: Agile SCIF Security Oversight. The Government is executing a rapid prototyping effort to design, construct, build and deploy a relocatable facility, the Cybersecurity and Vehicle Cyber Center (CVCC), which requires accreditation for classified use up to the Top Secret level with eligibility for SCI access. This facility is being designed, constructed, built and deployed in the United States. Historically, applying the rigid Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 security standards to rapid, commercially modified prototyping programs has proven difficult to execute without causing significant schedule delays. This creates a critical need for a dedicated Site Security Manager (SSM) to bridge the gap between commercial manufacturing processes and strict government security oversight to include interactions with an Accrediting Official.

The Government seeks innovative commercial solutions to provide comprehensive security oversight. The traditional, sequential methodology for ICD 705 compliance is often incompatible with the speed of commercial prototyping. Therefore, the Government requires an "agile compliance process"—a solution that successfully integrates and enforces legacy ICD 705 government security oversight within a rapid, commercially driven prototyping program for a relocatable facility.

The Government is seeking industry partners capable of acting as the Site Security Manager (SSM) to ensure the aforementioned prototyping effort achieves full ICD 705 accreditation. The company shall have a Top Secret Facility Clearence Level. Submissions should demonstrate innovative methodologies for integrating security into the commercial prototyping lifecycle. Specific areas of interest include:

• Lifecycle Site Security Management (SSM) Oversight: This sub-topic seeks the provision of a qualified SSM to serve as the primary liaison between the commercial prototyping vendor, the Government Program Office, and the Accrediting Official (AO) / Certified TEMPEST Technical Authority (CTTA). The SSM must provide continuous oversight of architectural designs, material procurement, and physical construction, ensuring all deviations or commercial modifications are evaluated for their impact on ICD 705 compliance. The person shall have a Top Secret clearance with eligibility for SCI access.

• Agile Construction Security Plan (CSP) Development and Execution: This sub-topic focuses on the development, approval, implementation, and management of a CSP that adapts to a rapid commercial build schedule. The solution must meet the stringent physical, acoustic, and technical (TEMPEST) requirements of ICD 705 and ICS 705-1. Desired outcomes include innovative approaches to conducting security inspections, documenting construction phases, performing construction surveillance duties, and managing secure supply chains without halting commercial manufacturing timelines.

• Accelerated Accreditation Documentation and Delivery: This sub-topic focuses on the streamlined generation and management of all required accreditation artifacts. The desired solution will enable the agile preparation of the Fixed Facility Checklist (FFC), TEMPEST addendums, acoustic testing reports, and the final accreditation package to ensure the facility is ready for immediate operational deployment and AO approval upon delivery.

Anticipated Schedule: four months design activities, followed by five months pre-construction activities, followed by 11 months on site construction work immediately after award.

Suspense date for submittal under this AOI is 06/19/2026

VEHICLE ELECTRONICS AND ARCHITECTURE (VEA):

The VEA mission is to design, integrate and deliver vehicle electronics systems by leveraging advanced technologies to provide enhanced capabilities for military ground vehicles.

a. High Performance Compute Solution: The US Army is actively researching and evaluating embedded high-performance computing solutions to support next-generation capabilities in challenging operational environments. We are particularly interested in MOSA-based platforms capable of seamlessly hosting and integrating emerging technologies, including AiTR (AI-enabled Targeting & Recognition), Anti-jamming, Automated Lethality, Survivability, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Defense. The goal is to take current algorithms for these technologies as well as Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning (AI/ML) capabilities and evaluate them for true processing needs. We are interested in learning more about system architecture, processing power (specifically relating to AI/ML workloads), ruggedization, thermal cooling, security features, C-UAS, power efficiency, and demonstrated performance in similar applications.

DETROIT ARSENAL PROTOTYPE INTEGRATION FACILITY (DTA PIF):

The DTA PIF mission is to provide robust, innovative solutions to our customer requirements for our shared military missions.

a. Advance Vehicle Development - Rapid Response Hardware Solutions. To address emergent capability gaps, DTA-PIF is soliciting innovative commercial solution briefs targeting rapid response hardware solution focused on dual-use, modular, and easily deployable systems. The objective is to procure tangible hardware solutions capable of being manufactured, configured, and fielded in an expedited manner, rather than the months or years associated with traditional defense hardware programs. This initiative seeks industry partners to provide end-to-end development and delivery of turn-key hardware systems, from initial concept through low-volume manufacturing and sustainment.

What could I use the funding for?

Depending on the applicable Area of Interest, awards may support activities such as:

• Commercial technology adaptation

• Prototype development

• Pilot projects

• Demonstrations

• Agile software development

• Commercial integration

• Technology maturation

• Testing and validation

• Systems integration

• Sustainment activities

The Government also states that awards may support commercially available technologies, commercial technologies enhanced through strategic investment, existing government-owned capabilities, or concepts intended for broader defense applications.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to potential funding, selected companies may receive opportunities to:

• Demonstrate technology directly to Army subject matter experts.

• Participate in Army experimentation activities.

• Collaborate with Government technical experts.

• Mature commercial technologies for military applications.

• Potentially transition technologies into future Army programs.

The solicitation also provides flexibility to use several acquisition pathways, including commercial contracts under FAR Part 12, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and Cooperative Agreements, depending on the specific effort.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Most Areas of Interest remain open for solution brief submissions unless an individual AoI specifies its own submission deadline.

The solicitation states that awards may be made throughout 2029, and additional Areas of Interest may be added at any time during the life of the CSO. Companies are encouraged to regularly monitor SAM.gov for new or amended topics.

The general evaluation process consists of:

1. Phase 1 – Solution Brief

2. Phase 2 – Presentation or Demonstration (if requested)

3. Phase 3 – Invitation to submit a Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP)

The Government may bypass phases, request additional information, or accelerate evaluations based on program priorities and available funding. Funding timelines are not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

This Commercial Solutions Opening is administered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) under the authority provided by 10 U.S.C. 3458 for Commercial Solutions Openings.

GVSC is the Army's research and development organization for advanced ground vehicle technologies and supports Army modernization priorities across numerous technical disciplines including autonomy, mobility, survivability, power systems, software engineering, cyber engineering, manufacturing, and modeling and simulation.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is intended for companies and organizations with innovative commercial technologies that can help advance Army ground vehicle capabilities.

The solicitation specifically defines and references the following entity types:

• Commercial companies

• Small businesses

• Nontraditional Defense Contractors

• Nonprofit institutions

• Foreign-owned businesses (subject to applicable approvals and restrictions)

• Other organizations capable of providing innovative commercial products, technologies, or services

Companies must also satisfy standard federal contracting requirements before receiving an award, including obtaining a Unique Entity ID (UEI), maintaining an active SAM registration, registering in the required government invoicing system, and being determined responsible by the Contracting Officer.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a general list of ineligible applicants.

However, organizations may be unable to receive an award if they:

• Are suspended or debarred from doing business with the Federal Government.

• Are prohibited by law or Executive Order from receiving federal awards.

• Cannot satisfy required registration requirements.

• Cannot obtain any required security approvals associated with a particular project.

Foreign-owned businesses may submit solution briefs independently or as part of a team. However, the solicitation notes that the ability to ultimately receive an award may depend upon obtaining the necessary clearances and approvals required for the proposed work.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation does not prescribe a preferred company size or business model. Instead, GVSC emphasizes commercially viable, innovative technologies that can rapidly address Army modernization needs.

During Phase 1, solution briefs are evaluated primarily on:

• Responsiveness to the Area of Interest.

• Technical merit.

• Innovation.

• Commercial applicability.

• Availability of funding.

Across later evaluation phases, the Government also considers:

• Technical feasibility.

• Technology maturity.

• Schedule realism.

• Price reasonableness.

• Business viability.

• Intellectual property considerations.

• Ability to support Army requirements with commercially available or rapidly adaptable technology.

Overall, companies with mature commercial technologies that require limited additional development before Army demonstration or transition are likely to be well aligned with this CSO.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation does not specify the expected number of awards or anticipated success rate.

Several factors suggest this opportunity will be highly competitive:

• It remains open across numerous technology areas.

• It is available to a broad range of commercial innovators.

• New Areas of Interest may be added throughout the life of the solicitation.

• Funding availability may vary by topic.

• The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the submitted solutions.

Because solution briefs are evaluated against the published criteria rather than directly against competing submissions, applicants should focus on demonstrating clear alignment with the specific Area of Interest and providing a compelling commercial solution.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Important requirements include:

• Solution briefs, presentations, and proposals must be Unclassified.

• Individual solution briefs may address only one concept for a given Area of Interest.

• Companies may submit multiple solution briefs if each represents a separate concept.

• The Government generally expects a period of performance of 12 months or less, unless otherwise specified within an Area of Interest.

• Technical data with military applications may require export approvals.

• Proposal preparation costs are not reimbursed unless specifically stated.

• Proprietary information should be properly marked.

• Additional submission instructions may vary by Area of Interest.

Applicants should always review the individual AoI before preparing a submission, as additional technical requirements or deadlines may apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify how long applicants should expect to prepare a submission.

The initial Phase 1 submission is intentionally brief.

Unless otherwise stated by the applicable Area of Interest, Phase 1 consists of either:

• A written solution brief of no more than five single-sided pages, or

• A presentation deck of no more than fifteen slides.

Companies invited to later phases should expect additional preparation for presentations and Commercial Solution Proposals.

How can BW&CO help?

The DEVCOM GVSC CSO is significantly different from a traditional federal grant competition. Rather than preparing a lengthy proposal upfront, companies typically begin with a concise Solution Brief that must quickly demonstrate technical merit, commercial innovation, and alignment with the Army's Area of Interest.

BW&CO helps companies:

• Determine which Area(s) of Interest best align with their technology.

• Develop compelling Phase 1 Solution Briefs.

• Position commercial technologies for defense applications.

• Strengthen commercialization and transition strategies.

• Prepare presentation materials for later evaluation phases.

• Develop Commercial Solution Proposals (CSPs) when invited.

• Navigate the unique requirements of Commercial Solutions Openings, OTAs, and Army acquisition pathways.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for NSWC Crane - N0016424SNB35

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Long Range Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is an always-open opportunity for companies, universities, nonprofits, and research organizations developing innovative defense technologies that support U.S. national security. Rather than focusing on a single topic, this BAA accepts revolutionary research ideas and technology demonstrations across ten broad technical capability areas, allowing organizations to submit proposals when they have a compelling solution.

Proposals and abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis. The current response deadline is July 7, 2027, at 4:00 PM EDT. Multiple awards are anticipated, and selected projects may be funded through procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions depending on the nature of the work. Organizations with technologies aligned to NSWC Crane's mission should engage early, as proposals are evaluated as they are received and funding availability varies by project.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts.

The BAA states:

• Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Individual award values will vary depending on the technology area and the proposed technical approach.

• Periods of performance will also vary by project.

• Awards may be made as:

  • Procurement contracts

  • Grants

  • Cooperative agreements

  • Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs)

  • Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support innovative research, development, prototyping, technology demonstrations, and related activities that advance NSWC Crane's mission.

The BAA seeks projects supporting one or more of the following technical capability areas:

• Electronic Warfare

• Infrared and Pyrotechnic Countermeasures

• Strategic Systems Hardware

• Expeditionary Warfare and Systems

• Advanced Electronics

• Sensors and Surveillance Systems

• Hypersonic Weapon Systems

• Power and Energy Systems

• Electro-optic and Infrared Technologies

• Force Level Electronic Warfare Mission Analysis, Advanced Concepts and Technologies

Within these areas, NSWC Crane is interested in technologies including (but not limited to):

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Trusted microelectronics

• Radar and RF systems

• EO/IR sensors

• Quantum technologies

• Power and energy storage

• Advanced batteries

• Directed energy enabling technologies

• Cybersecurity

• Counter-UAS technologies

• Modeling and simulation

• Autonomous systems

• Advanced manufacturing

• Digital engineering

• Hypersonic technologies

• Sensor fusion

• Radio frequency-enabled cyber capabilities

Projects supporting multiple technical capability areas are encouraged but are not required.

Topic Areas:

• 1. Electronic Warfare (EW)

  Research and development for materials, material processing, microelectronics, radio frequency (RF), electro-optic infrared (EOIR) and other hardware that improves the efficiency, capability and responsiveness of EW systems used in all warfighting domains (land, sea, air, space, and cyber). Algorithms, digital signal processing techniques and photonics approaches that improves EW system responsiveness and accuracy. Hardware and software-based solutions focused on manipulation of electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) signatures or emissions to include signature management. Material and non-material solutions that improve sustainability and affordability of EW systems and their components. Novel and low-cost approaches to EW test and evaluation (T&E) supporting fast-to-field initiatives. Technology demonstrations that include prototypes of component or system level solutions to EW problems. EW mission analysis that may include a combination of live, virtual or constructive representations of EW systems, platforms or unique capabilities in single or multiple engagements and campaign simulations. Research and development that enable improvements in EW component or EW system Size, Weight and Power (SWAP). Research and development that support the integration of EW capability into unmanned systems. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) approaches with emphasis on accuracy, generalizability, and tactical employment of AI and ML in support of all EW functions.

• 2. Infrared and Pyrotechnic Countermeasures

  Research, design, development, prototyping, and demonstration of safe, reliable, and effective infrared (IR) and electro-optic (EO) countermeasures, countermeasure systems, and pyrotechnics for platform protection, target enhancement, counterintelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C-ISR), illumination, and signaling and marking. Seeking innovative approaches to Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force platform protection through design, development, modeling and simulation (M&S), integration, test and evaluation (T&E), and fielding of camouflage, concealment, and deception devices, countermeasures, threat warning, and dispensing systems. Unique solutions that improve current capabilities in M&S, T&E, simulators, and all infrared countermeasure and pyrotechnic solutions, especially those that also incorporate RF with EO/IR are encouraged.

• 3. Strategic Systems Hardware

  Research and development, prototyping, technology demonstration, and test & evaluation of safe, reliable, secure and effective hardware that supports the Department of Navy and DoD nuclear deterrence community. Innovation around Strategic Systems Hardware design starting at the physics level for materials and devices including quantum, mechanics, thermodynamics, electronics and electromagnetism. Application to specific systems and subsystems such as acoustic sensors, navigation, fire control, launch, flight, guidance, onboard & pier side mechanical & electrical support systems, as well as modeling & simulation and integrated verification & validation of those systems. Approaches that facilitate strategic hardware reliability through design, manufacturing and assessment of radiation hardened microelectronics for space missions, nuclear modernization, and missile defense are desired. Special emphasis is placed on research that enables secure, robust, and resilient microelectronics, sensors and embedded systems for military applications in severe environments. Other areas of interest include digital engineering and system modeling of requirements, interface management, system level architecture integration with model-based systems engineering. Data analytics, intelligent design with artificial intelligence and machine learning, configuration and data management, and improved procedures and trainings with augmented and virtual reality will be beneficial.

• 4. Expeditionary Warfare and Systems (ExWar)

  Research, development, prototyping, and demonstration of technology associated with Expeditionary Warfare, commonly considered mission sets executed by the USMC, NAVSPECWAR & SOF, NECC, and other maritime & land-based forces. ExWar technologies can include sensor systems, battle management systems, communications and command & control systems, and kinetic & non-kinetic effectors. Unmanned (UxS) and Counter-Unmanned (C-UxS) systems technologies are of particular interest to this area of research. Novel, end-to-end capability development and demonstration via rapid prototyping and fleet experimentation is a goal for the ExWar area of research. Areas of concentration at NSWC Crane in support of ExWar capabilities include EO/IR Sensor Systems, Radar Sensor Systems, Command & Control Systems, Cyber Security, Weapon Systems & Munitions, Power & Energy, Mobility Systems, and Electronic Warfare Systems. Capabilities that enable Naval expeditionary strategies and concepts, such as Distributed Maritime Operations, Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations, and force modernization are a focus for NSWC Crane.

• 5. Advanced Electronics

  Research, development, prototyping, and demonstration of affordable, sustainable microelectronics solutions that provide asymmetric capability for the Department of Navy and the DoD Enterprise in support of the following platforms but not limited to hypersonic weapon systems and their platforms, ballistic missile defense systems, electronic warfare systems, command; control; communications; computing; intelligence; surveillance; and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems, cyber-physical systems, space surveillance systems, maritime and undersea autonomous systems. Areas of interest but not limited to basic and applied trusted microelectronics research & development (including design, development, acquisition, test and evaluation, advanced prototyping, technology maturation and technology demonstration) in support of security systems engineering to integrate advanced electronics within complex systems satisfying security and resilience objectives. Microelectronics technology areas of interests include but are not limited to active and passive electronic devices, circuit cards, advanced Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) logic for ASICs and programmable logic, volatile and nonvolatile memory, radiation hardened technologies, advance packaging to include heterogeneous integration, advanced interconnect technologies, electronic controls, solid state transmit/receive modules, digital receiver exciters, digital beamforming electronics, DC to DC converters, microwave tubes, other radio frequency and optoelectronics technologies. Microelectronics technology test and evaluation areas of interests include but are not limited to model and simulation at the board, component, and circuit level, as well as operational environments to include radiation, cyber, electronic warfare across all identified microelectronics technologies. Additionally, solutions in development and demonstration of tools, techniques, and technologies for evaluation of microelectronics devices to support the confidentiality and integrity objectives of the DoD are desired.

• 6. Sensors and Surveillance Systems

  Basic research; applied research; advanced technology development; and advanced component development and prototypes that facilitate the maturation of Sensors and Surveillance System technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Sensors and Surveillance Systems include multi-domain sensors and systems supporting Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR); Counter-Uncrewed Systems (C-UxS); Radar; Electromagnetic Warfare (EW); Signals Intelligence (SIGINT); Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), and Communications missions and activities. Solutions of interest target improvements to sensor size, weight, power, cost, and/or performance. Research and development areas of interest to demonstrate include innovations associated with metamaterials, microelectronics, 2.5- and 3-Dimensional packaging, advanced sensor architectures, power systems, thermal management solutions, mechanical technologies, networking solutions, processing systems, modeling and simulation capabilities, sensor fusion, and algorithms.

• 7. Hypersonic Weapon Systems (HWS)

  Research and development of technologies that support the development, integration, test and evaluation of HWS to include aerodynamics, aerothermal prediction and analysis, guidance, navigation and control, high temperature materials, thermal management, sensors and supporting algorithms. Any approach including materials and manufacturing processes that improve HWS performance, lethality, survivability, lowers costs or improves HWS and HWS component manufacturability (cost and capacity) is strongly desired. Innovative approaches and prototypes that lower the cost or increase the cadence of HWS testing and evaluation are also strongly desired. M&S of HWS components, subsystems and systems at all M&S levels (Engineering, Engagement, Mission and Campaign). Power and Energy solutions for HWS that reduce Size, Weight and Power (SWAP), improve power density or lower costs are welcome. Solutions that enhance microelectronics and HWS component, subsystem and system reliability and survivability in natural and prompt radiation environments are desired.

• 8. Power and Energy Systems

  Research, development, prototyping, test and evaluation, materials analysis, safety analysis, modeling, digital engineering, data analytics, data management, specification development, and production and demonstration of advanced battery technologies, advanced high energy density storage systems, high power energy storage systems, hybrid and all-electric propulsion systems, energy transfer systems, alternative and renewable energy systems, and battery management systems. Applications include space, airborne, missile, surface, land, undersea, manned, and unmanned platforms, hybrid and all-electric vehicles, human portable energy storage systems, and portable energy storage and energy conversion systems. Desired outcomes are as follows: (1) Improvements in battery power density in support of directed energy systems. (2) Improvements in battery energy density in support of extended mission endurance for space, airborne, missile, surface, land, undersea, manned, and unmanned applications. (3) Improvements in battery cycle life in support of aerospace applications and austere mission environments. (4) Enable integration onto high value surface, air, and undersea platforms by mitigating safety risks associated with lithium chemistry batteries. This includes advancements in battery casualty containment and early failure detection. This also includes advancements of battery technologies utilizing nonflammable electrolyte and solid-state electrolyte batteries. (5) Improvements of lithium chemistry battery performance in extreme cold weather environments. (6) Improvements in power management and distribution systems efficiency. (7) Improvements of solar array technology efficiency to support expeditionary mission sets. (8) Supply chain risk mitigations associated with power and energy technologies. This includes advancement of technologies, methodologies, and materials that increase availability of domestic raw materials, address obsolescence issues, enable processing of raw materials, and reduce dependence of rare earth metals. This also includes development and advancement of batteries and electric motors that utilize alternative materials. (9) Development of cost effective and supportable high voltage and high-power battery test systems.

• 9. Electro-optic and Infrared Technologies

  The objective of the Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) is to develop high-performance, low-cost, next generation EO/IR sensors, devices and autonomous processing to provide real-time detection, tracking, classification, and identification of air, sea-surface, and ground targets in all weather conditions. The primary interest is for systems working in the visible and infrared (near, short-wave, mid-wave, and long-wave) regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, which is typically considered to be 0.4 um to 15 um in wavelength. Beyond imaging and detection, this area also includes supported EO/IR technologies and sub-systems such as optics, software, targeting and tracking, sensor protection, visual augmentation systems (VAS), laser pointers, free space optics (FSO), laser markers, and laser designators. Approaches and technologies that offer improvements or improved understanding in of these areas is of interest. Additionally, innovative approaches, prototypes, and tools that benefit modeling and simulation (M&S), test and evaluation (T&E), systems installation, logistics, or other approaches that reduced cost or benefit to the management of the entire EO/IR lifecycle are of interest.

• 10. Force Level EW Mission Analysis, Advanced Concepts and Technologies

  Research and development of technologies and capabilities that support development, integration, modeling and simulation, test and evaluation of distributed and integrated electromagnetic warfare mission capabilities to support joint and naval kinetic and non-kinetic operations delivering lethal and non-lethal effects in the air, surface, ground, space and cyber domains of the electromagnetic spectrum. Seeking innovative approaches to provide a comprehensive modeling and simulation and analytical foundation to represent non-kinetic effects and complex electromagnetic environments for evaluation at the engineering, engagement, mission and campaign levels of modeling to facilitate rapid evaluation of current and emerging electromagnetic systems and system of systems capabilities. Seeking novel model-based systems engineering approaches, non-kinetic models, and visualization of non-kinetic effects in a modeling and simulation environment. Solutions and prototypes that are focused on advancing radio frequency enabled cyber, hardware agnostic electromagnetic spectrum capabilities, advanced electromagnetic sensors and systems, decision-making aids, many on many threat simulators, and advanced countermeasures are welcome. Innovative approaches and prototypes that benefit modeling and simulation, test and evaluation, and development and evaluation of integrated and distributed system of systems capabilities to help reduce cost and enable rapid analysis and evaluation are of interest.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to receive funding through multiple award mechanisms depending on project needs.

• Ability to submit proposals on a rolling basis.

• Opportunity for follow-on work where appropriate under applicable contracting authorities.

• Access to collaboration with NSWC Crane technical subject matter experts throughout project execution when appropriate for the selected award instrument.

The solicitation also notes that awardees may be eligible to use Department of Defense High Performance Computing Program resources with appropriate approvals.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key dates include:

• Abstracts: Accepted on a rolling basis.

• Proposals: Accepted on a rolling basis.

• Response deadline: July 7, 2027, at 4:00 PM EDT.

• Project start dates are unique to each individual award.

The solicitation does not specify how long proposal evaluations or award negotiations will take before funding is issued.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by:

Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane)

within the

U.S. Department of the Navy

The BAA supports research across funding categories 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 and is intended to advance technologies supporting U.S. Navy, Department of Defense, and broader national security missions.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Businesses of any size

Startups

Small businesses

Large businesses

Universities

University Affiliated Research Centers (unless prohibited by their UARC agreements)

Nonprofit research organizations

Other responsible research organizations

Teams and consortia

The BAA also encourages participation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Institutions (MIs), although no funding is specifically set aside for these organizations.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that the following organizations are not eligible to receive awards directly:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), although they may participate through eligible teaming arrangements where permitted.

• Department of Defense laboratories.

• Navy laboratories.

• Military universities.

• Warfare centers.

• Other federal civilian agency laboratories.

Additional eligibility restrictions may apply depending on the selected award instrument.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NSWC Crane evaluates proposals using three equally weighted criteria:

• Overall scientific and technical merit.

• Potential military relevance and contribution to NSWC Crane and Department of the Navy missions.

• Availability of funding.

Strong proposals will generally demonstrate:

• Innovative technical approaches.

• Clear understanding of the state of the art.

• Qualified technical personnel.

• Strong technical capabilities and facilities.

• Meaningful relevance to one or more NSWC Crane technical capability areas.

• Potential impact on national security missions.

The solicitation also notes that proposals supporting multiple technical capability areas are highly desired, although not required.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This opportunity is expected to be highly competitive.

The solicitation:

• Accepts proposals from all responsible sources.

• Anticipates multiple awards.

• Does not reserve funding for any specific business category.

• Evaluates proposals solely on technical merit, military relevance, and funding availability.

Because the BAA remains open for an extended period and accepts rolling submissions, organizations are competing against a continually evolving pool of innovative technologies rather than against a single submission deadline. The solicitation does not specify anticipated success rates or award percentages.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants should be aware that:

• Proposal preparation costs are not reimbursed.

• Award amounts are not guaranteed.

• NSWC Crane may fund all, some, or none of the proposals received.

• Applicants must maintain an active SAM registration before award.

• Export control requirements may apply.

• Classified proposals are permitted under specified submission procedures, but resulting awards may remain unclassified depending on the effort.

• Cost sharing is generally not required and is not evaluated, although voluntary cost sharing may be considered.

• Certain award types prohibit profit or fee.

• Intellectual property, security, reporting, and other compliance requirements vary depending on the award instrument selected.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time.

However, applicants should plan sufficient time to:

• Engage the appropriate NSWC Crane technical point of contact when appropriate.

• Develop either a white paper or full proposal.

• Prepare technical and cost information.

• Complete required registrations (including SAM if not already active).

• Assemble any required compliance documentation associated with the proposed award instrument.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps defense technology companies maximize their chances of success by:

• Determining whether your technology aligns with one or more NSWC Crane technical capability areas.

• Positioning your innovation around the evaluation criteria used by NSWC Crane.

• Developing compelling white papers and full proposals.

• Preparing compliant technical, management, and budget documentation.

• Managing proposal development from kickoff through submission.

• Supporting commercialization and follow-on defense funding strategy.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Domestic Production for Military-Critical Cylindrical Cells Request for Project Proposals | DIBC | RPP-BES-26-01

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

Companies developing domestic battery manufacturing capabilities should strongly consider this opportunity. The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC), on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)) Industrial Base Policy (IBP) office, is seeking prototype projects that strengthen U.S. battery supply chains in two critical areas:

1. Domestic production of military-critical 18650 and 21700 lithium-ion cells.

2. Modernization and automation of U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery production facilities.

The Government is specifically seeking projects that reduce dependence on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC), establish resilient domestic manufacturing capabilities, and support national security requirements. Phase I submissions are due no later than July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards typically range from $500,000 to $5 million. Proposers are required to submit pricing information and propose a total price for their project solution. The Government anticipates fixed-price agreements but may negotiate other award structures.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support prototype projects aligned with one of two Areas of Interest (AOIs).

AOI 1: Domestic Production of 18650/21700 Lithium-Ion Cells

(Requirement ID: BES-RPP-BES-26-01-001)

This AOI seeks to establish an initial domestic prototype manufacturing line for 18650 and 21700 format Li-ion cells. The objective is to create a sustainable, commercially viable production capability that meets DoD performance requirements while minimizing reliance on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC). Successful solutions will demonstrate a credible plan to produce cells that meet the technical specifications outlined below utilizing secure domestic supply chains.

Requirements for AOI 1 Lithium-Ion Cells

Solutions for AOI 1 must address a plan to produce 18650 and/or 21700 cells that meet the following requirements:

• Technical Specifications
• Production Line and Commercial Viability
• Safety and Certification
• Supply Chain

Technical Specifications

Energy Density (Wh/kg)

• 21700 Threshold: 270 Wh/kg
• 21700 Objective: 340 Wh/kg
• 18650 Threshold: 260 Wh/kg
• 18650 Objective: 330 Wh/kg

Notes: At standard conditions, room temperature, ½ C rate.

Energy Density (Wh/L)

• 21700 Threshold: 700 Wh/L
• 21700 Objective: 850 Wh/L
• 18650 Threshold: 680 Wh/L
• 18650 Objective: 780 Wh/L

Discharge Rate Capability (continuous/pulse)

• 21700 Threshold: 3C / 5C
• 21700 Objective: 5C / 10C
• 18650 Threshold: 1.5C / 5C
• 18650 Objective: 3C / 10C

Notes: Objective values measured at 20°C.

Cycle Life

• Threshold: 300 cycles
• Objective: 1000 cycles

Notes: ½ C charge, 1 C discharge for energy design to 80% BOL.

Storage Temperature

• Threshold: -30°C to 55°C
• Objective: -40°C to 70°C

Notes: At 100% SOC.

Operating Temperature

Threshold:

• Charge: 0°C to 55°C
• Discharge: -20°C to 55°C

Objective:

• Charge: -20°C to 60°C
• Discharge: -30°C to 60°C

Notes: Charge rate below 0°C may be reduced.

Capacity Delivered at -20°C

• Threshold: 50%
• Objective: 80%

Notes: At 1 C.

Annual Self-Discharge Rate

• Threshold: 5%
• Objective: Less than 3%

Notes: At 20°C.

Zero Volt Capability

• Threshold: No capability
• Objective: Some capability

Notes: Refers to ability for 0V storage with limited or no lifetime/performance impacts.

Cell Internal Resistance

• Threshold: 35 mΩ
• Objective: Less than 25 mΩ

Notes: At 20°C and 100% SOC.

Production Line & Commercial Viability Requirements

• Production Capacity: Demonstrate a path to achieve a minimum annual production capacity of 50 MWh for 18650 or 21700 cells within two years after award, with an objective target of scaling to 3 GWh.

• Flexibility: Describe the line's ability to cross produce both 18650 and 21700 formats.

• Commercial Viability: Include a viable business plan demonstrating the commercial marketability of the battery cells to ensure long-term sustainability of the production line.

• Cell Price: Demonstrate a clear path to achieve cost parity with high-energy Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) cells by 2030.

Safety & Certification Requirements

• Cell Level: Cells must be designed to be compliant with UL 1642 and comparable to modern COTS cells, incorporating safety features such as a cell vent and Current Interrupt Device (CID). The objective is to achieve safety performance better than high-energy COTS cells.

• Pack Level: Describe how cells will support integration into battery packs that meet UL 2054 requirements.

• Transportation: Cells must be designed to pass UN/DOT 38.3 transportation testing.

• MIL-STD-810 environmental testing for UAS batteries.

• Demonstrated fail-safe features and thermal runaway prevention for battery packs.

Supply Chain Security Requirements

Manufacturing Equipment

• Threshold: A minimum of 50% of manufacturing equipment (by value) must be secured from non-FEOC sources.

• Objective: 100% of equipment to be from non-FEOC sources.

Cell Components

Detail a plan to meet the following domestic content thresholds for electrode active materials:

• Threshold: Meet domestic content requirements as defined by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

• Objective: Achieve greater than 95% of electrode active material within each cell, by value, from sources compliant with FEOC restrictions as defined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Section 40207(a)(5).

AOI 2: Modernization of Silver-Zinc (Ag-Zn) Battery Production

(Requirement ID: BES-RPP-BES-26-01-002)

This AOI seeks to modernize and automate a U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery prototype production facility. The objective is to create a reliable, efficient, and high-yield production source capable of meeting the stringent quality and volume demands for batteries used in critical strategic systems (such as the TRIDENT II and Minuteman III).

Requirements for AOI 2 Silver-Zinc Modernization

Solutions for AOI 2 must detail a credible, economically viable plan to modernize and automate a U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery production facility.

Technical and Modernization Requirements

• Throughput & Efficiency: The proposed solution must demonstrate how automation and process controls will reduce battery activation and testing cycle times by at least 30% compared to current industry performance levels.

• Process Yield: The proposal must detail improvements to the zinc plate deposition and positive formation processes to increase the first-pass yield of defect-free plates to over 99%.

• Advanced Manufacturing: The proposal must include a plan to prototype and test an additively manufactured (3D-printed) battery case or internal support structure that achieves one of the following:

• Reduces component weight by at least 15%, or

• Increases internal volume for active materials by 10%.

The new component must not compromise structural integrity under relevant shock and vibration standards.

• Infrastructure & Workforce: The proposal must outline a plan to modernize critical manufacturing infrastructure and establish a robust training program to cultivate a skilled workforce.

Special Considerations

• Anticipated Security Level: Unclassified; however, Controlled Technical Information and/or Controlled Unclassified Information may be required.

• Environmental Questionnaire: All respondents will complete and submit an Environmental Questionnaire.

• Disclose any/all Foreign Investment or Control.

• Resource sharing for any proposed project.

• Anticipated Data Rights: Data rights may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The Government seeks to protect commercial IP while ensuring DoW’s ability to maintain supply chain visibility.

• Supply chain information for suppliers and subcontractors that includes supply chain data of components relevant to the completion of this prototype.

Consortium Members shall:

• Collect, document, and report supply chain data including data from subcontractors.

Data shall include the following:

1. Vendor name

2. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) and/or Unique Entity Identification (UEID) code(s), if applicable

3. Part/product and descriptions to include as applicable:

a. Purchaser part number

b. Vendor part number

c. Description of if the part/product is connected to a higher or lower-level part

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to a DIBC Other Transaction (OT) award structure rather than a traditional FAR-based contract.

• Eligibility for follow-on production opportunities if the prototype project is successfully completed.

• Potential consideration for additional Government financial tools and incentives, including equity investments, SAFE agreements, convertible notes, revenue-sharing agreements, offtake agreements, loans, loan guarantees, and purchase commitments.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key dates:

• RPP Release Date: June 22, 2026

• Questions Due Date: June 29, 2026 12:00 PM ET

• Phase I Submission Due Date: July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET

The solicitation uses a two-phase competitive down-select process:

Phase 1:

• Quad Chart submission.

Phase 2:

• Selected applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal package.

The solicitation does not specify award announcement dates, negotiation timelines, project start dates, or expected funding disbursement dates.

The Phase I submission deadline is July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity originates from the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)) Industrial Base Policy (IBP) office. The project is being executed through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and administered through Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD).

Projects are expected to align with:

• Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) authorities.

• Defense Production Act Title III authorities.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is open to DIBC Consortium Members.

Additional eligibility-related requirements include:

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Responsibility determination by the Agreements Officer.

• Disclosure of any foreign investment or control.

• Compliance with applicable prototype OT authority requirements.

For prototype authority eligibility, proposed projects must satisfy at least one of the following:

• Significant participation by at least one Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC).

• Significant participation by at least one Nonprofit Research Institution (NRI).

• Complete participation by a small business.

• Resource contribution of at least one-third by consortium members other than those categories.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Applicants may be ineligible if they:

• Are suspended or debarred by the Federal Government.

• Are prohibited by Presidential Executive Order or law from receiving an award.

• Fail to meet DIBC Consortium membership requirements.

• Fail to satisfy statutory requirements for prototype OT authority.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, competitive projects will likely:

For AOI 1:

• Demonstrate a credible path to domestic 18650 and/or 21700 cell production.

• Meet or exceed technical performance requirements.

• Establish secure domestic supply chains.

• Reduce reliance on FEOCs.

• Present a viable commercial business case.

• Demonstrate scalability toward meaningful production capacity.

For AOI 2:

• Deliver measurable automation and modernization improvements.

• Improve throughput and yield.

• Modernize critical manufacturing infrastructure.

• Develop workforce training capabilities.

• Demonstrate economically viable modernization plans.

Across both AOIs, the Government will evaluate:

• Relevance to the AOI.

• Technical merit and feasibility.

• Schedule realism.

• Cost reasonableness.

• Data rights considerations.

• Compliance with the definition of a prototype project.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation appears likely to be highly competitive.

Reasons include:

• A two-phase down-select process.

• Evaluation focused on technical feasibility, schedule, cost, and prototype merit.

• Government discretion to decline proposals that fail any evaluation criterion.

• No guarantee of award even for technically acceptable submissions.

The solicitation does not specify the anticipated number of awards, expected applicant volume, or success rates.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Submissions must be made electronically through the ATI Acquisition Management Portal.

• Classified information may not be submitted.

• Any CUI must comply with NIST SP 800-171 requirements.

• Environmental questionnaires are mandatory.

• Foreign investment and control disclosures are required.

• Certain DIBC agreement terms and conditions are non-negotiable.

• Supply chain reporting requirements apply to suppliers and subcontractors.

• Applicants must use mandatory templates provided by the Government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not estimate proposal preparation effort.

Applicants should plan for a two-phase process:

Phase 1:

• Quad Chart submission.

Phase 2 (invitation only):

• Cover Page.

• Project Execution Plan.

• Pricing Package.

• Affirmation of Business Status Certification.

• Environmental Assessment Questionnaire.

• End User License Agreement (if applicable).

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure.

Given the technical, manufacturing, pricing, supply chain, environmental, and compliance requirements, applicants should expect a substantial preparation effort. The solicitation does not specify a recommended preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit against AOI 1 or AOI 2 requirements.

• Develop a winning Quad Chart for Phase 1.

• Build a compliant Project Execution Plan.

• Strengthen commercialization and manufacturing scale-up narratives.

• Develop pricing justification and milestone structures.

• Prepare environmental and supply-chain documentation.

• Manage proposal strategy, reviews, and submission coordination.

Review the solicitation here.

NIH Highlighted Topic: Postnatal Human Developmental Stages and Transitions: Relationships to Aging Changes and Outcomes over the Life Course

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking innovative research proposals through the SBIR Program that leverage New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Non-Animal Technologies (NATs) to accelerate osteoarthritis (OA) research and therapeutic development. NIH is particularly interested in human-relevant research approaches—including organoids, tissue chips, advanced in vitro systems, computational modeling, archived human joint tissues, and non-invasive imaging technologies—that improve understanding of the biological mechanisms driving OA initiation and progression.

This initiative aligns with NIH’s broader effort to promote innovative, translational science while reducing reliance on traditional animal testing. Companies developing technologies, platforms, diagnostics, regenerative therapies, AI-enabled disease modeling tools, biomarker solutions, rehabilitation technologies, or advanced research systems relevant to osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal degeneration may be strong candidates for funding.

Through the NIH SBIR Program, U.S. small businesses may apply for up to $323,090 in Phase I funding and up to $2,153,927 in Phase II funding to support research, development, validation, and commercialization activities. Applications are accepted on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th annually, with funding typically beginning approximately 9 months after submission.

This highlighted topic is supported primarily by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and the National Institute on Aging (NIA), both of which may give special consideration to high-impact applications focused on osteoarthritis initiation, aging-related degeneration, regenerative rehabilitation, inflammation-driven joint damage, and human-relevant disease modeling approaches.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards provide up to $323,090 for Phase I projects (up to 2 years) and $2,153,927 for Phase II projects (up to 3 years). Some topics approved by NIH may exceed these limits. Fast-Track and Phase IIB (follow-on) options allow continuous or extended funding beyond Phase II.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the research, development, validation, and commercialization of technologies and therapeutic approaches aimed at understanding, preventing, diagnosing, or treating osteoarthritis (OA), particularly through the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and Non-Animal Technologies (NATs).

Eligible activities may include:

• Development of organoids, tissue chips, advanced in vitro systems, or computational models for osteoarthritis research

• Human tissue-based studies investigating OA initiation and progression

• AI, machine learning, or predictive modeling platforms for musculoskeletal degeneration

• Biomarker discovery and molecular characterization of joint degeneration phenotypes

• Research into inflammation-driven cartilage degradation and immune system interactions

• Studies of aging-related metabolic, epigenetic, or cellular senescence mechanisms contributing to OA

• Technologies evaluating mechanotransduction and physical loading impacts on joints

• Regenerative medicine and regenerative rehabilitation strategies for tissue repair and functional recovery

• Imaging technologies and non-invasive diagnostic tools for early OA detection

• Research into gene-gene and gene-environment interactions influencing OA susceptibility

• Therapeutic development targeting cartilage, bone, synovium, muscle, fat, tendon, or nerve-related contributors to OA pathology

• Validation, prototype development, preclinical testing, and translational studies

• Regulatory preparation, commercialization planning, and scale-up activities for Phase II projects

Funding may also support personnel, materials, software development, laboratory testing, prototype fabrication, data analysis, intellectual property protection, and other research and development expenses necessary to advance a commercially viable solution aligned with NIH priorities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility:
  Being selected for an NIH-backed SBIR grant signals technical excellence and alignment with national health and biomedical priorities. This validation builds investor and partner confidence.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition:
  Awardees are featured in NIH and HHS announcements, helping attract partnerships, media attention, and future contracting opportunities.

• Access to the Federal Innovation Ecosystem:
  Recipients join a national network of researchers and agencies advancing life science innovation, often opening doors to collaborations with NIH laboratories and federal health programs.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential:
  By maturing technology through nondilutive funding, companies strengthen valuation, de-risk commercialization, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on private investment.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Applications are accepted each year on January 5th, April 5th, and September 5th. Funding is received approximately 9 months after submission.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with statutory set-asides requiring NIH, CDC, and FDA to devote portions of their extramural R&D budgets (3.2% for SBIR, 0.45% for STTR) to support small business innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must be U.S. small business concerns (SBCs) that:

• Are organized for profit with a U.S. place of business.

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

• Are > 50% owned by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, qualifying U.S. entities, or combinations thereof.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that demonstrate:

• A clear unmet medical or public-health need,

• Strong scientific rationale and feasibility,

• High commercialization potential, supported by a realistic market and regulatory strategy, and

• Alignment with an NIH Institute’s or CDC/FDA Center’s specific research mission (e.g., infectious disease, digital health, diagnostics, therapeutics, or data analytics).

Competitive applicants often have an early prototype, preliminary data, and a defined path to market adoption.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Companies must complete multiple federal registrations (SAM.gov, Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SBA Company Registry) before applying.

• Foreign entities are not eligible.

• Disclosure of foreign affiliations and compliance with national security screening are mandatory. Currently we do not recommend any sort of foreign affiliation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive submission will likely take 120–200 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.

Review solicitation here.

TSM Special Topic – WIRE Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Department of Defense is seeking advanced manufacturing solutions that can help build and sustain the next generation of supersonic aircraft through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace (TSM) Special Topic: Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft. The government is specifically looking for technologies that reduce acquisition and sustainment costs, accelerate production timelines, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and improve manufacturing capabilities for critical aerospace systems.

This opportunity is designed for companies developing advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics and automation, reverse engineering, advanced repair technologies, and digital engineering tools.

Submissions must be submitted to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace between May 15, 2026 and June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST. Solutions assessed as “Awardable” may become eligible for future procurement actions through the Tradewinds ecosystem and potentially through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify any award amount, funding range, ceiling, floor, or number of awards.

The notice states that placement into the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace as “Awardable” does not guarantee any current or future award. Future awards, if any, may result through separate procurement actions.

What could I use the funding for?

The solicitation is seeking advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that support the manufacturing and sustainment of supersonic aircraft.

Example capability areas include:

• Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

  • PBF-LB

  • EBF3

  • Flight-critical components

  • High-temperature thermoplastics

  • Titanium alloys

  • Nickel-based superalloys

• Advanced Materials

  • Carbon fiber composites

  • Metal matrix composites

  • High-stress and high-temperature applications

• Robotics and Automation

  • Automated assembly

  • Manufacturing automation

  • Precision and safety improvements

• Reverse Engineering and Legacy Systems

  • Reverse engineering of obsolete components

  • Recreation of technical data packages

• Advanced Repair Technologies

  • Laser cladding

  • Cold spray

  • Non-destructive inspection (NDI)

• Digital Engineering and Manufacturing

  • MBSE

  • Digital twins

  • Manufacturing process optimization

The government also requires solutions to:

• Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs

• Shorten production timelines

• Strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base

• Reduce reliance on foreign suppliers

• Improve domestic manufacturing capabilities

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Companies assessed as “Awardable” will:

• Be placed in the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

• Have their solutions made available for future procurement actions

• Potentially become eligible for future awards through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)

The solicitation also notes that future awards may require companies to become DIBC members, although DIBC membership is not required to submit a solution.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key dates include:

• Submission window opens: May 15, 2026

• Submission deadline: June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST

• Assessment period begins: July 1, 2026

• Assessment period concludes: July 31, 2026, no later than 12:00PM EST

• Notification of assessment rating: On or immediately after July 31, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is sponsored through the Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Execution (WIRE) program, which is focused on strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base and supporting critical national security manufacturing capabilities.

The notice states that future awards, if any, may be made through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation refers broadly to “entities” and “vendors” submitting solutions through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.

The notice does not specify:

• Company size requirements

• Small business requirements

• Domestic ownership restrictions

• Revenue limits

• Stage restrictions

• TRL requirements

The solicitation does state that submissions must comply with the Tradewinds Announcement v10.0 requirements and submission process.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The government is prioritizing solutions that:

• Directly support current and future supersonic aircraft manufacturing and sustainment

• Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs

• Accelerate production timelines

• Strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities

• Reduce reliance on foreign sources

• Advance the state of the art in aerospace manufacturing

Strong applications will likely demonstrate:

• Clear technical differentiation

• Significant improvement over existing processes

• Strong domestic supply chain impact

• Long-term industrial base resilience

• Scalability and operational relevance

The solicitation also emphasizes business models that foster innovation, competition, and broader adoption within the industrial base.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Important restrictions and requirements include:

• All submissions must be made through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace

• Submissions must comply with Tradewinds Announcement v10.0

• Video submissions are required

• Companies must select:

  • “Special Topic Submission” under Submission Type

  • “WIRE ADV MAN Special Topic” under Relevant Strategic Focus Area

• Video titles must begin with:

  • “WIRE ADV MAN:”

The solicitation also states:

• Submission preparation costs are not reimbursable

• “Awardable” status does not guarantee funding

• Future awards may require DIBC membership

The solicitation does not specify any cost share requirements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application requires a compliant Tradewinds video submission addressing all required evaluation criteria.

Companies will need to prepare content covering:

• Problem alignment

• Mission acceleration

• Technical innovation

• Business model viability

• Industrial base impact

The solicitation does not estimate preparation time. However, because the process requires a structured video submission and compliance with Tradewinds requirements, companies should expect a meaningful preparation effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine whether your technology aligns with the solicitation

• Position your solution against the Tradewinds evaluation rubric

• Develop a compelling technical and commercialization narrative

• Structure and script the required video submission

• Translate complex manufacturing technologies into reviewer-friendly messaging

• Emphasize domestic supply chain and industrial base impacts

• Improve competitiveness for “Awardable” assessment status

Review solicitation here.

AFWERX SBIR Open Topic Program

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The AFWERX Open Topic and STRATFI/TACFI programs are designed to help commercial technology companies transition dual-use technologies into Department of the Air Force (DAF) applications. These programs are among the most founder-friendly defense funding pathways because companies propose their own technology solutions rather than responding to narrowly defined technical requirements.

The Open Topic provides multiple entry points:

• Phase I feasibility studies

• Traditional Phase II prototype development

• Direct to Phase II (D2P2) for companies with mature technology and existing Air Force customer relationships

STRATFI/TACFI is intended to help companies bridge the “Valley of Death” between SBIR/STTR Phase II and Phase III commercialization and scaling efforts.

The STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2 Notice of Opportunity is “Coming Soon,” and AFWERX states additional details and submission guidance will be released over the next few weeks. No application deadline is currently specified in the materials provided.

How much funding would I receive?

Open Topic Phase I:

• Maximum award of $75K (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $110K (STTR)

Open Topic Phase II:

• Maximum award of $2M (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $2M (STTR)

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Maximum award of $1.25M (SBIR)

The STRATFI/TACFI follow-on funding provides anywhere from $375k to $15m with private and government matching requirements.

Areas of Interest

Autonomous Mass:

• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

• Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

• Weapons Technology

Command, Control, & Battle Management:

• Communications, & Battle Management (C3BM)

• Advanced Mission Systems Architecture & Engineering

Counter Incursion:

• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS)

• Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Defeat

Agile Combat & Readiness

• Contested Logistics

• Manufacturing & Readiness

Alignment with the DOW’s Critical Technology Areas (CTAs):

• Applied Artifical Intelligence

• Biomanufacturing

• Logistics Technologies

• Battlefield Information Dominance

• Scaled Hypersonics

• Scaled Directed Energy

What could I use the funding for?

Phase I funding is intended to:

• Conduct technical feasibility studies

• Identify a DAF end user and customer

• Secure a signed Customer Memorandum

• Prepare for a Phase II proposal

Phase II funding is intended to:

• Conduct further R&D

• Build and adapt prototypes

• Develop dual-use solutions for Air Force applications

• Work directly with an Air Force Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

D2P2 funding is intended for companies that:

• Already have a prototype-ready solution

• Have identified an Air Force end user and customer

• Already possess a signed Customer Memorandum

STRATFI/TACFI funding is intended to:

• Bridge the “Valley of Death” between Phase II and Phase III

• Support transition and scaling efforts

• Deliver strategic capabilities for the DAF

Phase III efforts may include:

• Products

• Services

• Research/R&D

• Testing and evaluation

• Production contracts

• Commercialization activities funded by non-SBIR/STTR dollars

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Direct access to Air Force and Space Force customers

• Ability to transition commercial technology into defense markets

• Opportunity to secure sole-source Phase III awards

• Access to Air Force Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs)

• Potential follow-on commercialization opportunities

AFWERX states that:

• “The Open Topic is the front door to working with the Department of the Air Force.”

• More than 75% of companies received their first Air Force SBIR/STTR contract through AFVentures

• 27% of participating companies are receiving private investments

• Over $1.12B has been executed through AFVentures to date

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Open Topic Phase I:

• Period of Performance: 3 months

Open Topic Phase II:

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2:

• Notice of Opportunity “Coming Soon”

• Additional submission guidance will be released “over the next few weeks”

• No application deadline is specified in the provided materials

AFWERX notes that solicitation dates are subject to change.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• AFWERX

• SpaceWERX

• Department of the Air Force (DAF)

• Air Force SBIR/STTR programs

Phase III efforts specifically must be funded by sources other than SBIR/STTR set-aside funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Open Topic eligibility is intended for:

• Small businesses

• Companies with dual-use technologies

• Firms capable of supporting Department of the Air Force missions

STRATFI/TACFI eligibility requires ALL of the following:

• Company must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC)

• SBC must be eligible for a SBIR/STTR award

• Company must be on an active SBIR/STTR Phase II effort or have completed Phase II within two years of Capability Package submission

• The subject Phase II effort must not already have received a second (“sequential”) Phase II

• At least 90 days must have passed since the beginning of the associated SBIR/STTR Phase II execution

• SBC must not be executing a prior STRATFI effort at the time of submission

• Anticipated work must be performed in the United States

Submission for STRATFI/TACFI must be completed by a Government POC only.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

AFWERX states it is interested in:

• Innovative technology domains with demonstrated commercial value

• Dual-use technologies and solutions

• Technologies that can support Air Force mission needs

• Companies capable of transitioning solutions to warfighters

Strong applicants are likely to have:

• Existing commercial traction

• Identified Air Force customers and end users

• A signed Customer Memorandum

• Clear transition and commercialization plans

• Prototype-ready technology for D2P2 opportunities

For STRATFI/TACFI, companies with active Phase II transition momentum and strong government/customer alignment are likely to be more competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• STRATFI/TACFI submissions must be completed by Government POC only

• Incomplete submissions will not be considered

• Phase III efforts cannot be funded with SBIR or STTR dollars

• Phase III work must derive from, extend, or complete prior SBIR/STTR efforts

• Phase III contracts must comply with SBIR/STTR data rights requirements

• D2P2 applicants must demonstrate technical merit and possess a signed Customer Memorandum

The materials also state:

• Phase III contracts may involve non-SBIR/STTR federal funding sources

• Work is anticipated to be performed in the United States

• Sole-source Phase III awards may be made because competition requirements were satisfied during Phase I and II

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify expected application preparation timelines.

However, companies should expect substantial preparation work related to:

• Identifying Air Force end users and customers

• Securing a signed Customer Memorandum

• Preparing technical and commercialization materials

• Coordinating with Government POCs

• Completing submission templates and guidance documentation

STRATFI/TACFI applicants are instructed to:

• Review FAQs and submission checklists

• Review guidance documentation

• Complete required templates

• Submit through the online application system

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies:

• Position commercial technology for AFWERX Open Topic alignment

• Develop compelling dual-use commercialization narratives

• Identify and support Customer Memorandum strategies

• Prepare SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, D2P2, and STRATFI/TACFI applications

• Translate technical capabilities into defense-relevant outcomes

• Build transition and scaling strategies for Phase III opportunities

• Manage submission preparation and compliance requirements

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA- E INSPIRING GENERATIONS OF NEW INNOVATORS TO IMPACTTECHNOLOGIES IN ENERGY 2026 (IGNIITE 2026)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The IGNIITE 2026 program from ARPA-E is a high-prestige, early-career funding opportunity designed to support transformational, high-risk energy technologies. It is not founder-friendly in structure (no teams, no co-PIs), but offers meaningful non-dilutive funding and strong ecosystem access.

You must first submit a Concept Paper by 9:30 AM ET, May 29, 2026.

If selected, you may be invited to submit a full application. With only ~$10M total funding and awards capped at $500K, this is a competitive but accessible entry point into ARPA-E for early-career innovators.

How much funding would I receive?

• Individual awards: up to $500,000

• Potential additional funding:

  • Up to $250,000 Director’s Award (at ARPA-E’s discretion)

• Total program funding: approximately $10 million

• Number of awards: Not specified (ARPA-E may issue one, multiple, or no awards)

What could I use the funding for?

Applicants are advised to assess whether their proposed technologies are aligned with the DOE’s current areas of interest. Those areas include, but are not limited to:

• Energy supply chain security (to include critical minerals)

• Advanced nuclear (to include fusion, fission)

• Geothermal

• Grid reliability and security

• American manufacturing competitiveness

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—this program includes structured ecosystem access:

• Participation in the IGNIITE Annual Program (two one-week sessions in Washington, D.C.)

• Training (e.g., proposal writing, commercialization, pitching)

• Direct engagement with:

  • ARPA-E Program Directors

  • Investors

  • Federal stakeholders

• Mentorship and networking opportunities

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key deadlines:

• Concept Paper questions deadline: 5 PM ET, May 19, 2026

• Concept Paper submission deadline: 9:30 AM ET, May 29, 2026

• Invite / Not Invite notifications: 5 PM ET, July 14, 2026

• Full application deadline: Not specified (TBD)

• Selection notifications: September 2026 (anticipated)

• Award start: December 2026 (anticipated)

Period of performance:

• December 2026 – December 2028

Where does this funding come from?

• Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E)

• Within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Authorized under federal statute (America COMPETES Act and subsequent amendments).

Who is eligible to apply?

This program is highly specific and restrictive:

Principal Investigator (PI) requirements

• Must be an early-career researcher

• PhD received within 8 years of the Concept Paper deadline

• Must be:

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or green card applicant

• If at a university:

  • Must be a pre-tenure Assistant/Associate Professor

• Must self-direct the project (no co-PIs allowed)

Eligible organizations

• For-profit companies

• Universities

• Nonprofits

• DOE labs / FFRDCs

Additional constraints:

• Must apply as a standalone applicant (no teams or subrecipients)

• Must be U.S.-based with majority domestic ownership

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive projects will:

• Be transformational (not incremental)

• Have potential to be disruptive in the market

• Demonstrate clear technical risk with high upside

• Include hypothesis-driven R&D with measurable outcomes

ARPA-E prioritizes:

• Novel concepts that could create new technology “learning curves”

• Technologies with clear commercialization potential

• Strong technical justification and feasibility

Projects will be rejected if they:

• Are incremental improvements

• Lack scientific rigor

• Cannot scale or become disruptive

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No cost share required

• Must spend at least 5% on Technology Transfer & Outreach (TT&O)

• Work must generally be performed in the U.S.

• Limited or restricted:

  • Foreign participation (requires waiver)

  • Foreign travel

  • Major construction

Other constraints:

• Cannot submit more than one application per PI

• Must comply with strict federal reporting, disclosure, and security requirements

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Based on requirements:

Concept Paper (required first step)

Includes:

• Technical concept (4 pages)

• Personal qualification summary (2 pages)

• Summary slide

• Letter of support

• Transcript

Full Application (if invited)

Includes:

• 15-page technical volume

• Budget workbook

• Multiple federal forms and disclosures

• Biosketches and support documentation

Estimated effort:

• Concept Paper: 2–4 weeks

• Full Application: 6–10+ weeks

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you across the full process:

• Positioning your concept as “transformational” (not incremental)

• Translating technical ideas into ARPA-E-aligned narratives

• Structuring your Concept Paper for invite likelihood

• Building a clear commercialization and impact story

• Managing compliance with ARPA-E formatting and submission rules

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) Component Challenge

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) Component Challenge is an open, rolling solicitation seeking dual-use technologies that reduce cost and improve performance across LUCAS subsystems. This is not for building a full aircraft—it is strictly for components that can integrate into existing or future LUCAS platforms.

The challenge window is open for one hundred twenty days from posting, with weekly reviews and rapid down-selects anticipated within thirty to forty-five days of submission. Companies that are ready to deliver testable prototypes quickly should apply as early as possible to maximize selection odds.

Deadline is June 24th, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k - $5m per award.

Desired Solution

The government seeks prototypes and concepts that reduce cost, increase performance, improve manufacturability, and strengthen mission adaptability across the LUCAS family. Components may target aircraft already fielded, upcoming variants, or platform-agnostic interfaces intended for future LUCAS systems.

These technology areas include:

a) Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning, perception, autonomy, and decision aids that enhance mission planning, predictive maintenance, and autonomous performance while reducing operator workload.

b) Mission Command Planner and Executor: Tools that translate commander intent into executable tasking for LUCAS platforms, enabling rapid re-tasking, synchronization, and secure mission execution.

c) Payload – Kinetic and Non-Kinetic: Modular payloads providing offensive, defensive, and sensing effects, emphasizing rapid interchangeability, safe integration, and interoperability across mission profiles.

d) Navigation Systems: Avionics and navigation suites resilient to degraded or GPSdenied environments, leveraging multi-sensor fusion, inertial navigation, and antijam/anti-spoofing technologies.

e) Alternative Energy: Onboard or distributed energy systems that extend endurance, reduce logistics burden, and enable sustained operations, including hybrid, fuel cell, or regenerative power options.

f) Engines: Power and propulsion units focused on reliability, maintainability, and energy efficiency, supporting rapid maintenance and multi-fuel adaptability.

g) Manufacturing Capabilities: Advanced production methods such as additive manufacturing and modular assembly that reduce cost, shorten lead times, and improve supply chain resilience.

h) Test and Evaluation Capabilities: Rapid, repeatable validation tools and instrumentation, including hardware-in-the-loop, automated test frameworks, and performance data analytics.

i) Integration Labs: Physical or virtual environments that accelerate interoperability testing, software-hardware integration, and government-industry co-development using standardized interfaces.

j) One-Way Attack Systems: Affordable, expendable loitering or single-use systems emphasizing safety, accuracy, and low-cost production for tactical effects.

k) Range-Extending Technologies: Communication relays, propulsion enhancements, or networked systems that expand operational reach, endurance, and mission duration. Together, these areas represent the spectrum of component and subsystem innovation needed to enhance LUCAS performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and enable scalable production across multiple mission sets.

l) Swarm & Collaborative Autonomy: Distributed sensing, mesh networking, cooperative tasking, and multi-vehicle behaviors.

m) Safety, Reliability & Self-Diagnostics: Pre-flight auto-check systems, onboard selfassessment tools, safe-to-arm mechanisms, and lightweight encryption modules.

n) Launch & Recovery Innovations: Low-cost launch systems, expeditionary recovery kits, modular or disposable launch rails, and ruggedized capture solutions.

o) Environmental Hardening & Weatherization: Corrosion protection, weatherproofing, low-temperature battery chemistry, and ruggedized housings.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes. Selected companies may receive:

• Direct collaboration with LUCAS manufacturer (Spektreworks) or integrator (Neany)

• Access to government-provided interfaces, labs, and test environments (post down-select)

• Opportunity for follow-on funding for testing or production

• Exposure to multiple government stakeholders reviewing submissions on a rolling basis

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Application window: open for one hundred twenty days from posting

• Submission reviews: weekly

• Down-select decisions: typically within thirty to forty-five days of submission

• Post-award expectation: solutions should be ready for demonstration within ninety days of award

Funding timing beyond this is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued through:

• One Nation Innovation (ONIX) Other Transaction Authority (OTA)

• Operated on behalf of government partners, with coordination from OUSD R&E

Who is eligible to apply?

The challenge is broadly open to:

• Small and nontraditional vendors

• Startups and early-stage companies

• Commercial dual-use developers

• International partners (subject to regulations)

No prior DoD experience is required.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive submissions will:

• Demonstrate clear cost reduction or cost-per-effect improvements

• Be ready for testing within ninety days of award

• Integrate easily with government systems and open interfaces

• Show manufacturability, scalability, and supply chain resilience

• Provide a credible delivery schedule and transition pathway

Evaluation prioritizes:

• Open architecture and interoperability

• Cost and total ownership impact

• Technical maturity and readiness

• Integration simplicity and safety

• Speed to delivery

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This challenge does not fund full LUCAS aircraft development—components only

• Work is expected to be unclassified, but may involve export control or CUI compliance

• CUI cannot be submitted through the platform

• Vendors are responsible for regulatory compliance

• Selected vendors may receive controlled government data post down-select

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires:

• A proposal of no more than 10 pages in 12-point Arial

• A separate cover page with company and contact details

Required content includes:

• Technical approach and cost reduction strategy

• Integration and testing plan

• Rough order of magnitude pricing

• Past performance

• Delivery schedule

Preparation time is not specified in the solicitation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Position your component against LUCAS evaluation criteria

• Translate your technology into a clear cost-reduction and integration narrative

• Align your proposal with OTA expectations and rapid prototyping goals

• Develop a compelling, compliant 10-page submission optimized for fast down-select

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield Energy Resiliency Microgrid Prototype & Lines of Effort (LOEs) Challenge through ONIX OTA Partnership

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The USARMY – Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield Energy Resiliency Microgrid Prototype is a prototype-focused opportunity to design, build, and validate a solar-plus-storage microgrid supporting mission-critical operations. The Army is seeking solutions that can demonstrate real-world resiliency performance and produce a replication package for future deployments.

Applications close May 19, 2026 at 07:00 PM.

This is a fast-moving opportunity with a 30–45 day anticipated down-select, requiring concise (2–10 page) submissions and a clear, executable approach.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k - $5m per award.

AREAS OF INTEREST

LOE 1: Prototype / Program Management, Permitting, and Stakeholder Coordination

Provide program management and dedicated oversight to execute the Fort Stewart microgrid prototype, including end‑to‑end coordination of permitting and stakeholder actions required for successful deployment.

● Provide program management, schedule/risk governance, and coordination to execute the Fort Stewart microgrid prototype within the Government-directed timeline.

● Lead and track permitting actions for the solar farm and adjacent battery facility (BESS); coordinate documentation packages and approvals with installation stakeholders and authorities having jurisdiction, as directed.

● Maintain an integrated risk register and readiness gates for design, permitting, installation, commissioning, and testing; provide recurring status reporting and issue resolution as directed.

● Coordinate site access, safety planning, and installation coordination actions required to enable on‑site work and testing activities, as directed.

LOE 2: Prototype / Microgrid Design, Build, Integration, and Commissioning (Fort Stewart)

Execute the Fort Stewart solar-plus-storage microgrid prototype to validate installation energy resiliency under outage/degraded-grid conditions, while coordinating required permitting and stakeholder actions to enable successful deployment.

● Design and implement the solar‑plus‑storage microgrid architecture, including interconnection, controls, protection schemes, and operating modes necessary to support mission‑essential loads during outages/degraded grid conditions, as directed.

● Install, integrate, and commission the solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS), and deliver as‑built documentation and configuration baselines for the prototype system.

● Coordinate construction/installation sequencing with Government stakeholders to support access, safety, and continuity of installation operations, as directed.

● Prepare commissioning checklists and acceptance test procedures consistent with Government-directed requirements; document results and corrective actions through closeout.

LOE 3: Prototype / Performance Validation, Sustainment Readiness, and Replication Package (HAAF)

Validate prototype performance through representative testing, deliver sustainment readiness artifacts, and provide a replication kit to accelerate sequential deployment at Hunter Army Airfield.

● Execute a Government‑approved demonstration plan that includes at least one planned utility‑outage/islanding demonstration and one degraded‑grid scenario; document results, constraints, and recommended design/process changes.

● Establish baseline resiliency performance and report measurable deltas from testing (e.g., critical load support duration, transfer time to islanded operations, system availability/uptime, recovery time), with decision‑quality evidence suitable to inform sequential deployment.

● Deliver operator/maintainer training, safety procedures, sustainment recommendations, and turnover artifacts required for continued operations, as

directed.

● Deliver a microgrid replication kit to accelerate sequential deployment at Hunter Army Airfield, including process map, permitting playbook, reference

architecture, commissioning checklist, operator training package, and lessons‑learned delta list.

● Coordinate with the Government to define the mission-essential load set and target sustainment duration for demonstration events prior to execution, as directed.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—non-dilutive and strategic benefits include:

• Opportunity to deliver a first-of-its-kind microgrid at Fort Stewart

• Positioning for follow-on deployment at Hunter Army Airfield (approximately 1+ year out)

• Creation of a replicable implementation package for future Army installations

• Direct engagement with the U.S. Army and ONI through an ONIX OTA contracting pathway

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Application deadline: May 19, 2026 at 07:00 PM

• Down-select timeline: ONI anticipates 30–45 days from posting

• Project duration: Approximately 1–1.5 years for Fort Stewart execution

Timing for award and funding disbursement is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Army (Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield)

• Contracting via ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI

Who is eligible to apply?

• U.S.-based industry (i.e., small businesses), academic, and nonprofit organizations

• Must register and submit via https://gocolosseum.org

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals will be evaluated across four weighted categories:

1. Technical Approach & Design (30%)

• Strong solar + battery integration design

• Clear outage/islanding capability

• Robust permitting and compliance strategy

2. Execution Capability & Schedule (25%)

• Realistic 1–1.5 year execution plan

• Defined staffing and resource allocation

• Credible cost and milestone structure

3. Deliverables & Outcomes (30%)

• Demonstrable performance metrics (e.g., load support duration, uptime)

• Complete replication package

• Strong sustainment readiness documentation

4. Past Performance & Organization Capability (15%)

• Relevant microgrid or energy resiliency experience

• Experience working on military or government installations

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This is a prototype-focused effort; recurring environmental compliance services are not intended unless explicitly directed

• Submission format is flexible, but proposals must include required elements (e.g., technical approach, schedule, costs, deliverables)

• Responses must be 2–10 pages maximum

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires a short response (2–10 pages) including technical, cost, and execution details.

Typical preparation effort will depend on readiness, but the required components include:

• Technical approach

• Schedule and milestones

• Cost estimate (ROM)

• Past performance

• Company information

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Translating your microgrid solution into a clear, evaluation-aligned proposal

• Structuring your response to directly match the scoring rubric (technical, execution, outcomes, past performance)

• Developing a credible ROM cost model and milestone plan

• Positioning your team’s experience for DoD evaluators and OTA pathways

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

U.S. DOT SBIR Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Phase I

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The U.S. DOT SBIR FY26 Phase I Pre-Solicitation is now open and represents an early opportunity to align with upcoming federal R&D funding across transportation, AI, safety, and infrastructure.

The pre-solicitation is open through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, which is the key near-term deadline to engage, ask questions, and position your solution.

While this is not the formal application window, companies that act now—by refining their concept, engaging in Q&A, and aligning to specific topics—will be significantly better positioned for the estimated solicitation period: June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Phase I funding is up to $200,000 for 6 months.

RESEARCH TOPICS:

• 26-FH1: Edge AI-V2X Integrated Practical Solutions for Congestion Prevention and Mitigation

  This topic seeks an integrated system combining AI, edge/cloud computing, and V2X communication to detect, predict, and mitigate traffic congestion in real time across multiple intersections or regions. The solution should ingest diverse traffic data, generate location-specific operational guidance (e.g., speed, lane changes, detours), and securely deliver it to vehicles, infrastructure, and agencies. A key focus is on balancing workloads between edge and cloud systems while ensuring low latency, scalability, and secure communications.

• 26-FH2: Automated Mobile Catch-basin Inspection System

  FHWA is looking for a vehicle-mounted, multi-sensor inspection system that can assess catch-basin conditions (e.g., water, sediment, debris) without removing grates or requiring manual inspection. The system should use sensors (optical, lidar, radar, etc.) and AI to interpret basin conditions while in motion, improving safety and efficiency for DOTs managing large, distributed infrastructure networks.

• 26-FR1: Mobile High-Power Emergency BESS De-energizer System for Rail Vehicle Propulsion

  This topic calls for a mobile system capable of safely discharging high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems (BESS) in rail vehicles after accidents or during maintenance. The system must handle at least 400 kW of stored energy, include robust safety features, and be operable by trained personnel. It should support multiple discharge methods (resistive, regenerative, or hybrid) and integrate with emergency response and rail maintenance workflows.

• 26-FT1: Person-Centered, Carefree, Complete Trip Planning - Powered by AI

  FTA seeks an AI-powered trip planning tool that supports the entire “Complete Trip,” from deciding to use transit through navigation and adaptation during travel. The system should integrate multimodal transportation data, personalize recommendations based on user preferences, and ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. The goal is to make transit a seamless, intuitive option compared to other modes.

• 26-OS1: Predictive Safety Analytics for Commercial Transport Modernization

  This topic focuses on developing predictive analytics tools that use AI and integrated data sources to proactively identify safety risks in commercial transportation. A core component is a “Trusted Intermediary” framework that securely combines private industry data with public datasets while preserving privacy. The system should generate actionable, explainable insights to improve safety outcomes and resource allocation.

• 26-OS2: Freight Corridor Predictive Intelligence

  This topic seeks an AI-enabled system that predicts freight bottlenecks and supply chain disruptions using multimodal data, edge analytics, and federated learning. The solution should provide real-time insights and decision-support tools for public and private stakeholders, including dashboards and alerts. It aims to improve corridor efficiency, resilience, and coordination across transportation systems.

• 26-PH1: Increase End-of-Life Battery Safety and Recovery of Rare Earth Minerals

  PHMSA is looking for a safe, fast, and cost-effective method to remove residual energy from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, reducing explosion risk during transport. The solution should enable safer shipping and improve the economics of recovering critical minerals, with potential to support regulatory changes and broader commercialization.

• 26-PH2: Thermal Indicator Coatings for Hazardous Materials Packaging Safety

  This topic seeks a thermochromic coating for hazardous materials packaging that visibly changes color when internal temperatures reach dangerous levels. The coating should be durable, low-cost, and compatible with various packaging materials, providing first responders and operators with a clear, intuitive warning signal during transport or emergencies.

• 26-PH3: Self-repairing Hazardous Materials Packaging

  PHMSA is interested in self-repairing materials or coatings that can automatically fix damage (e.g., cracks, corrosion, punctures) in hazardous materials packaging. The solution must meet existing regulatory standards and improve safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness across bulk and non-bulk packaging applications.

• 26-PH4: Improved Response to Lithium-ion Battery Fires

  This topic calls for a low-cost, easy-to-deploy solution to suppress lithium-ion battery fires quickly and prevent reignition. The system should work across different battery types and scenarios, integrate with emergency response workflows, and be scalable for widespread use by first responders, shippers, and operators.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Not explicitly specified, but the document indicates:

• Opportunities to work with federal agencies and transportation operators

• Potential pilot deployments with state/local partners

• Path to Phase II funding for prototype development and validation

• Early positioning in priority areas like AI, safety, and infrastructure modernization

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key dates provided:

• Pre-solicitation open through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Pre-solicitation Q&A period: April 29, 2026 – May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Estimated solicitation period: June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026

Funding timing after submission is not specified in the provided materials.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) SBIR program, including:

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

• Office of the Secretary (OST)

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Who is eligible to apply?

• For-profit small businesses

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the topic descriptions:

• Companies building real, testable systems (not just concepts)

• Teams that integrate:

  • AI + real-world data

  • Hardware + software systems

  • Existing infrastructure (e.g., V2X, sensors, rail systems)

• Proposals that demonstrate:

  • Clear Phase I feasibility approach

  • Path to Phase II deployment

  • Partnerships with agencies or industry stakeholders

• Solutions that address:

  • Safety, reliability, and scalability

  • Real-world operating constraints (latency, environment, compliance)

  • Human usability and adoption

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Examples from the topics include:

• Must integrate with existing infrastructure and systems

• Must meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements

• Some topics require industry partnerships (e.g., rail stakeholders)

• Certain exclusions apply (e.g., radioactive materials excluded in PHMSA 26-PH3)

• Solutions must be practical, scalable, and deployable

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Given the timeline:

• You effectively have until July 7, 2026 (estimated) to prepare for submission once the solicitation opens

• Early preparation during the pre-solicitation period (through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET) is strongly implied

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Select the right topic across FHWA, FRA, FTA, OST, and PHMSA

• Translate your product into a Phase I-ready technical concept

• Build a clear commercialization and Phase II pathway

• Develop a competitive SBIR proposal aligned to DOT expectations

• Use the pre-solicitation window to refine positioning and de-risk your application

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I Topics

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

NASA is accepting proposals for its FY26–27 SBIR/STTR Phase I programs under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 80NSSC26R0003. The deadline to apply is May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

This is a short application window and a highly structured opportunity. NASA will not evaluate late or incomplete submissions, and companies are limited to no more than two proposal packages.

The program funds early-stage R&D aligned with NASA’s defined technical needs across space systems, aeronautics, materials, energy, planetary science, and in-space infrastructure. Each proposal must target a single subtopic, and NASA will not move proposals between topics—fit matters.

For Phase I:

• Maximum funding: $225,000

• Project duration:

  • SBIR: up to six (6) months

  • STTR: up to thirteen (13) months

All submissions must be completed through NASA’s ProSAMS system, including all required forms, technical proposal components, and endorsements.

Companies that successfully complete Phase I may be invited to submit for Phase II follow-on funding, with additional development support and commercialization pathways.

This is a tightly scoped, compliance-heavy opportunity with defined technical gaps. If your technology aligns with a subtopic, you should move quickly to prepare a compliant submission before the May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

• Up to $225,000 per Phase I award

• Optional Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): up to $6,500 (if requested)

Research Topics:

• CARITL.1.S26A: Development of Hydrazine-Compatible Elastomeric Materials for Long-Duration Spaceflight (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a replacement elastomer material that can withstand long-term hydrazine exposure and spaceflight conditions for NASA propulsion systems.

• EXPAND.1.S26A: Flight Demonstrations of Commercial In-Space Logistics, Robotic Manipulation, and Automation Systems for Future Space Operations (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks commercial in-space logistics, robotic manipulation, and automation systems that can be flight-demonstrated for future space operations.

• EVA.1.S26A: Advanced Spacesuit Architectures, Technologies, and Designs for Mars Exploration (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced spacesuit architectures and enabling technologies tailored to the demands of Mars exploration.

• GO.1.S26A: ASCENT Thruster Pre-heat Optimization (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies to improve or optimize pre-heat performance for ASCENT thrusters.

• LWS.1.S26A: Mars Solar Array Technology (MSAT) Innovations (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks innovations in solar array technology that improve power generation for Mars missions.

• LIVEP.1.S26A: Energy Storage for Long-Duration Missions (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks energy storage technologies that can support long-duration lunar, planetary, or deep-space missions.

• LIVEP.2.S26A: Mars and Lunar Power Transfer Technology Development (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks power transfer technologies that can distribute energy across Mars and lunar surface systems.

• INSTALG.1.S26A: In Situ Instruments and Instrument Components for Lunar and Planetary Science (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks in situ science instruments and instrument components for lunar and planetary missions.

• INSTALG.2.S26A: Suborbital Instruments and Sensor Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks instruments and sensor systems suitable for suborbital science platforms and observations.

• COSMO.1.S26A: High Performance Detector Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks high-performance detector technologies for advanced space science and observation missions.

• SPWX.1.S26A: Advanced Data-Driven Applications for Space Weather Research-to-Operations-to-Research (R2O2R) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced data-driven tools that improve the transition of space weather capabilities between research and operations.

• ORBECON.1.S26A: Catalyzing High-Throughput In-Space Production of Semiconductors and Quantum Materials (CHIPS-QM) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that enable scalable in-space production of semiconductors and quantum materials.

• AERO.1.S26B: Health Management and Sensing Technologies for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Systems (SBIR)

  This call seeks proposals in both for Electric/Hybrid Sustainable Designs as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel Systems.

• AERO.2.S26B: Quiet Performance-Aircraft Propulsion Noise (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that reduce or better characterize aircraft propulsion noise while maintaining performance.

• AERO.3.S26B: Advanced Thermal Management for High-Efficiency Engine Cycles (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced thermal management approaches for next-generation high-efficiency aircraft engine cycles.

• AERO.4.S26B: Flight Test Measurement Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks improved measurement technologies for collecting high-quality data during flight testing.

• AERO.5.S26B: Improved Material Discovery through Leveraging Novel Modeling and Experimental Approaches (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks faster and better material discovery methods using new modeling and experimental approaches.

• AERO.6.S26B: Wind Tunnel Test Measurement Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks measurement technologies that improve data collection and analysis in wind tunnel testing.

• AERO.7.S26B: Airspace Operations and Safety (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that improve the safety, efficiency, and management of airspace operations.

• AERO.8.S26B: Fuel to Electric Conversion (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that support the transition from fuel-based aircraft systems to electric architectures.

• GO.2.S26B: Development of cost-effective 3D printing of SOA Hall thruster magnetic circuits (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks cost-effective 3D printing methods for state-of-the-art Hall thruster magnetic circuits.

• GO.3.S26B: Advanced Momentum Management and Propellant less Control Technologies for Solar Sail Spacecraft (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced momentum management and propellant-less control technologies for solar sail spacecraft.

• ENABLE.1.S26B: Laser Welding System and Integrated Real-Time Nondestructive Inspection (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a laser welding system paired with real-time nondestructive inspection capabilities.

• ENABLE.2.S26B: High Performance Onboard Computing (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks high-performance onboard computing technologies for future NASA missions.

• EXPAND.2.S26B: Orbital Debris Tracking (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that improve detection, tracking, and awareness of orbital debris.

• EXPAND.3.S26B: Autonomous Onboard Health Management for Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks autonomous onboard health management technologies for small spacecraft and distributed space systems.

• EVA.2.S26B: Mars Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies and designs for EVA suits that support human Mars exploration.

• SURFMOB.1.S26B: Advanced Human Lunar Surface Mobility Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced mobility technologies that improve how humans move and operate on the lunar surface.

• LAND.1.S26B: Real-time Characterization of Regolith Stability during Planetary Descent & Landing (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that can characterize regolith stability in real time during planetary descent and landing.

• LAND.2.S26B: Development and Modeling of Waterproofing Coatings or Surface Treatments for Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks waterproofing coatings or surface treatments for reusable thermal protection systems, along with supporting modeling.

• LAND.3.S26B: Low Cost Domestic Source for Blended Carbon and Phenolic Felt Batting or Yarn (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a low-cost domestic source for blended carbon and phenolic felt batting or yarn used in thermal protection applications.

• LWS.2.S26B: Softgoods Habitats Employing Layered or Trapped Unrefined Regolith Shielding (SHELTURS) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks softgoods habitat concepts that use layered or trapped unrefined regolith for shielding.

• LIVEI.1.S26B: Surface Sustainability and Logistics: Dust Mitigation (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks dust mitigation technologies that support sustainable surface operations and logistics.

• INSTALG.3.S26B: Large-Scale Computing and Computational AI (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks large-scale computing and computational AI capabilities for NASA science and mission applications.

• INSTALG.4.S26B: Detectors and Integrated Electronics (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks detector technologies and integrated electronics for science instruments.

• INSTALG.5.S26B: Remote-Sensing Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks remote-sensing technologies for planetary, Earth, or space science observations.

• COMNAV.1.S26B: Flight Dynamics and Navigation Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks flight dynamics and navigation technologies for future mission planning and operations.

• COMNAV.2.S26B: Lunar 3GPP Capability Development (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks development of lunar communication capabilities based on 3GPP standards.

• COSMO.2.S26B: Cryogenic Systems for Instruments (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks cryogenic systems that enable high-performance scientific instruments.

• COSMO.3.S26B: AI for Rapid Development of Space Precision Components (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks AI-enabled methods to accelerate the development of precision space components.

• COSMO.4.S26B: Instrument Technologies, Free-Form Optics, and Stray-Light Suppression (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks instrument technologies including free-form optics and stray-light suppression methods.

• COSMO.5.S26B: Advanced Observatory Technologies: Mirrors, Structures, Systems, Fabrication and Metrology (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced observatory technologies spanning mirrors, structures, systems, fabrication, and metrology.

• SPWX.2.S26B: Sensors and Instrumentation for Space Environment Measurement (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks sensors and instrumentation for measuring the space environment.

• INSITU.1.S26B: Fault Management Technologies for Autonomous Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks fault management technologies that improve the resilience of autonomous systems.

• INSITU.2.S26B: Sample Handling, Processing, and Control for In-Situ Lunar and Planetary Science Instruments (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks sample handling, processing, and control technologies for in situ lunar and planetary science instruments.

• INSITU.3.S26B: Robotic Mobility, Manipulation, and Sampling (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks robotic mobility, manipulation, and sampling technologies for planetary exploration.

• INSITU.4.S26B: Variable Gravity Sample Preparation and Analysis (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies for sample preparation and analysis across variable gravity environments.

• INSITU.5.S26B: Contamination Control and Planetary Protection (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks contamination control and planetary protection technologies for science missions.

• INSITU.6.S26B: Plant Research Technologies for Space (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks plant research technologies that support space biology and future exploration missions.

• AERO.9.T26B: Full-Scale (Passenger/Cargo) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Interdisciplinary Investigations (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks full-scale or scalable test and analysis capabilities for advanced air mobility and eVTOL vehicles across aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, controls, and acoustics.

• AERO.10.T26B: Hybrid Powertrain Technologies (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks hybrid powertrain technologies for next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.

• GO.4.T26B: Modernization of CFD Tools for Advanced Propulsion Applications (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks modernization of CFD tools to better support advanced propulsion applications.

• GO.5.T26B: Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO) Control Surfaces (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks control surface technologies that enable spacecraft operations in very low Earth orbit.

• LIVEI.2.T26B: Bulk Regolith Manipulation and Site Preparation (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies for bulk regolith movement and site preparation on planetary surfaces.

• INSTALG.6.T26B: Quantum Computing (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks quantum computing capabilities relevant to NASA science and mission needs.

• COSMO.6.T26B: Fundamental Physics Test Apparatus (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks apparatus and enabling technologies for conducting fundamental physics experiments in space.

• SPWX.3.T26B: Quantum Sensing Components for Space Environment Measurements (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks quantum sensing components for measuring the space environment with improved capability or sensitivity.

• INSITU.7.T26B: Combustion and Fluids Experiments (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that enable combustion and fluids experiments for NASA research applications.

• ORBECON.2.T26B: Biotechnology Applications from Space for Earth (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks biotechnology applications developed from space-based research that can deliver value on Earth.

• ORBECON.3.T26B: Advanced Materials Manufacturing Applications from Space for Earth (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced materials manufacturing applications derived from space that can be translated to Earth markets.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Eligibility to apply for Phase II follow-on funding if awarded Phase I

• Direct alignment with NASA mission needs and technology gaps

• Potential pathway to NASA procurement or integration

• Access to Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding (if requested)

Additional commercialization or partnership benefits are not explicitly specified in the solicitation.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Solicitation issued: April 21, 2026

• Help Desk guaranteed response deadline: May 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

• Application deadline: May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

Submission details:

• Must be submitted via ProSAMS

• Late submissions will not be evaluated

Funding start dates and award timelines are not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Funding is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• Program: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

• Solicitation: BAA 80NSSC26R0003

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is governed by SBIR/STTR program rules (referenced in the BAA).

From this appendix:

• Applicants must be small businesses

• Must submit through ProSAMS

• Must comply with all registration and certification requirements

Detailed eligibility criteria (e.g., ownership structure, size standards) are not specified in this appendix and are referenced in the broader BAA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NASA is looking for proposals that:

• Directly address a specific subtopic need

• Demonstrate a clear technical innovation

• Align with NASA’s identified technology gaps

Key success factors:

• Strong alignment to subtopic scope

• Clear technical feasibility

• Well-defined research plan

• Compliance with all submission requirements

Evaluation criteria are defined in an evaluation rubric (Attachment 26A.1 / 26B.1) but detailed scoring factors are not specified in the provided text.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Maximum of two (2) proposals per company

• Each proposal must target only one subtopic

• Submitting similar proposals to multiple subtopics may result in rejection of all

• No paper submissions — electronic only via ProSAMS

• Password-protected PDFs are not allowed

• Proposals exceeding:

  • $225,000

  • Page limits (15 pages technical)

  • Duration limits
    may be rejected

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the solicitation.

However, based on requirements:

• Full technical proposal (up to 15 pages)

• Budget and certifications

• Supporting documentation (letters, forms, etc.)

• ProSAMS registration and submission

Preparation time will depend on readiness but should account for:

• Technical writing

• Compliance checks

• System submission steps

NASA explicitly recommends starting early due to upload and endorsement requirements.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Subtopic selection and fit validation

• Proposal strategy aligned to NASA evaluation criteria

• Full proposal writing (technical + commercialization)

• Compliance review against ProSAMS requirements

• Budget development and TABA strategy

• Submission readiness and final packaging

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

DE-TA1-0003589: Critical Minerals & Materials Accelerator (CMMA)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Critical Minerals and Materials Accelerator Notice of Funding Opportunity (DE-FOA-0003589) offers up to $69,000,000 to fund prototype- and pilot-scale technologies that strengthen U.S. critical mineral supply chains.

This is a time-sensitive, multi-deadline opportunity:

• Letter of Intent Due: 04/21/2026 5pm ET

• Application due: Topic Area 1: 05/26/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 2: 06/22/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 3: 07/20/2026 5pm ET

DOE is targeting companies that can move technologies from bench scale (TRL 3–4) to prototype (TRL 6) and ultimately to commercialization within 3–7 years.

If you are building technologies in critical minerals processing, recycling, semiconductor materials, or lithium extraction, this is a high-priority funding opportunity with follow-on capital pathways (Phase 2).

How much funding would I receive?

Funding varies by topic area and phase:

Total program funding:

• $69,000,000 total available funding

Phase 1 (Prototype Scale):

• Topic Area 1: Up to $2,000,000 per award (10–14 awards)

• Topic Area 2: Up to $2,000,000 per award (1–5 awards)

• Topic Area 3A: Up to $2,000,000 per award (4–6 awards)

• Topic Area 3B/3C: $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 per award

Phase 2 (Pilot Scale, competitive down-select):

• Up to $8,000,000 per project

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports prototype and pilot-scale development of critical mineral technologies, including:

• Prototyping and piloting technologies proven at bench scale

• Scaling materials processing and manufacturing technologies

• Validation, benchmarking, and testing in industry-relevant environments

• Techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life-cycle assessment (LCA)

• Collaboration with national labs and testbeds

• Development of domestic supply chain capabilities

Topic areas include:

• Recovery and production of critical materials (including rare earths)

• Semiconductor materials processing (gallium, germanium, silicon carbide)

• Lithium extraction, separation, and processing

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes. Key non-dilutive and strategic benefits include:

• Access to DOE national labs and testbeds

• Voucher-supported technical assistance (no cost share required for certain lab work)

• Participation in the Critical Materials Collaborative (CMC)

• Potential pathway to Phase 2 pilot funding (up to $8M)

• Opportunity to attract follow-on private capital

• Potential equity participation discussions with DOE during negotiations

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key deadlines:

• Letter of Intent Due: 04/21/2026 5pm ET

• Application due: Topic Area 1: 05/26/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 2: 06/22/2026 5pm ET; Topic Area 3: 07/20/2026 5pm ET

Other timeline milestones:

• Anticipated selection: July 2026 – August 2026

• Anticipated awards: September 2026 – December 2026

• Project period: September 2026 – December 2029

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

• Offices:

  • Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)

  • Office of Geothermal (OG)

Authorized under multiple federal statutes including the Energy Act of 2020 and Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants:

• Domestic entities, including:

  • For-profit companies

  • Nonprofits

  • Universities

  • State/local governments

  • Indian Tribes

Additional eligibility notes:

• Foreign entities are generally not eligible (waiver required)

• Work must be performed in the U.S. unless a waiver is approved

• FFRDC participation is allowed under specific conditions

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DOE is prioritizing projects that:

• Advance technologies from TRL 3–4 to TRL 6

• Demonstrate a clear path to commercialization within 3–7 years

• Address critical supply chain gaps in U.S. mineral production

• Include strong industry partnerships

• Show scalability, cost competitiveness, and supply chain integration

• Incorporate TEA, LCA, and adoption readiness (ARL) considerations

High-priority solutions include:

• Recycling and recovery of critical materials

• Semiconductor material processing

• Lithium extraction technologies

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Minimum cost share:

  • Phase 1: 20%

  • Phase 2: 50%

• Cost share must come from non-federal sources

• All work must be performed in the United States (unless waived)

• Entities of Concern are prohibited from participation

• Applications must:

  • Be submitted to the correct topic area

  • Include a prior Letter of Intent

  • Meet strict formatting and submission requirements

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not explicitly specified in the solicitation.

However, based on required components, applications include:

• Technical Volume

• Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO)

• Project Management Plan

• Budget and cost share documentation

• Letters of commitment

• Environmental and compliance documentation

Given the complexity, preparation time is not specified in the solicitation, but the scope suggests a substantial effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Positioning your technology against DOE evaluation criteria

• Building a clear commercialization and scale-up narrative (TRL → market)

• Structuring strong industry partnerships and teaming strategy

• Developing TEA/LCA-aligned messaging

• Preparing compliant and competitive application materials

• Managing submission strategy across topic areas

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.