ERDC Broad Agency Announcement (W912HZ26S0001): The Complete Guide for Startups and Small Businesses

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

Quick Answer

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Broad Agency Announcement, solicitation number W912HZ26S0001, is a continuously open funding pathway that lets startups, small businesses, universities, and nonprofits propose basic and applied research across seven ERDC laboratories. It covers a wide range of technical areas including AI and machine learning, cybersecurity, high performance computing, advanced manufacturing, sensing and instrumentation, autonomous systems, materials and structures, infrastructure, environmental technologies, and geospatial technologies. There is no fixed submission deadline and no set per-award dollar ceiling. You start with a short five-page pre-proposal, and ERDC responds within 60 days on whether to invite a full proposal. Awards can take the form of a procurement contract, a grant, or a cooperative agreement.

What is the ERDC Broad Agency Announcement?

The ERDC Broad Agency Announcement is a standing solicitation issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center under the authority of FAR 35.016. A Broad Agency Announcement, or BAA, is a mechanism the government uses to solicit proposals for basic and applied research, and for that part of development not tied to a specific system or hardware procurement. In plain terms, ERDC is inviting outside organizations to bring forward research ideas that advance the state of the art or increase scientific and technical knowledge in the areas ERDC cares about.

To be eligible for award, your proposed work needs to fall into one of these categories: basic research, applied research, advanced technology development not tied to a specific system or hardware, or demonstration and validation. Work aimed at building a specific product or piece of hardware for direct government use generally does not fit the BAA and would belong on a different acquisition pathway.

This is a science and research vehicle, not a services or product procurement, and understanding that distinction is the single most important thing to get right before you invest time in a submission.

Who is the ERDC BAA for?

ERDC explicitly encourages small business participation. The solicitation specifically invites small business concerns, women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone small businesses, firms in the SBA 8(a) program, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to submit research proposals. It also encourages proposals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Institutions.

In practice the applicant pool skews roughly half universities and half small businesses. Some research areas lean toward earlier-stage work that naturally draws academic teams, but there is substantial room for commercial small businesses, especially those with genuine research and development depth and a technology that maps cleanly to an ERDC mission area.

Federal facilities and organizations cannot compete. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers and other government entities face direct competition limitations and must clear a high bar to be eligible, with the burden of proving eligibility resting entirely on them.

If your company is doing real R&D in a field ERDC works in, you are very likely in the intended audience.

What research areas does the ERDC BAA cover?

ERDC organizes its research interests across seven laboratories, each with its own set of numbered topic areas. When you submit, you reference the specific topic number, for example CHL-1, CRREL-10, or CERL-15.

Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory (CHL) covers coastal and inland hydraulics, hydrodynamics, sediment transport, dredging, navigation channels, groundwater, hydrology, coastal structures, nature-based coastal resilience, and marine transportation technologies.

Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL) covers soil and rock mechanics, pavements, vehicle mobility, earthquake engineering, geophysics, protective and survivable structures, concrete and construction materials, projectile penetration, bridge and railroad technology, computational structural mechanics, and advanced maneuver technologies.

Environmental Laboratory (EL) covers environmental sensing, hazardous waste characterization and treatment, water quality and contaminant modeling, emerging contaminants, dredged material management, wetlands and ecological restoration, invasive and endangered species management, systems biology and bioinformatics, ecological modeling, and decision analysis.

Information Technology Laboratory (ITL) covers computational science and engineering, software engineering and informatics, high performance computing, cybersecurity, high performance data analytics, additive manufacturing enabled by HPC, artificial intelligence and machine learning for materials discovery, and edge computing.

Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) covers additive construction, critical infrastructure protection, innovative construction materials, energy efficiency and energy security, water resilience, autonomous robotic solutions for engineer operations, geopolymers, fiber reinforced polymers, structural health monitoring, and installation infrastructure management.

Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) covers signature physics, terrestrial and cryospheric science, biogeochemical processes, environmental fate and transport, force projection and sustainment, cold regions infrastructure, geospatial water resources applications, and hydrology and hydraulics.

Geospatial Research Laboratory (GRL) covers photon-counting LIDAR, photogrammetry, intelligent spatiotemporal analytics, assured position, navigation and timing in GPS-denied environments, advanced terrain analytics, and cyber geospatial science.

Across all seven labs there are well over one hundred specific topic areas, so the practical first step is identifying which single topic your technology best fits.

How much funding can you get through the ERDC BAA?

The ERDC BAA does not publish a fixed per-award dollar ceiling. This is a meaningful difference from SBIR and STTR, which cap awards at set phase amounts. Under the BAA, the size of an award is scoped to the proposed effort and is constrained by the funding ERDC has available for that research area at the time.

There are two dollar thresholds worth knowing. First, for proposed awards exceeding $900,000, large businesses and nonprofits (including educational institutions) must submit a formal small business subcontracting plan. Small businesses are exempt from that requirement. Second, when the proposed value exceeds $100,000, an SF-LLL disclosure of lobbying activities is required.

The type of award affects fee. Procurement contracts can include a proposed fee or profit. Grants and cooperative agreements do not allow any fee or profit. Cost realism and the availability of funds are part of how proposals are evaluated, so your budget needs to be detailed, defensible, and proportionate to the work.

What is the ERDC BAA timeline and deadline?

There is no single deadline. This BAA is open on a rolling basis and remains in effect until it is superseded by a newer edition. The current edition is dated April 2026 and supersedes all previous editions. You can submit a pre-proposal at any time.

After you submit a pre-proposal, ERDC will respond within 60 days of receipt. The response either encourages you to submit a full proposal or advises you that the pre-proposal did not receive a favorable review. Pre-proposals that lack sufficient scientific merit, that are not relevant to Army needs, or that fall in areas where funds are not expected to be available may be declined.

If you are proposing support for a conference or symposium rather than research, that proposal should be submitted at least six months before the event.

The rolling nature is an advantage. You are not racing a fixed clock, and you can time your submission around your own readiness and around informal conversations with ERDC about fit.

How do you apply to the ERDC BAA?

The process has two stages: a pre-proposal first, then a full proposal by invitation only.

Before you submit anything, your organization must be registered and active in the System for Award Management at sam.gov. This is a prerequisite, and it can take time, so start it early if you are not already registered.

Stage one is the pre-proposal, which ERDC treats as a white paper. Every initial submission under this BAA is considered a pre-proposal. You submit it electronically through the ERDCWERX portal at erdcwerx.org. ERDC reviews it and, if the concept is promising, invites a full proposal.

Stage two is the full proposal, which you only prepare after receiving an invitation directly from the ERDC Contracting Office. Full proposals are submitted by email to the specific laboratory your topic falls under, using the contact and address provided in your invitation. Proposals should never be sent directly to technical or lab personnel.

What goes in an ERDC BAA pre-proposal?

The pre-proposal has a firm five-page limit, and it may only be submitted under one specific topic area. It must reference the topic number for that research area. The pre-proposal should include a descriptive title, the submitting organization's name and address including email, the principal investigator's name and phone number, the project duration, a statement of objectives or the working hypothesis, one or more paragraphs on the technical approach, one or more paragraphs on the potential military or civil payoffs to the Corps of Engineers, and a one-page curriculum vitae for the principal investigator.

Separately, you include a one-page executive summary that describes the background, scope of work, deliverables, and total proposed price. No cost breakdown is required in this summary, and the summary must not contain any sensitive or proprietary data. Importantly, this one-page executive summary does not count against the five-page limit.

If you intend to seek a grant or cooperative agreement rather than a contract, you also describe how the research supports or stimulates a public purpose.

What goes in an ERDC BAA full proposal?

A full proposal has a technical portion and a cost portion.

The technical portion covers the background and objectives, the technical approach, the proposed level of effort, and the anticipated results and deliverables. It includes a recommended Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan, biographical information and recent publications for key personnel, the names of any other agencies you have submitted the same proposal to, a description of your organization, and past performance information for at least three customers you have performed similar work for in the last three years. You also include a revised one-page executive summary. If you are pursuing a grant or cooperative agreement, you add a data management plan.

The cost portion is a detailed cost estimate broken out by element of cost and by task. It covers direct labor by discipline, fringe benefits, itemized equipment, expendable supplies, travel, subcontracts, other direct costs, and indirect cost rates and bases. Proposals should also address expected use of DoD High Performance Computing Center systems where relevant.

How are ERDC BAA proposals evaluated?

Pre-proposals get an initial technical review against three factors: the overall scientific and technical merit, the potential contribution to the ERDC mission, and available funding.

Full proposals go through scientific peer review against a broader set of criteria. Scientific and technical merit is the most important factor. The remaining factors are of equal importance to one another and, when combined, are significantly more important than cost. Those factors are the contribution to the ERDC and DoD mission, the offeror's capabilities and facilities, the qualifications of the principal investigator and key personnel, the reasonableness and realism of proposed costs along with the availability of funds, past performance, and a subcontracting plan where one is required.

A useful takeaway: this is a merit-driven, science-first evaluation, not a lowest-price competition. A strong technical concept from a credible team carries the most weight.

What types of awards can result from the ERDC BAA?

The BAA lets you propose one of three instruments, though the final instrument can change through negotiation based on the nature of the work.

A procurement contract is used when the principal purpose is to acquire research services for the direct benefit of the government. Contracts can be cost-reimbursable, which suits research where direction may shift as results come in, or fixed-price, which suits well-defined efforts with predictable costs. Contracts can include a fee.

A grant is used when the principal purpose is to transfer value to support or stimulate a public purpose, with no substantial government involvement expected and no fee or profit allowed.

A cooperative agreement is similar to a grant but anticipates substantial involvement between the government and the recipient, and it also allows no fee or profit.

How is the ERDC BAA different from SBIR and STTR?

If you have looked at SBIR or STTR, the ERDC BAA will feel both familiar and different. Both are non-dilutive federal funding, but the BAA is continuously open rather than tied to solicitation cycles, it has no phase-based dollar caps, and it is evaluated as basic and applied research rather than as a commercialization-staged program. It rewards genuine research depth and a clear tie to an ERDC mission area. For many deep-tech companies, the two pathways are complementary, and the right move is to map your technology against both.

How BW&CO helps you pursue the ERDC BAA

BW&CO works with deep-tech, defense, and dual-use founders to identify the right non-dilutive funding pathways and to build competitive submissions. For the ERDC BAA that means pinpointing the single best-fit topic area across the seven laboratories, pressure-testing whether your work reads as fundable research rather than product development, shaping the pre-proposal and executive summary, and preparing you for the full proposal stage if you are invited. If the ERDC BAA looks like a potential fit for your technology, contact BW&CO to talk through it.

FAQ SECTION WITH SCHEMA

Is the ERDC BAA open to small businesses and startups?
Yes. ERDC explicitly encourages small businesses, women-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone firms, 8(a) participants, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses to submit research proposals. The applicant pool is roughly half small businesses and half universities.

Is there a deadline for the ERDC BAA?
No. The BAA is continuously open and remains in effect until superseded. The current edition is dated April 2026. You can submit a pre-proposal at any time, and ERDC responds within 60 days.

How much money can you receive through the ERDC BAA?
There is no published per-award dollar ceiling. Award size is scoped to the proposed research effort and depends on available funding. Awards above $900,000 require a subcontracting plan from large businesses and nonprofits, while small businesses are exempt.

What is the ERDC BAA solicitation number?
The solicitation number is W912HZ26S0001.

How do you apply to the ERDC BAA?
You must be registered and active in SAM at sam.gov, then submit a five-page pre-proposal electronically through erdcwerx.org under one specific topic area. If ERDC invites you, you submit a full proposal to the relevant laboratory by email.

How long can an ERDC BAA pre-proposal be?
The pre-proposal is limited to five pages under a single topic area, plus a separate one-page executive summary that does not count against the five-page limit.

What types of awards can the ERDC BAA result in?
A procurement contract, a grant, or a cooperative agreement. Grants and cooperative agreements do not allow fee or profit, while procurement contracts can include a fee.

How are ERDC BAA proposals scored?
Scientific and technical merit is the most important factor, followed by mission contribution, offeror capabilities, personnel qualifications, cost realism and fund availability, and past performance. All non-cost factors combined outweigh cost.

ERDC BOTAA 25-01: The Army's Continuously Open Prototype Funding Path for Deep-Tech Startups

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

Quick Answer

ERDC BOTAA 25-01 is a Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement issued in October 2024 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). It uses Other Transaction (OT) authority under 10 U.S.C. 4022 to fund prototype projects in two broad domains: Military Engineering and Engineered Resilient Systems. It is continuously open, meaning there is no fixed deadline. Companies submit a short white paper (three pages or less) against any focus area through ERDCWERX, and the government typically responds with a selection decision within 60 to 90 days. Selected companies may be invited to pitch, demonstrate, or submit a full proposal through a Request for Prototype Proposal. There is no published dollar ceiling, and successful prototypes can lead directly to a noncompetitive follow-on production award. This mechanism is especially attractive to nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses, because it sits outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation and moves faster than a traditional contract.

What Is ERDC BOTAA 25-01?

ERDC BOTAA 25-01 is the current Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center. ERDC is the Army's premier engineering and environmental sciences research organization and is an integral component of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The BOTAA is the standing vehicle ERDC uses to solicit prototype concept white papers from industry and academia, review them, and fund the ones that address a real government capability gap.

Unlike a traditional grant or contract solicitation with a hard due date, this announcement is open on a rolling basis. A company can submit whenever it has a concept that fits, and the government evaluates each white paper on its own merit against the criteria in the announcement, not against other submissions. All white papers are submitted electronically through ERDCWERX, the innovation hub that administers the announcement, at the ERDC BOTAA page on erdcwerx.org.

What Is a BOTAA and Why Does It Matter for Startups?

A BOTAA is a Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement. It relies on Other Transaction authority, a flexible acquisition tool Congress gave the Department of Defense under 10 U.S.C. 4022 specifically to fund prototype projects. The key thing for a startup to understand is that Other Transactions are generally not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) or its supplements. That means the terms are negotiated between the company and the government rather than dictated by the full weight of federal procurement law, which usually translates into a faster and more collaborative path than a standard contract.

Other Transactions were designed to bring in companies that do not normally work with the Department of Defense. The technology can be a proof of concept, a model or process, a novel application of commercial technology for defense purposes, an agile development effort, or a demonstration of operational utility. If your company is building something with a plausible defense application in engineering, computing, sensing, materials, or infrastructure, a BOTAA is often the lowest-friction way to get in front of a government customer.

What Is ERDC Looking For? The Two Focus Areas in Detail

ERDC BOTAA 25-01 solicits prototype concepts across two business areas. Each contains several focus areas, and a company may submit against any of them.

Military Engineering (ME)

The Military Engineering business area is about giving the warfighter technologies and capabilities that enable force protection and maneuver. It contains ten focus areas:

Protective Structures and Systems. Technologies, materials, and processes that reduce manpower, logistics, or equipment hours while improving the survivability of individuals, small units, fighting positions, semi-fixed assets, outposts, and contingency bases. This includes planning tools and tactics that speed up force protection setup, reuse, and retrograde, as well as capabilities for overwatch, perimeter, port, and border security, surveillance, and warning.

Protection and Survivability. Unit-level and system-level technologies that detect, disable, survive, or defeat enemy weapon systems and characterize the threat they pose. This covers infrastructure hardening and retrofit, camouflage, reducing detectability and vulnerability, recoverability, and protection of personnel, critical assets, and facilities against conventional, unconventional, and advanced threats.

Geophysical Sensors and Data Fusion. Sensors, sensor systems, and unmanned systems that detect, assess, and persistently monitor threats and critical infrastructure across urban, subterranean, and complex terrain. The goal is automated fusion that builds an in-depth Common Operating Picture for surface and subsurface movement, maneuver, and force protection planning.

Vulnerability Assessment, Detection, and Analytics. Technology and processes that support strategic, operational, and tactical analysis of anti-terrorism and force protection posture, and of population and infrastructure disruption from combat, humanitarian, and disaster situations. Prototypes support assessment of mission assurance, population vulnerability, and resilience.

Geoscience, Environmental, Geospatial, and Material Modeling and Simulation. Computational methods and materials-by-design capabilities that predict system performance, environmental impact on sensors, structural response to weapons effects, and level of protection. This includes simulating detection of above-ground, below-ground, and maritime avenues of approach.

Enhance and Assess Mobility of Manned and Unmanned Systems. Technologies that accelerate platform development, integrate autonomous systems, and improve mobility across complex terrain. This covers obstacle and gap crossing, vehicle and soil interaction, mobility hazard detection, and modeling and simulation tools that predict ground vehicle and watercraft performance in varied weather and terrain.

Engineering and Engineering Enabling Technologies. A broad category covering combat engineering, mobility and counter-mobility, explosive effects, breaching, materials, manufacturing and process technologies, modeling and simulation, virtual prototyping, operational energy, autonomous systems, prime power, and engineer-related environmental technologies.

Global Access Engineering. Technologies, materials, and planning tools for technical reconnaissance, construction, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of infrastructure critical to force projection and theater access. This includes remote sensing and field methods for assessing soils, ice and snow, pavements, matting, terrain, bathymetry, river currents, port depths, airfields, roads, rail, and bridges.

Infrastructure Maintenance, Repair, and Reconstruction Technologies. Materials and equipment that rapidly assess, repair, and reconstruct pavements, bridges, railways, ports, and airfields. Prototypes include physics-based tools for measuring layer thickness and strength, rail and pier capacity, and bridge structural capacity, plus new repair equipment and field kits.

Engineering Analysis Tools and Decision Aid Prototype Software. Software that integrates advanced engineering algorithms for evaluating, designing, repairing, and operating critical infrastructure in support of force projection and maneuver planning.

Engineered Resilient Systems (ERS)

The Engineered Resilient Systems business area combines advanced engineering with high-performance computing to amplify the design options examined early in the acquisition process. It contains seven focus areas:

Cybersecurity. Techniques, software, hardware, and tools that protect critical infrastructure and advanced manufacturing control systems, including industrial control systems, SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers, and networks, against adaptive cyber adversaries. ERDC is interested in networked, host-based, and behavior-based approaches that deliver holistic defense and cyber situational awareness.

High Performance Computing Enabled Advanced Manufacturing. Tools and systems that support advanced manufacturing, including 3-D printing, and that bring HPC resources to the point of manufacture. Areas of interest include multi-physics and multi-scale approaches, optimization, trade-space analytics, uncertainty quantification, data-driven and machine learning methods, virtual testing, AI-enabled certification, and the ability to design, fabricate, and test large-scale components more than a meter in length for uses such as armor, aerospace and marine substructures, blast and ballistic protection, and rotorcraft components.

High Performance Data Analytics. Techniques and tools that examine data sets too large or complex for traditional processing to uncover hidden patterns, correlations, and multidimensional trends, using HPC, heterogeneous computing, and next-generation algorithms.

System Engineering Techniques. Advanced system engineering methods that address acquisition and readiness challenges through design trade-space development, analysis of many candidate designs, and condition-based maintenance driven by sensor and maintenance data, often using artificial intelligence and machine learning at massive data volume.

HPC Enabled Development of Surrogate Models and Data Analytics. Computationally efficient and accurate surrogate models for full-order systems, with application areas including blast effects, flight envelope simulation, turbulent rotor dynamics, fluid-structure-thermal interaction, and physics-informed machine learning.

Leveraging HPC Capabilities for On-the-Edge Computing. Tools that deliver high-performance computing at the point of need to improve soldier situational awareness, including electro-optical, thermal, radar, and acoustic sensor data processing, terrain characterization and mapping, sensor fusion, anomaly detection, and local maneuver planning.

Computational Material Testing and Validation. Computational processes for testing and validating components produced through advanced manufacturing, connecting standard manufacturing procedures to engineering mechanics simulation and reducing uncertainty in additively manufactured parts.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

ERDC awards Other Transactions to nontraditional defense contractors, traditional defense contractors, and nonprofit research institutions. To actually receive an award, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

There is at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent in the prototype project, or

All significant participants in the transaction other than the federal government are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors, or

At least one-third of the total cost of the prototype project is paid out of funds provided by parties other than the federal government.

A nontraditional defense contractor is an entity that has not performed, for at least the one-year period preceding the announcement, any DoD contract or subcontract subject to full coverage under the Cost Accounting Standards. Most commercial technology companies and venture-backed startups qualify as nontraditional, which is exactly why this vehicle fits them so well. A nontraditional partner can sit at the prime level, as a team member, as a subcontractor, or as a lower-tier vendor, as long as it is a key participant supplying a meaningful technology, doing a significant share of the work, or materially improving cost, schedule, or performance.

Prospective awardees must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) before award, so companies that are not yet registered should start that process early. Work under any resulting agreement is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and each offeror is responsible for compliance.

How Much Funding Is Available?

This is one of the most important differences between a BOTAA and a program like SBIR. There is no published dollar ceiling for ERDC BOTAA 25-01. Funding is scoped to the prototype concept itself.

At the white paper stage, a company provides a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) price, which is an estimate of what the prototype would cost, along with any anticipated cost share. The government evaluates whether that ROM is commensurate with the proposed solution. If the concept advances to a full proposal, pricing is submitted on a firm fixed price basis and structured as a milestone payment schedule, where each milestone has a description, a price, and a target completion date. Payments are tied to completed events rather than reimbursed as incurred costs.

Cost share is directly connected to eligibility. If your project qualifies through significant nontraditional or small business participation, cost share is generally not required. If you instead rely on the third eligibility path, at least one-third of total project cost must come from non-federal sources. Cost share can be cash or in-kind, where in-kind means non-financial resources such as wear and tear on capital equipment, the prorated value of facility space, or the fair market value of materials used on the project.

The government does not reimburse the cost of preparing white papers or proposals, and no costs incurred before the effective date of an agreement are recoverable.

What Is the Timeline and How Does the Process Work?

Because the announcement is continuously open, the timeline is driven by review cycles rather than a due date. The process runs as follows:

First, the company submits a white paper against any focus area through ERDCWERX. The white paper is the technical concept and rough pricing, limited to three pages plus a cover page.

Second, the government reviews the white paper against the evaluation criteria in the announcement. White papers judged advantageous are selected for further consideration.

Third, the company is notified of selection or non-selection, typically within 60 to 90 days of submission.

Fourth, if a white paper is selected and funding is available, the government may request a solution pitch or technical demonstration and may issue a Request for Prototype Proposal (RFPP). If a white paper is selected but funding is not currently available, the government may keep it in an electronic library for consideration and possible funding for up to three years after submission.

Fifth, once an RFPP is issued, the company collaborates with the government to develop the Statement of Work, then submits a full proposal within the time stated in the RFPP.

Sixth, the government evaluates the proposal, negotiates as needed, and makes an award once terms and conditions are agreed upon.

A significant advantage sits at the end of this path. Under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f), a company that successfully completes a prototype Other Transaction can receive a follow-on production award on a noncompetitive basis. In other words, a well-executed prototype can open the door to production work without having to re-compete.

What Does the White Paper Require?

The white paper is short and focused. It runs no more than three pages, not counting the cover page, and includes the following.

A cover page, generated from the submission form, capturing the point of contact, the submitting business and its Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code, business status (nontraditional, traditional, or nonprofit research institution), the focus areas addressed, a project title, a prototype description, the DoD purpose, and the ROM price.

Technical requirements, covering the background and benefits of the proposed solution, the technical approach with a clearly defined prototype, and anticipated data rights assertions if applicable.

A Rough Order of Magnitude price, including anticipated cost share if applicable and any supporting documentation.

Formatting requirements are specific. Pages are 8.5 by 11 inches, numbered X of Y. Margins are at least one inch on all sides. The font is 12 point Times New Roman, single spaced. All acronyms are spelled out on first use. The language is English. The file must be a PDF compatible with Adobe Acrobat Reader 11.0 and under 20 MB. Classified information must not be included, and generic capability brochures are not accepted in place of a white paper.

How Are White Papers Evaluated?

White papers are assessed on an integrated basis against four considerations: the degree to which the solution meets a government problem, need, or capability gap within an identified focus area; whether the ROM price is commensurate with the proposed solution; government funding availability; and whether the submission sufficiently demonstrates one of the eligibility conditions, meaning significant nontraditional participation, significant nonprofit research institution participation, an all small business or nontraditional participant pool, or at least one-third non-federal cost share.

If the project advances to a full proposal, evaluation broadens to scientific and technical merit, the qualifications of the program manager and key personnel, the significance of any nontraditional or nonprofit participation, and whether the budget is realistic, reasonable, and fully justified.

Why This Opportunity Deserves Attention

The BOTAA is one of the most accessible defense funding mechanisms available to a company that is not already embedded in the defense industrial base, and it is not widely tracked by commercially focused firms. Recent activity suggests the odds are reasonable for a well-targeted concept. Based on figures reflecting the current fiscal year, an estimated 20 to 25 of roughly 200 submissions advanced to the proposal stage or received funding, which points to an advancement rate above 10 percent. That is broadly comparable to what strong applicants see in competitive SBIR programs, and it is achieved with a much shorter initial submission.

The breadth of the focus areas is the other reason to pay attention. Companies working in cybersecurity, high-performance computing and data analytics, advanced and additive manufacturing, edge computing, modeling and simulation, autonomous systems, sensors, advanced materials, and infrastructure technologies all have a natural home under Military Engineering or Engineered Resilient Systems. If your technology has any of those characteristics and a plausible defense application, the three-page white paper is a low-cost way to test government interest.

How BW&CO Helps

BW&CO Consulting helps deep-tech, biotech, medtech, and defense-adjacent founders win non-dilutive federal funding, including Other Transaction opportunities like ERDC BOTAA 25-01. We help you determine whether your technology fits a Military Engineering or Engineered Resilient Systems focus area, position the concept against a specific government capability gap, structure eligibility and any cost share, and build a white paper that survives evaluation. If you want to know whether this vehicle is a fit for your company, reach out and we will assess it with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ERDC BOTAA 25-01?

ERDC BOTAA 25-01 is a Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement issued in October 2024 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. It uses Other Transaction authority under 10 U.S.C. 4022 to fund prototype projects in Military Engineering and Engineered Resilient Systems, and it is continuously open with no fixed deadline.

Who can apply to the ERDC BOTAA?

Nontraditional defense contractors, traditional defense contractors, and nonprofit research institutions can apply. To receive an award, the project must include significant nontraditional or nonprofit participation, consist of only small business and nontraditional participants, or include at least one-third non-federal cost share.

What is the deadline for the ERDC BOTAA?

There is no deadline. The announcement is continuously open, so white papers can be submitted at any time and are evaluated as they arrive.

How much funding can I receive through the BOTAA?

There is no published dollar ceiling. Funding is scoped to the prototype concept. Companies provide a Rough Order of Magnitude price at the white paper stage, and full proposals are priced on a firm fixed price basis with milestone payments.

Is cost share required?

Cost share is not automatically required. If your project qualifies through significant nontraditional or small business participation, you generally do not need cost share. If you qualify through the third eligibility path, at least one-third of total project cost must come from non-federal sources, and that share can be cash or in-kind.

What are the focus areas of ERDC BOTAA 25-01?

There are two business areas. Military Engineering covers protective structures, protection and survivability, geophysical sensors and data fusion, vulnerability analytics, geoscience and material modeling, mobility of manned and unmanned systems, engineering enabling technologies, global access engineering, infrastructure repair, and decision-aid software. Engineered Resilient Systems covers cybersecurity, HPC-enabled advanced manufacturing, high performance data analytics, system engineering techniques, surrogate model development, edge computing, and computational material testing.

What is a nontraditional defense contractor?

A nontraditional defense contractor is an entity that has not performed a DoD contract or subcontract subject to full Cost Accounting Standards coverage for at least the one-year period preceding the announcement. Most commercial and venture-backed technology companies qualify.

What is an Other Transaction?

An Other Transaction is a flexible award instrument authorized under 10 U.S.C. 4022 for prototype projects. Other Transactions are generally not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, which allows terms to be negotiated and typically enables a faster, more collaborative process than a traditional contract.

How long is the white paper?

The white paper is three pages or fewer, not counting the cover page. It must be a PDF under 20 MB, formatted in 12 point Times New Roman, single spaced, with one-inch margins and numbered pages.

How long does the review take?

Companies are typically notified of selection or non-selection within 60 to 90 days of submitting a white paper.

Can a prototype lead to a production contract?

Yes. Under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f), a company that successfully completes a prototype Other Transaction can receive a follow-on production award on a noncompetitive basis.

How do I submit a white paper?

White papers are submitted electronically through ERDCWERX at the Broad Other Transaction Authority Announcement page on erdcwerx.org. Do not include classified information, and do not submit generic capability brochures in place of a white paper.

How is a BOTAA different from SBIR?

A BOTAA has no fixed deadline, no published funding ceiling, and a much shorter initial submission (a three-page white paper rather than a full proposal). It uses Other Transaction authority outside the Federal Acquisition Regulation and can lead directly to noncompetitive production, whereas SBIR follows fixed phases, set award amounts, and periodic solicitation windows.

DARPA IPTO Office-Wide BAA: HR001126S0011

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

Quick Answer

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Information Processing Techniques Office (IPTO) has issued an office-wide Broad Agency Announcement, HR001126S0011, to fund revolutionary information science and technology research across three thrust areas: AI Innovation and Execution, Inherent Security and Privacy, and Resilient Megasystems. This is a standing, rolling opportunity. Abstracts are due by June 22, 2027, at 2:00 PM ET, and full proposals are by invitation only following abstract review. DARPA anticipates multiple awards through Procurement Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and Other Transaction (OT) Agreements for both prototypes and research. This BAA is best suited for organizations proposing unconventional, high-risk, high-reward approaches that go well beyond incremental improvements to the current state of the art.

What Is the DARPA IPTO Office-Wide BAA?

This solicitation is IPTO's standing mechanism for soliciting concepts that create technological surprise through groundbreaking information science and new information capabilities for national security. Rather than targeting a single narrow topic, it spans IPTO's full portfolio and welcomes proposals that fall outside its named thrust areas as long as they promise a decisive information or computational advantage for the United States and its allies. DARPA is explicit that it wants unconventional approaches that challenge accepted assumptions, and that research resulting only in evolutionary improvements to existing capability is out of scope.

A recurring theme throughout the BAA is software resilience. DARPA's preferred path to delivering secure, high-quality software is through formal methods, mathematically rigorous techniques that produce machine-checkable evidence that software does what it is supposed to do and does not do what it is not supposed to do. Proposers should expect this expectation to surface directly in proposal evaluation.

The Three IPTO Thrust Areas

AI Innovation and Execution focuses on energy-efficient, assured artificial intelligence systems that deliver trustworthy, understandable AI to warfighters at the edge of the network, along with work to mitigate risks of misalignment between machine actions and human interests.

Inherent Security and Privacy targets a new generation of systems that are inherently secure and inherently private by design, paired with security and privacy tools that are more adaptable than current solutions in both moving-target and reactive contexts, with the goal of creating an asymmetric cyberspace advantage.

Resilient Megasystems seeks machine-derived abstractions and models that expose the governing principles of highly complex, interconnected systems such as supply chains and power grids, in order to identify hidden systemic risk and enable precise, proactive intervention.

Key Dates:

Key Dates Posting date: June 22, 2026

Abstract due date: June 22, 2027, at 2:00 PM ET

Question submittal closes: June 22, 2027, at 2:00 PM ET

Proposal due date: By invitation only, following abstract review

Award Instruments and Cost Sharing

DARPA anticipates multiple awards under this BAA using Procurement Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, OT for Prototype Agreements, and OT for Research Agreements. Cost sharing may be required for OT for Prototype or OT for Research Agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. The relevant NAICS code is 541715.

Two-Step Abstract and Proposal Review

Abstracts are required before any full proposal and go through a two-step review. Step 1 is a mandatory technical conformance check for scientific and technological originality, depth of mission understanding, and operational realism; generic or boilerplate abstracts are found non-conforming at this stage. Step 2 evaluates conforming abstracts on Technical Comprehension, Technical Ability, and Cost Considerations, in that order of importance.

Full proposals, submitted by invitation only, follow the same two-step structure. Step 2 evaluation criteria, in descending order of importance, are Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission, Plans to Implement Resilient Software, and Cost Realism.

Security and Compliance Considerations

Proposers anticipating classified work must include a security plan and cannot generate classified material until DARPA issues a solicitation-specific DD Form 254. Unclassified submissions go through the DARPA BAAT tool or Grants.gov, and any Controlled Unclassified Information must be handled on systems meeting CMMC Level 2 requirements. CMMC Level 1 certification is required at proposal submission for awards structured as procurement contracts, with the government designating the applicable level at award. Proposers requesting a Grant, Cooperative Agreement, or OT Agreement for fundamental research must also complete DARPA's Fundamental Research Risk-Based Security (FRRBS) forms, including a Common Form Biographical Sketch and Common Form Current and Pending Support, for all proposed key personnel.

Who Should Apply

This BAA fits organizations, including small businesses, universities, and non-U.S. entities complying with applicable export control and security requirements, that can propose revolutionary rather than incremental advances in AI, cybersecurity, or complex systems modeling. It is not the right mechanism for teams whose approach amounts to an incremental improvement on existing capability, or who cannot support the security, CMMC, and FRRBS documentation requirements that come with DARPA-funded research. FFRDCs, UARCs, and government entities such as national laboratories may participate but must submit detailed eligibility documentation at the abstract stage.

FAQs

What is the DARPA IPTO Office-Wide BAA HR001126S0011?

It is a standing Broad Agency Announcement from DARPA's Information Processing Techniques Office funding revolutionary research in AI, cybersecurity and privacy, and resilient complex systems, with multiple awards anticipated across several instrument types.

When is the abstract due?

Abstracts are due June 22, 2027, at 2:00 PM ET. Questions must also be submitted by that date and time.

When can a full proposal be submitted?

Full proposals are by invitation only. DARPA will provide a due date in the Invitation to Proceed after reviewing a proposer's abstract.

What types of awards can result from this BAA?

Procurement Contracts, Grants, Cooperative Agreements, OT for Prototype Agreements, and OT for Research Agreements. Cost sharing may apply to OT Agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

What are IPTO's three thrust areas?

AI Innovation and Execution, Inherent Security and Privacy, and Resilient Megasystems. Proposals outside these areas are still eligible if they offer a decisive information or computational advantage.

Does DARPA fund incremental improvements under this BAA?

No. DARPA specifically excludes research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of the art, and abstracts or proposals judged generic or boilerplate will be found non-conforming.

Is classified work allowed under this BAA?

Yes, but proposers must first receive a solicitation-specific DD Form 254 before generating any classified material, and must include a security plan addressing facilities, clearances, and related requirements.

Is CMMC certification required?

Yes, for awards that will result in procurement contracts. CMMC Level 1 is required at proposal submission, with the government designating the required level, 1, 2, or 3, in the resulting contract.

Are FFRDCs, UARCs, or government laboratories eligible to participate?

Yes, but each must submit specific eligibility documentation, such as sponsor letters or statutory authority citations, at the time of abstract submission, or their submission may be deemed non-conforming.

Where can proposers get more information?

Questions should be directed to HR001126S0011@darpa.mil. Proposers are also encouraged to contact DARPA Program Managers before submitting an abstract to confirm alignment with IPTO priorities.

Navy ManTech sBAA N0001426SB002: What Startups Need to Know Before Applying

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

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has released Special Broad Agency Announcement N0001426SB002, "Accelerating Maritime Modernization: Innovation in Naval Manufacturing, Sustainment, and Industrial Base Capability." This is a contract vehicle, not a grant, run through the Navy Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, and it directly supports the Navy's Golden Fleet Initiative to build ships faster, repair them faster, and strengthen the naval industrial base.

For deep-tech, robotics, and dual-use startups, this is a rare non-dilutive funding opportunity with a clear commercialization thesis: the Navy wants technology that is close to production-ready and can transition into an actual shipyard or maintenance depot within a defined timeline.

What Is This Opportunity?

This sBAA funds two categories of work:

• 6.2 Applied Research: proof-of-concept development bridging science and defense application. ONR expects to fund 3 to 5 awards valued at $500K to $3M.

• 6.3 Advanced Technology Development: maturing and demonstrating technology in operationally relevant environments, targeting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 6 to 7. ONR expects to fund 5 to 10 awards valued at $1.5M to $5M.

Periods of performance run 1 to 2 years. Awards are procurement contracts, not grants or cooperative agreements.

Technology Areas ONR Wants

ONR is prioritizing innovations that support the Golden Fleet Initiative across five priority areas: speed/throughput/availability, advanced manufacturing, sustainment and repair, industrial base modernization, and supply chain capacity and logistics. Named priority platforms include the new BBG(X)/BBGN battleship, the FF(X) next-generation frigate, and unmanned surface vessels, though other Navy platforms may also be considered.

Specific technical focus areas span:

• Novel materials, non-metallic materials, and materials scale-up

• Advanced sensor integration and structural health monitoring

• Robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing (including cobots and human augmentation)

• Digital tools, model-based engineering, and digital twins

• AI/ML for shipbuilding decision-making and predictive maintenance

• Autonomous systems for inspection and maintenance

• Advanced electronics, SOSA/MOSA modular design

• Non-destructive testing and advanced inspection

• Supply chain and logistics platforms, including additive manufacturing digital part libraries

• Cybersecurity for industrial control systems and operational technology

Two-Phase Structure and Key Dates

This sBAA runs on two tracks:

• Phase I: White papers are due 60 days after publication of the sBAA. Selected offerors submit a full proposal within 45 days of notification. Award decisions follow roughly 60 days after full proposal submission.

• Phase II: Opens the day after Phase I closes and stays open for one year from publication, so companies that miss the Phase I window still have a path in. Phase II full proposals follow the same 45-day submission clock after notification, with award decisions targeted in 45 days.

Missing the Phase I white paper deadline does not eliminate a startup from this opportunity. It shifts the company to the Phase II track, which is a meaningful difference from most SBIR-style solicitations with a single hard close.

Who Can Apply

All responsible sources from industry and academia are eligible, including both small and large businesses. There is no dollar amount set aside specifically for small business or socioeconomic categories, so startups compete on technical merit rather than in a reserved lane. Navy laboratories, warfare centers, and FFRDCs cannot apply directly, though teaming with them is allowed.

Before submitting, a company must be registered in SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identifier and CAGE code, and that registration must stay current through the life of any award.

What Gets Evaluated

Four criteria carry equal weight:

1. Scientific and technical merit: ManTech appropriateness and soundness of the technical approach

2. Naval relevance and contribution: how clearly the proposal defines the Navy need, quantifies impact and ROI, and lays out a credible transition plan to a named platform or facility

3. Organizational capability and teaming: this section explicitly weighs whether the team holds an active DD-2345 Joint Certification Program certification and the appropriate CMMC cybersecurity level

4. Financial and schedule feasibility: whether the proposed cost and milestones are realistic for the scope of work

Two details deserve early attention. First, for 6.3 Advanced Technology Development efforts, evaluators require a strict transition path to TRL/MRL 6 through 7, so proposals pitched at an earlier maturity level should target the 6.2 Applied Research category instead. Second, Intellectual Property and Data Rights assertions are evaluated directly, since ONR is checking whether the proposed rights (for example, Government Purpose Rights) support scaling across the naval industrial base without creating vendor lock. This is worth deciding deliberately, not defaulting to whatever a template suggests.

Cybersecurity Requirements to Plan For Early

This sBAA requires CMMC Level 2 (Self) status entered in the Supplier Performance Risk System for any contractor information system that will process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information. Companies that have not started a CMMC self-assessment should begin that process well before a white paper is due, since award cannot proceed without a current CMMC status and affirmation of continuous compliance in SPRS.

White Paper Requirements

Phase I and Phase II both start with a 5-page white paper (12-point Times New Roman, one-inch margins) plus a one-page Project Lead resume. The white paper must cover, in this order: project classification and Golden Fleet alignment, organization background and teaming strategy, technical concept and appropriateness, Navy need and impact, path to transition (including IP and data rights posture), and a rough order of magnitude cost and schedule estimate.

Because ONR reviews white papers on a rolling basis rather than against each other in a single competition, a well-scoped white paper submitted early in the Phase II window is not disadvantaged relative to one submitted near the one-year close.

How BW&CO Consulting Helps

BW&CO Consulting helps deep-tech, robotics, and dual-use companies position competitive Navy ManTech proposals, including:

• Determining whether a technology fits the 6.2 Applied Research or 6.3 Advanced Technology Development category based on current TRL/MRL

• Mapping a company's technology to a specific Golden Fleet platform or industrial facility for a credible transition narrative

• Structuring IP and Data Rights assertions that satisfy ONR's transition and anti-vendor-lock evaluation criteria

• Coordinating CMMC and SAM.gov readiness ahead of submission

• Drafting the white paper and full proposal package, including the Statement of Work and cost proposal

Contact BW&CO Consulting to discuss Navy ManTech sBAA N0001426SB002 eligibility and proposal strategy.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Enterprise Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) - FA8652-26-S-C003

Last updated: July 12, 2026. Verify current status of any referenced Spiral on SAM.gov before submitting — Spirals open, close, and are added on a rolling basis.

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

Quick Answer

The AFRL Enterprise CSO is a standing, indefinite-duration umbrella announcement that the Air Force Research Laboratory uses to launch specific competitive solicitations, called Spirals, across nearly 100 technology Areas of Interest spanning air, space, cyber/electronic warfare, cross-domain, and basic research. Companies don't apply to the Enterprise CSO directly; they respond to an individual Spiral issued under it, using either a one-step process (Commercial Solutions Proposal) or a two-step process (Commercial Solutions Brief, followed by an invited Commercial Solutions Proposal). Awards can be FAR Part 12 commercial contracts or Other Transaction Prototype agreements.

Unlike many CSOs, foreign participation here is prohibited outright — this is not a "restricted but possible" eligibility gate.

Key Facts at a Glance

•     Administering agency: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

•     Solicitation number: FA8652-26-S-C003 (Amendment 01, 8 July 2026)

•     Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 3458; R-DFARS Subpart 212.70; NDAA FY22 § 803

•     Opportunity type: Enterprise-level CSO umbrella — actual competitions occur under individual Spirals

•     Duration: Active indefinitely; updated annually until terminated

•     Areas of Interest: Approximately 94 sub-areas across five domains (Air, Space, Cyber/Electronic Warfare, Cross-Domain, Basic Research)

•     Application format: One-Step: Commercial Solutions Proposal (CSP). Two-Step: Commercial Solutions Brief (CSB) — PowerPoint plus white paper — then an invited CSP

•     Award mechanisms: FAR Part 12 fixed-price contract, or Other Transaction for Prototype (OTP) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, including follow-on production

•     Typical award size: Not specified in the solicitation. Awards under comparable DoD CSO/OTP mechanisms have ranged from roughly $100,000 for early feasibility efforts to $10 million or more for larger prototype demonstrations — actual amounts depend entirely on the Spiral and funding available

•     Who can apply: U.S. commercial companies, small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, nonprofit research institutions

•     Who cannot apply: Foreign persons and FOCI (foreign-owned, controlled, or influenced) entities — prohibited outright, no exceptions stated

•     Security requirement: NIST SP 800-171 compliance for Covered Defense Information; a Science and Technology Protection Initial Risk Review for selectable proposals

How This CSO Actually Works: Enterprise CSO + Spirals

This is the single most important structural fact to understand before pursuing this opportunity: FA8652-26-S-C003 is not itself a solicitation you submit against. It's a framework document that authorizes AFRL Mission Organizations (its internal directorates) to issue individual Spirals — the actual competitive solicitations — at any time, tied to specific Areas of Interest.

Each Spiral specifies its own Areas of Interest in scope, submission format, dates, and evaluation criteria, and states whether it's Open (accepts submissions on a rolling basis) or Closed (narrows scope, hard deadline — late submissions are handled per FAR 52.212-1(c) and generally not considered). It will also state whether it uses a One-Step or Two-Step process.

One-Step Spiral (Commercial Solutions Proposal): Submit a complete CSP directly — technical proposal, price proposal, and Statement of Work. Evaluated once, then categorized as Selectable, Selectable/Insufficient Funding, or Not Selectable.

Two-Step Spiral (Commercial Solutions Brief, then Commercial Solutions Proposal): Step 1 is a CSB — a PowerPoint briefing plus a white paper (the Government may substitute a Pitch instead). It's evaluated on Technical Merit/Applicability and Funding Availability, weighted equally. If categorized Selectable, you're invited to Step 2: a full CSP (technical proposal, price proposal, SOW), evaluated on Technical Merit/Applicability, Importance to Agency Programs, Price, and Funding Availability, all weighted equally.

Because new Spirals can be issued at any time against any of the roughly 94 Areas of Interest, companies with relevant dual-use technology should monitor SAM.gov regularly rather than treating this as a one-time application.

Active Spiral as of This Writing

As of mid-2026, AFRL has an active Centralized, Open Two-Step Spiral (FA8652-26-S-C005) accepting Commercial Solutions Briefs, currently scoped to the Foundational Technologies (AFRL/RE) mission organization, open April 30, 2026 through April 30, 2027. This is a live, actionable entry point today — but confirm current scope and status on SAM.gov, since additional Spirals may have opened, or this one may have been amended, since this page was last updated.

Areas of Interest

Solution Briefs and Proposals must map to one or more of the Areas of Interest below. Each AOI sits within one of five domains; the specific Spiral you respond to will define which AOIs are currently in scope.

1. Air Domain Technologies

•     Human Performance Optimization — physical, cognitive, and human-machine interface techniques that enhance warfighter capability and resilience.

•     Aerospace Medicine and Operational Health — physiological monitoring, environmental protection, and medical support for air, space, and cyber operations.

•     Warfighter Survivability and Protection — personal protective equipment, threat detection, casualty care, and directed-energy protection.

•     Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences — perception, decision-making, and human-system interaction in complex environments.

•     Advanced Air Vehicles — next-generation aircraft: high-speed flight, maneuverability, stealth, optionally-manned configurations.

•     Air Propulsion Systems — turbine engines, scramjets and ramjets, and advanced powerplants.

•     Aerodynamics and Flight Sciences — flight control, stability, and performance research for maneuverability and endurance.

•     Hypersonics — materials, propulsion, guidance, and control for Mach 5+ flight.

•     Advanced Weapons Technologies — smart munitions, precision-guided munitions, novel warhead designs.

•     Energetics and Propellants — advanced energetic materials, propellants, and explosives with improved safety and performance.

•     Guidance Navigation and Control — accuracy, maneuverability, and target discrimination systems.

•     Munitions Survivability and Countermeasures — munition robustness against countermeasures and hostile environments.

•     Rocket Systems — solid, liquid, and hybrid rocket motors, propellants, thrust vector control, and tactical missile integration.

•     Nuclear Deterrence Technologies — strategic delivery platform modernization, NC3 systems, and fuzing/guidance for deterrence.

2. Space Domain Technologies

•     Space Access and Orbital Systems — launch vehicles, space propulsion, and maneuvering systems for reliable access to space.

•     Spacecraft and Satellite Technologies — satellite bus design, payloads, communications, and on-orbit servicing.

•     Space Power and Propulsion — solar arrays, energy storage, and electric propulsion for satellite life and maneuverability.

•     On-Orbit Operations and Autonomy — autonomous spacecraft operations, rendezvous and proximity operations, and debris mitigation.

•     Space Domain Awareness — sensors and analytics to detect, track, and characterize space objects and threats.

•     Resilient and Survivable Space Architecture — distributed constellations and hardened systems for contested environments.

•     Space Environment and Effects — space weather and radiation effects mitigation for space assets.

•     Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) From and For Space — space-based positioning, navigation, and timing systems.

•     Satellite Assembly, Integration & Testing — processes and facilities for spacecraft integration and environmental test/verification.

3. Cyberspace / Electronic Warfare Domain Technologies

•     Cyber Operations and Cybersecurity — offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, threat intelligence, and incident response.

•     Communications and Networks — software-defined radios, dynamic spectrum management, and resilient tactical networks.

•     Electronic Warfare and Spectrum Operations — electromagnetic spectrum dominance: signal processing, electronic attack and protection.

•     Quantum Technologies — quantum computing, communication, and sensing; algorithms for intractable problems.

•     Electro-Optical and Infrared Sensors — imaging and sensing across visible, infrared, and ultraviolet spectra for detection and tracking.

•     Radar and Radio Frequency Sensors — AESA, synthetic aperture radar, and low-probability-of-intercept/detection radar for target tracking.

•     Multispectral and Hyperspectral Sensing — multi-band sensors for material discrimination and camouflage detection.

•     Signal Processing and Sensor Fusion — multi-sensor integration for target recognition and situational awareness.

•     Quantum Sensing and Advanced Properties — photonic and quantum devices for sensitivity, resolution, and miniaturization.

•     Directed Energy Sensing and Countermeasures — sensors detecting and characterizing directed-energy threats.

•     High-Energy Laser Systems — scalable high-power lasers (solid-state, fiber) and beam control for weaponization.

•     Photonics — light-based capabilities for sensing, quantum information science, and directed energy.

•     High-Power Electromagnetic Technologies — high-power microwave sources, pulse power, and antennas for non-kinetic disable/disrupt effects.

•     High Power Electromagnetic Effects — physics-level and system-level testing of high-power microwave and particle-beam effects.

•     High Power Electromagnetic Applications — end-to-end high-power electromagnetic system design, build, integration, and field testing.

•     Beam Control and Adaptive Optics — beam steering and atmospheric compensation for laser accuracy.

•     Directed Energy Effects and Countermeasures — physical and operational effects of directed-energy weapons and defensive countermeasures.

•     Cybersecurity for Digital Environments — threat detection, vulnerability assessment, and resilient digital architectures.

•     Navigation Warfare and Counter PNT — disrupting adversary PNT and protecting friendly PNT in GPS-denied environments.

4. Cross-Domain Technologies

•     Human Systems Integration — human factors engineering, user interface design, and cognitive support for system usability.

•     Human-Machine Teaming and Interfaces — improving interaction between humans and AI-enabled systems.

•     Training and Simulation Technologies — virtual reality, augmented reality, serious gaming, and adaptive learning for readiness and mission rehearsal.

•     Rapid Multi-Domain Integration — interoperable, networked systems combining air, space, cyber, EW, and ground capabilities.

•     Advanced Systems Engineering — requirements engineering, architecture, modeling and simulation, and verification/validation.

•     Integrated Vehicle Health Management — real-time platform monitoring and diagnostics for safety and readiness.

•     Power and Thermal Management — power generation, storage, distribution, and thermal dissipation technologies.

•     Advanced Materials Development — high-temperature ceramics, lightweight composites, metamaterials, and bio-inspired materials.

•     Additive Manufacturing — on-demand production of complex geometries and multi-material components.

•     Materials Processing and Fabrication — nanomanufacturing, advanced joining, surface engineering, and coatings.

•     Materials Characterization and Testing — experimental and computational methods to understand material performance.

•     Environmentally Responsive and Smart Materials — adaptive, sensing, and self-healing materials.

•     Microelectronics — micro-scale electronics and integrated circuits for defense and aerospace systems.

•     Model-Based Systems Engineering, Digital Engineering, and Digital Thread — digital twins and virtual prototypes across the system lifecycle.

•     Advanced Simulation and Virtual Prototyping — computer-aided engineering simulation and testing before physical creation.

•     Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence — machine learning and AI for predictive analytics, pattern recognition, and automated reasoning.

•     Additive Manufacturing Digital Integration — generative design, topology optimization, and in-situ additive manufacturing process monitoring.

•     Low C-SWAP Alternative PNT for Attritable Systems — affordable, expendable PNT for disposable unmanned aircraft in GPS-denied environments.

•     Modular Open Architecture for Resilient PNT — standardized-interface PNT systems enabling rapid upgrades.

•     Robotics Technologies — autonomous and semi-autonomous robots for logistics, maintenance, and hazardous-environment tasks.

•     Software Systems Development — DevSecOps, modular open architecture, and AI/ML/autonomy software.

•     Physiological Operations — systems exploiting human cognition to influence adversary decision-making.

•     Runtime Assurance (RTA) for AI — real-time safety monitoring that reverts AI systems to a trusted backup controller.

•     Autonomy (for Airborne Platforms) — uncrewed aerial systems that navigate and execute missions with minimal human input.

5. Basic Research Technologies (AFOSR-Aligned)

•     Energetic Solid-State Physics and Mechanochemistry — chemistry and physics of solid-state energetic materials under extreme conditions.

•     Energy, Combustion, and Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics — chemical energy conversion for propulsion, electricity, and directed energy.

•     Aerodynamic Sciences — fundamental flowfield physics across internal and external configurations.

•     High-Speed Aerodynamics — high-speed, high-temperature non-equilibrium flow physics.

•     Aerospace Composite Materials — chemistry, physics, and mechanics of novel composite materials.

•     Aerospace Structures — emerging structural materials, meta-architectures, and intelligent subsystems.

•     Propulsion and Power — fundamental discovery to enable enhanced maneuver and power capabilities.

•     Agile Science for Test and Evaluation (T&E) — metrology and test methods across autonomy, hypersonics, and cyber/microelectronics.

•     Computational Cognition and Machine Intelligence — mathematical and computational foundations of machine intelligence and human-machine alignment.

•     Computational Mathematics — algorithms for large-scale engineering, design, and predictive simulation.

•     Dynamical Systems and Control Theory — mathematics of analysis and control for complex dynamical systems.

•     Dynamic Data and Information Processing — real-time model refinement using measured or simulated data.

•     Information Assurance and Cybersecurity — securing distributed systems, nanoscale devices, and quantum information.

•     Mathematical Optimization — theory and algorithms for allocation, planning, logistics, and scheduling problems.

•     Science of Information, Computation, Learning, and Fusion — extracting information from large, heterogeneous, multi-modal data.

•     Trust and Influence — social and cognitive principles of trust between humans and intelligent agents.

•     Complex Networks — structural analysis of large, dynamic, interdependent network systems.

•     Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience — neural mechanisms of perception, cognition, and behavior; brain-inspired computing.

•     Atomic and Molecular Physics — cold and ultra-cold quantum gases, precision measurement, and matter-wave optics.

•     Electromagnetics — linear and nonlinear electromagnetics and signal processing.

•     Optoelectronics and Photonics — light-matter interaction at the nanoscale for communications and computation.

•     High-Energy Radiation-Matter Systems — interaction of electromagnetic energy and matter for directed-energy weapons and sensors.

•     Quantum Information Sciences — non-classical phenomena for information analysis, storage, and protection.

•     Physics of Sensing — fundamental physics of remote detection and object characterization.

•     Space Physics — solar-terrestrial environment effects on tracking, communications, and navigation.

•     Ultrashort Pulse Laser-Matter Interactions — physical phenomena from ultrashort-pulse laser interactions with matter.

•     Condensed Matter Physics — new quantum phases and macroscopic properties in solid-state materials.

•     Astrodynamics — physics of motion and control of natural and artificial objects in Earth/Moon/Sun gravity fields.

Which AFRL Directorate Owns Which Domain

Every Area of Interest is mapped to one or more AFRL Mission Organizations in Attachment 1 — this determines who within AFRL actually reviews your submission. At a domain level:

•     Air Warfare (AFRL/RA): concentrated in Air Domain Technologies, plus select Cross-Domain and Basic Research areas

•     Foundational Technologies / AFOSR (AFRL/RE): the dominant directorate across nearly all of Basic Research Technologies, plus broad Cross-Domain coverage

•     Information & Spectrum Warfare (AFRL/RF): heavy coverage across Air, Space, and especially Cyberspace/Electronic Warfare Domain Technologies

•     Space Warfare (AFRL/RJ): broad coverage across Air, Space, Cyber/EW, Cross-Domain, and Basic Research

•     Digital Capabilities (AFRL/IZ): narrower, concentrated in select Cyber/EW and Cross-Domain digital topics

•     711th Human Performance Wing (711HPW): Air Domain human performance and medicine topics, plus human-machine teaming and physiological operations

•     Technology Transition (AFRL/RR) and Systems Technology Office (AFRL/STO): not mapped to specific Areas of Interest in the alignment table; these function as cross-cutting/transition support rather than topic owners

Because a single Area of Interest can map to multiple directorates, and because the specific Spiral, not the Enterprise CSO, determines which directorate actually evaluates your submission, confirming the right directorate fit before drafting is worth doing early. This is exactly the kind of fit assessment BW&CO does at kickoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts — funding is set at the individual Spiral level and depends on availability. Awards may be structured as FAR Part 12 fixed-price contracts or as Other Transactions for Prototype (OTP) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, including follow-on production agreements. Based on comparable DoD CSO/OTP mechanisms, awards have ranged from roughly $100,000 for early feasibility or component-level efforts up to $10 million or more for larger prototype and production-representative demonstrations. The Government may incrementally fund any award and reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of a proposal, including funding only part of a submission it deems Selectable.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports "innovative" solutions as legally defined: technology, processes, or methods (or new applications of existing ones) that are new as of your proposal's submission date. This spans advanced component development through full operational systems development, and can include prototype projects under OTP authority. A narrower category, Studies and Analysis funded with Operations and Maintenance appropriations, covers short-term (generally one year or less), non-developmental investigative work addressing urgent, near-term Air Force and Space Force needs.

What is the actual timeline to apply?

There is no single application deadline. You apply by responding to an individual Spiral, and each Spiral sets its own timeline. Open Spirals accept submissions on a rolling basis; Closed Spirals set a hard deadline, after which late submissions are handled under FAR 52.212-1(c) and generally not considered for award. The Enterprise CSO itself remains active indefinitely, refreshed annually until terminated, with new Spirals issued at any time. As of mid-2026, an active Centralized, Open Two-Step Spiral (FA8652-26-S-C005) covering the Foundational Technologies mission organization is open through April 30, 2027 — verify current status and scope on SAM.gov.

Who is eligible to apply?

U.S. commercial companies, small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and nonprofit research institutions registered in SAM.gov and determined "responsible" under FAR Subpart 9.1 are eligible. For awards structured as OTPs specifically, at least one of the following must also be true: a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participates significantly; all significant non-government participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors; at least one-third of total project cost comes from non-federal sources; or the agency's Senior Procurement Executive documents exceptional circumstances justifying the transaction.

Who is NOT eligible to apply?

Foreign persons and foreign-owned, controlled, or influenced (FOCI) entities are prohibited from participating in awards under this announcement — full stop, with no stated exception. This is a meaningfully harder line than many other DoD CSOs, including some Army CSOs, which permit foreign-owned businesses to compete subject to review and approval. Companies should also expect exclusion if suspended or debarred from federal contracting, prohibited by law from receiving federal awards, or unable to meet required security clearances for a given effort.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Companies with technology that's genuinely new as of the proposal date, not incremental refinement of an existing government-known capability, and that map cleanly to a specific, currently-open Spiral's Areas of Interest are best positioned. CSB submissions are weighed equally on Technical Merit/Applicability and Funding Availability; CSP submissions add Importance to Agency Programs and Price to that mix, still weighted equally. Because the Government can categorize a submission "Selectable" yet unfundable, technical merit alone doesn't guarantee an award — timing against available budget matters just as much.

How competitive will this be?

The solicitation doesn't disclose award volume or success rates, and competitiveness will vary enormously by Spiral and Area of Interest. With roughly 94 Areas of Interest spanning basic research through operational systems, and eight separate mission organizations issuing their own Spirals independently, this functions less like a single competition and more like dozens of parallel, narrower competitions, each with its own funding pool and evaluation timeline.

What restrictions should I know about?

Key constraints beyond eligibility: submissions containing Controlled Unclassified Information must go through DoD SAFE, not standard email; awards involving military-critical technical data may require a certified DD Form 2345 and Defense Logistics Agency registration under ITAR/EAR; awarded efforts are subject to NIST SP 800-171 safeguarding requirements for Covered Defense Information; and non-government advisors (FFRDCs, SETA, and A&AS contractors) under signed NDAs may review your proposal on the Government's behalf.

How long will it take to prepare an application?

Preparation time isn't specified and depends on the Spiral, but the barrier to entry is intentionally low for Step 1. A Two-Step CSB is a PowerPoint briefing plus a white paper (or a Pitch, if the Spiral requires one), not a full proposal. Only companies invited to Step 2, or those responding to a One-Step Spiral, need to prepare a complete Commercial Solutions Proposal with a technical volume, price volume, and Statement of Work.

How BW&CO Can Help

The AFRL Enterprise CSO's structure — an indefinite umbrella document with dozens of independently-issued Spirals across eight mission organizations — makes "which opportunity should I actually respond to" a harder question than it looks. BW&CO helps companies:

•     Fit assessment — Identify which currently-open Spiral, and which of the roughly 94 Areas of Interest, fits your technology

•     Mechanism strategy — Determine whether your submission is better positioned as a FAR Part 12 contract or an OTP, and confirm OTP eligibility criteria are met

•     Proposal development — Draft compelling Commercial Solutions Briefs and Proposals within the required page and slide limits

•     Compliance — Navigate NIST SP 800-171, export control, and Science and Technology Protection review requirements before they become a late-stage surprise

•     Monitoring — Track SAM.gov for new and amended Spirals aligned to your capabilities

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here: SAM.gov — FA8652-26-S-C003

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.

DIU: Specular MIST Prize Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The DIU Specular MIST Prize Challenge is a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) prize competition seeking commercial technologies that improve maritime electronic warfare, electronic surveillance, and radar training capabilities for crewed and autonomous Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). The challenge is conducted in collaboration with the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (DONRCO) and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.

The solicitation is focused on accelerating the development, prototyping, and production of modular payloads that can be integrated onto manned and autonomous surface vessels. Companies compete through a three-phase process consisting of a written proposal, an at-sea demonstration, and a potential post-demonstration pathway that may include additional prize funding and eligibility for follow-on prototype or production opportunities.

Applications are accepted under three Lines of Effort (LOEs):

• LOE 1 – Threat Radar Simulators

• LOE 2 – Active Electronic Attack (EA)

• LOE 3 – Passive Electronic Surveillance

The solicitation emphasizes modular open-system architectures, software-defined capabilities, scalability, production readiness, and solutions designed for maritime environments.

The Phase 1 submission deadline is July 22, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. Companies interested in participating should begin preparing their White Paper and Pitch Deck immediately because selected vendors may be invited to demonstrate their technology less than two months later during the live at-sea event.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states there is a total cash prize pool of $5,000,000, distributed across multiple phases of the challenge.

Funding opportunities include:

Phase 1

• Vendors selected to advance from the written proposal evaluation receive up to $250,000 to fund participation in the live demonstration.

Phase 2

• Companies selected following the At-Sea Challenge may receive up to $1,000,000 per selected company.

Phase 3

• Additional prize funding may be awarded as companies continue supporting operational units and iterative product development. The solicitation does not specify individual Phase 3 award amounts.

What could I use the funding for?

The funding supports development, demonstration, maturation, and potential fielding of technologies that address maritime sensing, electronic warfare, and training challenges.

Projects must align with one of three Lines of Effort.

LOE 1 – Threat Radar Simulators

Develop maritime-compatible radar simulators that:

• Emit complex S-band signals

• Operate from moving vessels

• Operate remotely

• Support future integration onto autonomous USVs

• Meet the technical specifications outlined in the solicitation.

LOE 2 – Active Electronic Attack

Develop systems capable of:

• Autonomous electronic warfare

• Detecting multiple RF signals

• Adaptive real-time jamming

• Operating without operator intervention

• Integration onboard autonomous USVs.

LOE 3 – Passive Electronic Surveillance

Develop remotely operated RF surveillance systems capable of:

• Monitoring the RF environment

• Supporting VHF and UHF bands

• Operating with multiple layers of encryption

• Hosting government-provided software

• Supporting Navy cybersecurity requirements.

Across all applicable LOEs, solutions should address:

• Modular open-system architectures

• Software-defined capabilities

• SWaP optimization

• Maritime environmental resilience

• Remote command and control

• Production scalability

• Cost-effective manufacturing.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond prize funding, the solicitation identifies several potential benefits.

These include:

• Direct operational engagement with leaders across multiple branches of the U.S. Department of Defense.

• Live operational testing with military end users during the At-Sea Challenge.

• Eligibility for potential follow-on Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022.

• Eligibility for prize awards under 10 USC 4025.

• Potential system procurement for extended testing.

• Opportunity for continued operational feedback and iterative product development during Phase 3.

The solicitation also states that there is no guarantee that follow-on awards or contracts will be awarded.

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

Challenge Timeline

• July 8, 2026: Challenge opens and solicitation is released.

• July 22, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time: Phase 1 submission deadline for the White Paper and Pitch Deck.

• July 29, 2026: Companies selected to advance to Phase 2 are announced.

• August 5, 2026: Virtual Q&A session for selected Phase 2 participants.

• September 10, 2026: At-Sea Challenge live demonstration begins in Southern California.

• September 25, 2026: At-Sea Challenge live demonstration concludes.

• October 23, 2026: Prize Challenge Board completes deliberations.

• October 30, 2026: Prize Challenge winners are announced.

Funding is distributed across the challenge phases.

• Phase 1 participants selected to advance receive up to $250,000.

• Phase 2 down-selected companies may receive up to $1,000,000.

• Phase 3 participants may receive additional prize funding, although specific amounts are not specified.

The solicitation does not specify when individual prize payments will be disbursed after each phase.

Where does this funding come from?

The Specular MIST Prize Challenge is sponsored by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in collaboration with the Department of the Navy Rapid Capabilities Office (DONRCO) and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific.

The challenge is intended to accelerate the development, prototyping, and fielding of commercial technologies that address maritime training and operational needs for the Department of Defense. According to the solicitation, DIU uses the challenge to identify innovative, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that can be rapidly transitioned into operational use.

The solicitation states that high-performing participants may become eligible for:

• Prize awards under 10 USC 4025

• Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements under 10 USC 4022

• Potential system procurement for extended testing

The solicitation also states that there is no guarantee that follow-on awards or contracts will be made.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is an open call to small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors developing innovative commercial technologies that address one or more of the three Lines of Effort.

Companies may:

• Submit separate proposals for LOE 1, LOE 2, and/or LOE 3.

• Submit a combined proposal covering LOE 1 and LOE 2.

• Submit teaming proposals if multiple organizations are needed to deliver the required capabilities.

For Phase 1, the solicitation states:

• An active Facility Clearance (FCL) is not required to submit a proposal.

• All Phase 1 work will be conducted in unclassified environments.

• Applications must be fully unclassified.

To participate in Phase 2, applicants must meet additional security requirements, including:

• Contractor personnel requiring classified access must possess and maintain a final U.S. Government SECRET security clearance or higher. Interim clearances are acceptable for initial performance.

• Compliance with applicable SIPRNet or JWICS access requirements.

• Compliance with DD Form 254 requirements for classified work.

• If classified material will be stored at the contractor's facility, possession of a DCSA-approved classified storage capability at the SECRET level or higher.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a standalone list of ineligible applicants, but it identifies several situations that would prevent participation or make a submission noncompetitive.

Examples include:

• Companies proposing solutions that do not address one of the three specified Lines of Effort.

• Proprietary solutions that are "walled off" or require extensive integration effort for third-party technologies.

• Applicants unable to satisfy the security requirements necessary for Phase 2 participation.

• Applications that are not submitted through the official DIU portal before the submission deadline.

• Classified submissions, since Phase 1 applications must be fully unclassified.

The solicitation also states that companies with ideas outside the scope of the solicitation should not submit them.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation describes the characteristics evaluators will use when selecting companies throughout each phase of the competition.

Competitive projects are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong alignment with the technical requirements of the selected Line of Effort.

• Technical viability and a clear approach to solving the identified capability gap.

• Modular, open-system architectures.

• Software-defined capabilities where applicable.

• Optimization for Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP).

• Ability to operate in maritime environments.

• Scalability for production at increasing unit quantities.

• Realistic pricing and lifecycle maintenance planning.

• Demonstrated production capability and corporate expertise.

• Clear operational value for Department of Defense users.

During the live demonstration, evaluators will also consider:

• Operational performance under realistic maritime and electromagnetic conditions.

• Ease of use by military operators.

• Training documentation provided by the company.

• Quality of the company presentation and value proposition.

• Potential commercial viability outside the defense market.

For Phase 3, evaluators additionally consider:

• Ability to rapidly manufacture operational systems.

• Positive impact on military tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation does not specify the number of expected applications or the number of Phase 1 awards.

However, the challenge is structured as a multi-phase competitive down-selection process, with companies advancing through progressively more rigorous evaluations.

Participants compete through:

• Phase 1 written proposal evaluation.

• Phase 2 live operational demonstration.

• Phase 3 operational assessment and user-driven iteration.

Throughout the competition, proposals are evaluated on technical performance, company capability, production scalability, pricing, operational effectiveness, and end-user feedback. Only selected companies advance between phases.

Because the solicitation includes live demonstrations, military operator evaluations, and multiple down-selection stages, applicants should expect a highly competitive process. The solicitation does not specify anticipated success rates or award percentages.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation includes several important requirements and limitations applicants should consider before applying.

Submission requirements

• Applications must be fully unclassified.

• Proposals must be submitted through the official DIU portal before the submission deadline.

• Companies may submit separate proposals for LOE 1, LOE 2, and LOE 3. LOE 1 and LOE 2 may also be combined into a single proposal, while LOE 3 requires a separate submission.

White Paper requirements

Applicants must submit:

• A White Paper of no more than 6 pages.

• Font size 11 or 12.

• 1-point line spacing.

• 1-inch margins.

• The White Paper must state the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL), with TRL 6+ preferred for the sensor package, identify the applicable Line of Effort, and include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for cost and schedule.

Pitch Deck requirements

Applicants must also submit:

• A PDF presentation in 16:9 (1920 × 1080) format.

• A maximum of 8 slides, plus one additional slide for each Line of Effort included in the proposal.

Technical expectations

For applicable Lines of Effort, solutions should address:

• Modular, open-system architectures.

• Software-defined capabilities.

• Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) optimization.

• Maritime environmental resilience.

• Production scalability.

• Remote command and control capabilities.

• Technical requirements specific to the selected Line of Effort.

Security requirements

While Phase 1 is entirely unclassified, companies advancing to Phase 2 must satisfy the personnel clearance, network access, and classified safeguarding requirements described in the solicitation.

Intellectual Property

Applicants retain ownership of their existing intellectual property. By submitting, applicants grant DIU a limited license to use submitted intellectual property for testing and evaluation related to the challenge. Any additional use, integration, or development would be negotiated separately.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

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

However, applicants must prepare both:

• A technical White Paper meeting the solicitation's formatting and content requirements.

• A Pitch Deck describing the proposed operational solution.

Applicants should also be prepared to document:

• Technical capabilities.

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost and schedule.

• Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C).

• Production scalability.

• Delivery timelines.

• Training plans.

• Technical performance and ruggedness.

• Relevance to the selected Line of Effort.

Because the Phase 1 submission deadline is July 22, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time, companies should begin preparing their submissions as soon as possible.

How can BW&CO help?

Preparing a competitive submission requires more than simply responding to the solicitation requirements. BW&CO works with technology companies to develop proposals that clearly communicate technical capabilities, commercialization potential, and alignment with Department of Defense priorities.

For the Specular MIST Prize Challenge, BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine the most appropriate Line of Effort for your technology.

• Develop a compliant White Paper that addresses the evaluation criteria.

• Prepare a compelling Pitch Deck for the Phase 1 review.

• Clearly communicate your technology's operational value, production readiness, and scalability.

• Position your company for potential follow-on opportunities, including Prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements, if selected.

With the July 22, 2026 at 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time submission deadline, companies should begin preparing application materials immediately.

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.

FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 - Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) - Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Space Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking university-led teams to establish a Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) focused on Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO). This funding opportunity supports transformational research intended to produce disruptive technologies that improve the cyber resilience, autonomy, and operational effectiveness of future U.S. space capabilities.

White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT). Only offerors whose white papers are selected will be invited to submit a full proposal. The proposal deadline has not yet been specified and will be provided in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued to selected teams.

Unlike many traditional research programs that emphasize incremental advances, this solicitation specifically seeks technologies capable of fundamentally changing how military space systems detect threats, defend themselves, collaborate with human operators, and operate in contested environments. The Government is particularly interested in research that progresses beyond theoretical concepts toward testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, high-fidelity modeling, and technologies capable of transitioning into government programs or industry applications.

The lead applicant must be a university that manages a consortium consisting of at least three universities, including itself. The lead institution will receive the award and distribute funding to collaborating institutions through subawards. The solicitation requires that at least 50% of awarded funds be allocated to supporting institutions. Additional collaborations with industry, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and other eligible organizations are encouraged.

The Government anticipates providing up to $25 million in total Federal funding under this CALL. Individual awards may vary in value but are expected not to exceed $25 million and may last for up to 60 months, subject to available funding and successful Go/No-Go performance reviews throughout the project.

Projects should address one or more aspects of cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, distributed computing, quantum technologies, cognitive electronic warfare, human-machine teaming, digital engineering, or related capabilities that improve U.S. military space operations. The technical areas listed in the solicitation are intended as guidance rather than limitations, and applicants may propose additional technologies that support Department of Defense needs while increasing technology maturity and commercialization readiness.

Because this is a two-step competitive process, organizations interested in participating should begin assembling university partnerships, defining research objectives, identifying transition pathways, and preparing their white papers well before the 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT) submission deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• The Government anticipates $25,000,000 in total Federal funding under this CALL.

• Individual awards may vary depending on the proposed effort.

• Estimated individual award values are not to exceed $25,000,000, although the Government reserves the right to modify, reduce, or exceed this amount if necessary.

• The Government reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received.

• Funding remains subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Awards are expected to support projects lasting up to 60 months, consisting of multiple budget periods.

Continuation funding is contingent upon:

• satisfactory technical performance,

• schedule adherence,

• milestone completion,

• reporting compliance,

• Go/No-Go decision reviews, and

• continued availability of Federal funding.

What could I use the funding for?

The solicitation supports research intended to create transformative capabilities for future military space operations rather than incremental improvements.

The Government states that successful projects should advance technologies capable of transitioning beyond laboratory research into operational government programs or commercial applications. Highly desired outcomes include:

• Testbeds

• High-fidelity modeling and simulation

• Demonstrations

• Prototypes

• Increased technology readiness over the period of performance

The Statement of Objectives identifies numerous technical focus areas, including:

Threat sensing, detection, and adaptive response

Projects may include:

• Advanced cyber sensing

• Threat detection metrics

• Trusted telemetry

• Data authentication

• Data provenance

• Fraud and spoofing detection

• Vulnerability mitigation

• AI-driven autonomous response

• Real-time cyber remediation across space, ground, and communications segments.

Cyber hardening and supply chain security

Examples include:

• Zero-trust architectures

• Secure satellite flight software

• Cyber-hardened satellite architectures

• Hardware and software supply chain security

• Software isolation

• Red teaming

• Quantifiable cyber-hardening metrics.

Artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cognitive execution

Potential projects include:

• Autonomous mission planning

• Dynamic satellite operations

• AI-enabled decision making

• Edge data processing

• Knowledge extraction

• AI model resilience

• Protection against adversarial AI attacks.

Human-machine teaming

Research may address:

• Advanced operator interfaces

• Decision-support systems

• Cognitive workload reduction

• Human trust in autonomous systems

• Consequence modeling for automated decision-making.

Distributed computing and quantum technologies

Examples include:

• Space-based data centers

• Cloud, fog, and edge computing

• Distributed computing architectures

• Quantum information systems

• Quantum sensing

• Post-quantum cryptography

• Quantum-secure communications.

Cognitive electronic warfare

The solicitation also encourages research involving:

• Adaptive electronic warfare

• Electromagnetic spectrum operations

• Combined cyber-electronic warfare resilience

• Space-enabled cyber effects

• Reconfigurable RF spectrum technologies.

Digital engineering and testing

Potential activities include:

• Flexible cyber testbeds

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• System-of-systems integration

• High-fidelity disruption modeling

• Uncertainty quantification

• Developmental and operational testing environments.

The Government also explicitly allows applicants to propose additional technologies beyond the listed examples if they strengthen DoD research and development, improve technology maturity, support technology transition, or increase commercialization readiness while meeting Department of Defense needs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to potential funding, selected performers may receive several forms of Government support during the program.

Government technical support

DARPA anticipates support from:

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

• NIST's Precision Photonic Synthesis Group within the Time and Frequency Division

The Government expects to provide information, analysis, and support related to vibration-hardened optical reference cavities and photonic microwave generation techniques.

Government-furnished information

By Month 6, DARPA anticipates providing performers with:

• A Government reference design for a vibration-hardened chip-scale optical reference cavity

• Associated design details

• Test data

Government-furnished testing

At the end of Phase 2:

• Final noise-performance testing will occur at a Government test facility.

• Testing will use a Government-furnished airborne platform.

• The Government will coordinate and execute the testing.

• The Government will collect and post-process test data.

Potential follow-on opportunities

The solicitation states that:

• Follow-on production contracts or transactions may be awarded pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• During the transition between Phase 1 and Phase 2, DARPA intends to finalize technology application areas and notes there is potential for additional work based on architectural designs developed during Phase 1.

The solicitation does not guarantee any follow-on funding or production awards.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond funding, the solicitation is designed to establish a long-term research ecosystem centered on transformational space technologies.

The Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) model is intended to create enduring university partnerships focused on solving critical U.S. Space Force science and technology challenges. Rather than funding isolated research projects, the Government is investing in multidisciplinary research teams capable of developing technologies that transition into operational military capabilities.

Potential benefits identified in the solicitation include:

• Participation in a university-led Space Strategic Technology Institute.

• Opportunities to collaborate with multiple universities under a single research program.

• Collaboration with industry partners.

• Development of testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, and high-fidelity modeling capabilities.

• Advancement of technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) throughout the period of performance.

• Opportunities for future technology transition into U.S. Space Force and other U.S. Government programs.

The Statement of Objectives also notes that, in later phases, the research ecosystem may expand to include additional:

• universities,

• industry leaders,

• international allies, and

• U.S. Government organizations including AFRL, DARPA, and other DoD laboratories.

The solicitation explains that these organizations may provide operational context, transition pathways, and end-user requirements that help mature successful technologies.

The Government also notes that continuation funding will be based on performance reviews and successful progression toward technology transition rather than simply completing research activities.

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

This is a two-step solicitation.

Step 1 – White Paper

White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT). White Papers received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Offerors must submit:

• a White Paper,

• a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, and

• all required supporting information using the prescribed template.

Organizations cannot submit a full proposal without first submitting a White Paper.

Step 2 – Full Proposal

Only offerors whose White Papers are selected will receive a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The solicitation states that the:

Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in "Requests for Proposals (RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Questions

Written questions are due:

10 July 2026

The Government states that questions submitted after this date may not allow sufficient time for responses.

Webinar

A Questions and Answers webinar will be held on:

• 15 July 2026

• 0900 MDT

The Government encourages organizations interested in submitting White Papers to attend.

Award timing

The solicitation does not specify a fixed award date.

Instead, it states:

The anticipated award date will be determined through dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives and specified in each individual award.

Period of Performance

Successful projects may run for:

• up to 57 months of technical effort,

• plus 3 months for the final report,

• for a total period of performance of 60 months.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the:

• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate

• in partnership with the United States Space Force (USSF)

under:

• Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA9453-21-S-0001

• Space Technology Advanced Research – Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH)

• CALL 016

• Topic Area 5 – Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI): Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

The solicitation states that the purpose of this CALL is to support experimentation and research involving:

• spaceflight technologies,

• space-related signal technologies,

• energy technologies,

• transportation technologies,

with this particular CALL focused on transformational cyber and cognitive capabilities for military space operations.

Who is eligible to apply?

This solicitation is structured around university-led teams.

The lead offeror is expected to be:

• one university serving as the lead institution.

The lead university is expected to partner with:

• at least two additional universities, resulting in a minimum team of three universities.

The lead university receives the award directly and is responsible for managing the consortium and issuing subawards.

The solicitation requires that:

At least 50% of awarded funds are required to go to the supporting institutions.

Additional collaborators may include:

• universities,

• for-profit entities,

• nonprofit organizations,

• state governments,

• local governments,

• tribal governments,

• small businesses.

These organizations may participate as offerors or subrecipients, consistent with the consortium structure described in the solicitation.

Other eligibility requirements include:

• registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before award,

• compliance with applicable Federal cost principles,

• adherence to Gold Standard Science requirements,

• compliance with applicable export control requirements,

• submission of required White Papers before invitation to submit a proposal.

The solicitation also states:

• Cost sharing is not required.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation specifically excludes several categories of organizations.

These include:

• Large businesses as defined under NAICS 541715 (over 1,000 employees).

• Federal Government agencies.

• Foreign-owned organizations, which are not authorized to participate in this CALL in any capacity.

The solicitation also establishes restrictions regarding foreign nationals.

Unless an approved waiver is granted by the Contracting/Agreements Officer:

• non-U.S. citizens may not work within AFRL facilities,

• non-U.S. citizens may not access U.S. Government IT networks associated with the project.

The solicitation notes that permanent resident ("Green Card") status does not satisfy the U.S. citizenship requirement for these access purposes. Certain exceptions apply for approved international exchange personnel and dual U.S. citizens, as explicitly described in the solicitation.

Additionally:

• organizations that do not first submit a White Paper are not eligible to receive an award under this CALL.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation does not identify preferred companies or organizations. Instead, it describes the characteristics of proposals that are expected to be the most competitive.

Successful projects are likely to demonstrate a combination of technical innovation, transition potential, and practical applicability to U.S. Space Force missions.

According to the Statement of Objectives, competitive proposals should:

• Deliver transformative rather than incremental advances.

• Create technologies capable of fundamentally changing military space operations.

• Improve cyber resilience while maintaining mission performance.

• Optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP).

• Enable entirely new operational concepts.

• Demonstrate realistic pathways for transitioning technology beyond the laboratory into government programs or industry applications.

• Include testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, or high-fidelity modeling whenever appropriate.

• Progress technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) during the period of performance.

The Government also encourages applicants to:

• Clearly define the current state of the art.

• Explain why the proposed approach is superior.

• Identify known limitations and risks.

• Describe how those risks will be mitigated.

• Incorporate horizon scanning and assessments of future adversarial threats.

• Build multidisciplinary teams spanning multiple technical and non-technical disciplines.

The technical areas identified by the Government include projects involving:

• Threat sensing and adaptive cyber response

• AI-enabled autonomous operations

• Cyber-hardening for space systems

• Zero-trust architectures

• Human-machine teaming

• Distributed computing

• Space-based data centers

• Quantum information systems

• Quantum-secure networking

• Cognitive electronic warfare

• Digital engineering

• Flexible cyber testbeds

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• High-fidelity disruption modeling

The solicitation states that these areas are guidance rather than restrictions, and applicants may propose additional technologies that support Department of Defense needs while increasing technology maturity and commercialization readiness.

During evaluation, White Papers and proposals must also satisfy the Government's Go/No-Go screening criteria.

Among other things, the Government states that successful submissions should:

• Demonstrate implementation of Gold Standard Science.

• Produce immediately demonstrable results.

• Include meaningful milestones.

• Establish clear benchmarks for measuring success.

• Accelerate delivery of emerging technologies to the warfighter.

• Demonstrably advance the President's policy priorities.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation does not specify an expected number of White Paper submissions or an anticipated success rate.

However, several features indicate that this is expected to be a highly competitive opportunity.

First, the Government anticipates making one or more awards, while reserving the right to make one award, multiple awards, or no awards at all.

Second, participation requires a university-led consortium consisting of at least three universities, creating a higher organizational threshold than many standard research solicitations.

Third, the two-step process means that only White Papers selected by the Government will be invited to submit full proposals. Organizations that do not submit a White Paper are not eligible to receive an award.

The evaluation process also emphasizes:

• transformational research,

• technology transition,

• measurable progress,

• interdisciplinary collaboration,

• operational relevance,

• demonstration of immediate and longer-term impact,

• compliance with Gold Standard Science requirements.

For university teams with strong space cybersecurity, AI, autonomy, quantum, or digital engineering capabilities—and a clear transition strategy—this CALL provides a significant opportunity. At the same time, applicants should expect substantial competition given the size of the anticipated funding and the strategic importance of the research area.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. The solicitation includes several important restrictions and administrative requirements.

Consortium structure

The lead offeror must be a university leading a team of at least three universities.

The lead institution is responsible for managing subawards, and at least 50% of awarded funds must be distributed to supporting institutions.

Two-step submission process

Applicants must submit a White Paper before they can be invited to submit a full proposal.

Organizations that do not submit a White Paper are not eligible for award consideration.

Foreign participation

Foreign-owned organizations are not authorized to participate in this CALL in any capacity.

Export control

The solicitation states that technologies supported under this CALL are subject to:

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and/or

• Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Applicants proposing the use of foreign nationals must provide required disclosures, and additional Government review may be required.

Security

The effort is anticipated to be performed at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level.

Classified work is not anticipated at the beginning of the award, although security requirements may evolve during performance if approved by the Government.

Gold Standard Science

Applicants must commit to complying with the Government's Gold Standard Science requirements, including:

• reproducibility,

• transparency,

• communication of uncertainty,

• interdisciplinary collaboration,

• unbiased peer review,

• benchmarks for measuring success,

• adherence to applicable administration policies.

Cost sharing

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

Foreign travel

Foreign travel costs are not allowable unless approved by the Program Manager.

Construction

Major construction projects generally will not be funded without prior written authorization.

Funding availability

All awards remain contingent upon:

• availability of appropriated funds,

• successful performance,

• Go/No-Go reviews,

• continued Government priorities.How long will it take me to prepare an application?

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify how long applicants should expect to prepare either a White Paper or a full proposal.

However, prospective applicants should account for the time needed to:

• assemble a university consortium,

• identify collaborating institutions,

• develop a multidisciplinary research strategy,

• prepare a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate,

• complete the required White Paper template,

• request DoD SAFE upload access before the submission deadline,

• coordinate any required export control or foreign national documentation,

• ensure compliance with Gold Standard Science requirements.

Because White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT), interested teams should begin consortium formation and proposal development as early as possible.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support university-led teams throughout the entire application process by helping organizations:

• Evaluate alignment with the solicitation objectives.

• Develop a competitive research strategy centered on technology transition.

• Position technical innovations against the current state of the art.

• Build compelling commercialization and transition narratives consistent with DoD expectations.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary university and industry partnerships.

• Prepare compliant White Papers and, if invited, full proposals.

• Develop project plans, milestones, budgets, and supporting documentation.

• Strengthen proposal messaging while ensuring alignment with the evaluation criteria and solicitation requirements.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Zero Trust Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap AOI 26-A006

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

Executive Summary:

The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Office is seeking commercial technologies that can help the Department of the Navy automate its transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This effort focuses on discovering, inventorying, and continuously monitoring cryptographic assets across Navy and Marine Corps networks to generate automated Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs) that support enterprise-wide risk management and PQC migration.

This is an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype opportunity intended for commercial technologies that can rapidly deploy, integrate across enterprise and tactical environments, and demonstrate mature capabilities. Companies selected for Phase 2 will participate in a live demonstration of their technology.

Solution Briefs must be submitted via the Vulcan platform no later than 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify the prototype award amount, award range, or anticipated contract value. These initial contracts typically range from $500,000 to about $5 million.

What could I use the funding for?

The prototype is intended to develop and demonstrate an automated solution capable of:

• Discovering cryptographic algorithms, protocols, certificates, key lengths, and implementations across Department of the Navy environments.

• Supporting enterprise IT, cloud, mobile systems, operational technology (OT), and tactical or embedded platforms.

• Generating machine-readable Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs).

• Continuously monitoring cryptographic assets for changes.

• Supporting PQC migration planning, vulnerability assessments, and centralized risk reporting.

• Integrating with Navy authoritative data repositories.

• Operating across secure cloud environments and disconnected, intermittently connected, and low-bandwidth (DIL) environments.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to participate in a Phase 2 live demonstration.

• Potential for a follow-on production agreement without further competitive procedures if a prototype agreement is awarded.

• Opportunity to demonstrate commercial technology directly to NIWC Atlantic and Department of the Navy stakeholders.

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

Key dates include:

• Opportunity opens: 29 June 2026.

• Solution Brief deadline: 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026.

• Tentative Phase 2 Pitch: 20–21 July 2026 in Charleston, South Carolina.

• Companies selected for Phase 2 will be notified in writing as soon as practicable.

• The solicitation does not specify when prototype awards will be made or when funding will be received.

Solution Briefs must be submitted via the Vulcan platform no later than 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through:

• Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Office.

• Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) N65236-26-S-0001.

• Area of Interest 26-A006: Zero Trust Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap.

• Command Focus Area: Battlespace Connectivity.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is seeking commercial vendors capable of delivering a prototype solution.

Offerors must:

• Submit a Solution Brief through the Vulcan platform.

• Demonstrate the required Secret Facility Clearance at the time of Solution Brief submission.

• Include the prime contractor's CAGE Code.

• Meet the nontraditional business participation requirements described in CSO N65236-26-S-0001 Paragraph 6.2 or explicitly state any proposed cost share.

• Demonstrate their solution in an unclassified environment during Phase 2 if invited.

• Preference may be given to companies with solutions at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and prior experience with automated asset discovery, code security analysis, or enterprise-scale vulnerability scanning.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following will not be considered:

• Contractors that do not possess the required Secret Facility Clearance at the time of Solution Brief submission.

• Solution Briefs submitted after 2359 EDT on 07 July 2026.

• Solution Briefs emailed directly to the Government point of contact instead of submitted through the Vulcan platform.

The solicitation does not identify any additional eligibility exclusions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest proposals will offer a mature, integrated commercial solution that can:

• Automatically discover cryptographic assets across enterprise, cloud, endpoint, OT, and tactical environments.

• Support both passive and active scanning.

• Automatically generate machine-readable CBOMs.

• Continuously monitor cryptographic baselines.

• Meet applicable security and compliance requirements.

• Operate within cloud-native and scalable architectures.

• Identify legacy cryptography alongside FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205 implementations.

• Operate in DIL environments.

• Integrate with Department of the Navy centralized repositories.

Preference may also be given to companies that:

• Demonstrate a corporate PQC migration roadmap.

• Minimize operational overhead.

• Have solutions at TRL 7 or higher.

• Can demonstrate enterprise-scale deployments and rapid scalability.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This opportunity is likely to be competitive because:

• The Government reserves the right to limit the number of companies invited to Phase 2.

• Selection is based on evaluation of the submitted Solution Briefs.

• Phase 2 requires a live demonstration of the proposed solution.

• Preference may be given to more mature technologies with demonstrated operational capability.

The solicitation does not specify the anticipated number of awards or invitees.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants should be aware that:

• Solution Briefs must not contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• Solution Briefs must be submitted through the Vulcan platform.

• Submission as a Scout Card alone is not sufficient; the Solution Brief must also be uploaded as an attachment.

• A Secret Facility Clearance is required at submission.

• The prime contractor's CAGE Code must be included.

• Teaming partners must be identified if used to satisfy nontraditional participation requirements.

• Cost share must be explicitly stated if proposed.

• The Government requires a mandatory live, unclassified demonstration during Phase 2.

• Late submissions will not be considered.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify an expected preparation time.

However, companies should anticipate preparing:

• A compliant Solution Brief.

• Documentation supporting nontraditional business participation or cost share.

• Secret Facility Clearance information and CAGE Code.

• Materials necessary for a live technology demonstration if invited to Phase 2.How can BW&CO help?

Developing a competitive NIH cooperative agreement application requires more than a strong technical concept. Applicants must also demonstrate program alignment, a clear development strategy, meaningful collaboration, measurable milestones, and compliance with NIH requirements.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps technology companies compete for Department of Defense OTA opportunities by:

• Assessing solution alignment with the Area of Interest.

• Developing compliant, reviewer-focused Solution Briefs.

• Positioning commercial capabilities against Government evaluation criteria.

• Highlighting technical differentiators, maturity, and transition potential.

• Preparing companies for live Government pitch and demonstration sessions.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

​Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities​ - DFOP0018449

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

Executive Summary:

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026. Organizations interested in this opportunity should plan to begin preparing their application immediately, as proposals require a detailed technical narrative, budget, monitoring and evaluation plan, and supporting documentation.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF), is seeking proposals to reduce the proliferation risks created by artificial intelligence-enabled molecular models (CBAIMs) while advancing beneficial AI applications for chemical and biological nonproliferation.

The program supports projects that identify vulnerabilities in AI molecular models and associated datasets, develop safeguards and mitigation measures, create technical tools and international best practices, and strengthen international cooperation to prevent the misuse of AI for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) applications.

Projects may address the full scope of the program or a clearly defined subset of the stated objectives. Awards will be made as Cooperative Agreements, meaning the Department of State expects substantial involvement throughout the project.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation provides:

• Total available funding: $4,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 2–5

• Award type: Cooperative Agreement

• Maximum period of performance: 24 months

The solicitation does not specify a minimum or maximum award amount per recipient. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports projects that help prevent the misuse of AI-enabled molecular models while promoting responsible AI development for chemical and biological security.

Examples of supported activities include:

• Identifying foreign stakeholders involved in AI-enabled molecular design.

• Conducting technical evaluations and risk assessments of AI molecular models, datasets, computing infrastructure, and model architectures.

• Developing and testing safeguards, mitigation measures, and best practices that reduce proliferation risks.

• Piloting new methodologies to evaluate and mitigate misuse throughout the AI model lifecycle.

• Developing software tools, secure platforms, methodologies, and other technical resources that leverage AI for nonproliferation purposes.

• Developing tools that detect illicit chemical or biological material acquisition, development, diversion, proliferation, weaponization, or use.

• Publishing international guidelines, codes of ethics, best practices, institutional mechanisms, software tools, or platforms supporting responsible AI development.

• Organizing international workshops, tabletop exercises, technical exchanges, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Providing mentorship and trainer development to foreign partners.

• Supporting recurring evaluations and red-teaming exercises to validate safeguards as technology evolves.

The Department encourages projects that produce tangible technical deliverables rather than awareness activities alone. Deliverables may include:

• Software tools

• Secure data-sharing platforms

• Methodologies

• Guidelines

• Codes of ethics

• Mitigation measures

• Technical frameworks

• Other resources supporting responsible AI molecular research and nonproliferation.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond funding, successful recipients will work closely with ACN/NDF throughout the project.

Under the Cooperative Agreement, the Department expects substantial involvement, including:

• Regular coordination with ACN/NDF.

• Quarterly milestone reviews.

• Collaboration on identifying international partners and stakeholders.

• Assistance coordinating workshops and engagement activities.

• Review and feedback on work plans and project deliverables.

• Coordination with Department of State personnel and U.S. Missions where appropriate.

• Guidance to ensure project activities remain aligned with Department priorities.

Projects may also help establish long-term international communities of practice, strengthen partnerships with government, industry, and academia, and encourage adoption of globally recognized safeguards and best practices for AI-enabled molecular models.

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

Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026.

Applications must be submitted through MyGrants. Faxed, couriered, or emailed applications are not accepted except for eligible U.S. Federal Government entities.

Following submission:

• Applications first undergo a Technical Eligibility Review.

• Eligible applications advance to a Merit Review Panel.

• Final award decisions are made by ACN/NDF leadership.

The solicitation states that awards may be made based on the initial application without discussions or negotiations.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be announced or when funding will be received.

If selected:

• A pre-project implementation meeting will occur within 30 days after award.

• A draft Project Work Plan must be submitted within 30 days of award.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation
Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF)

The authority for this funding opportunity is Section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act of 1992.

The Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund develops projects that support U.S. efforts to:

• Prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

• Reduce chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

• Prevent the spread of missile and advanced conventional weapons.

• Support international nonproliferation and arms control objectives.

• Secure, remove, or destroy WMD-related materials and systems.

This funding opportunity specifically supports projects addressing proliferation risks associated with AI-enabled molecular models and opportunities to leverage AI in support of international chemical and biological nonproliferation efforts.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply:

• Domestic not-for-profit organizations, including organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status.

• Public institutions of higher education.

• Private institutions of higher education.

• For-profit organizations and businesses.

• U.S. Federal Government entities.

Organizations may also form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. In these cases:

• One organization must serve as the lead applicant.

• The remaining organizations must participate as sub-awardees.

• The lead applicant must independently meet the eligibility requirements.

Cost sharing is not required. Providing voluntary cost share is not an eligibility requirement and will not improve an application's competitive ranking.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following organizations are not eligible under this solicitation:

• Foreign not-for-profit organizations.

• Foreign Public Entities (FPEs).

• Public International Organizations (PIOs).

Additionally, organizations are not eligible if they:

• Have an exclusion listed in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Have a current debt to the U.S. Government.

• Include any excluded entity or individual identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions list as part of the proposed project.

The solicitation also notes that while for-profit organizations are eligible, the Department of State prohibits recipients from earning profit under assistance awards. Reimbursement is limited to allowable direct and indirect costs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Department identifies several characteristics that it will evaluate favorably.

Strong proposals are likely to:

• Directly address AI-enabled chemical and biological proliferation risks and/or leverage AI to strengthen nonproliferation objectives.

• Produce practical, deployable technical deliverables rather than awareness activities alone.

• Demonstrate experience researching, testing, or implementing safeguards for AI molecular models.

• Include meaningful technical assessments, risk evaluations, or mitigation strategies.

• Develop software tools, secure platforms, methodologies, guidelines, or other resources that can be readily adopted by researchers and industry.

• Include subject matter experts with broad international AI research and development expertise.

• Prioritize partner countries with a clear rationale.

• Demonstrate measurable nonproliferation benefits supported by data-driven analysis.

• Include long-term sustainability through communities of practice, national action plans, or ongoing partnerships.

• Deliver meaningful threat reduction within the first year of funding.

• Incorporate workshops, technical exchanges, mentorship, red-teaming exercises, and sustained stakeholder engagement.

• Present creative solutions that extend beyond the examples listed in the NOFO while remaining aligned with its objectives.

During formal evaluation, reviewers will assess:

• Responsiveness to the program objectives.

• Technical quality of the proposed activities.

• Organizational capability.

• Budget realism and cost efficiency.

• Past performance on previous grants and cooperative agreements.

If two proposals receive equivalent evaluation scores, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate as a tie-breaking mechanism.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This is expected to be a highly competitive funding opportunity.

The solicitation provides:

• $4,000,000 in total available funding.

• 2–5 anticipated awards.

Applications must first pass a Technical Eligibility Review before advancing to a Merit Review Panel.

Eligible proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale by U.S. Government subject matter experts and, where appropriate, non-government subject matter experts.

Reviewers will evaluate:

• Proposed activities.

• Organizational capability.

• Budget.

• Past performance.

Final selections will also consider:

• Alignment with Department of State priorities.

• Support for U.S. foreign policy objectives.

• Geographic distribution of top-ranked applications.

The Department also reserves the right to make awards based solely on the initial application without discussions or negotiations, making a complete and well-developed first submission especially important.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants should be aware of several important restrictions and compliance requirements.

Key restrictions include:

• Award funds may not be provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

• Funds may not support activities that encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans toward the U.S. southwest border.

• Funds may not be used for legal counseling on the U.S. asylum process or referrals to legal representation in the United States.

• If the project involves Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), additional requirements apply.

• Recipients must comply with applicable Federal anti-discrimination requirements where applicable.

• Institutions of higher education must comply with applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

• Certain awards exceeding specified thresholds require Trafficking in Persons compliance certifications.

• All applicants must maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration throughout the application and award period unless an approved exemption applies.

• Applications must be submitted through MyGrants (except eligible U.S. Federal Government entities).

• The Department of State prohibits recipients from earning profit under assistance awards.

Recipients should also review the applicable Federal regulations, Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, and reporting requirements described throughout the solicitation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This is a moderate- to high-effort application.

Applicants must prepare a complete proposal package that includes:

• SF-424 and SF-424A (where applicable)

• Project Proposal Narrative (maximum 10 pages)

• Detailed line-item budget

• Budget narrative

• Resumes or position descriptions for key personnel

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan (maximum 3 pages, excluding the tracking document)

• Performance indicator tracking table

• Required registrations, including an active UEI and SAM.gov registration

The proposal narrative must clearly describe:

• The problem being addressed

• Program goals and measurable objectives

• Technical approach

• Activities

• Timeline

• Program partners (if applicable)

• Sustainability plan

Organizations without an active SAM.gov registration should allow additional time. The solicitation states that obtaining or renewing a registration may take anywhere from 4–8 weeks.

Because the Department may make awards based on the initial application without discussions or negotiations, applicants should submit their strongest technical and budget proposal by the application deadline of 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps organizations develop competitive, compliant proposals for federal funding opportunities like this one.

Our team can assist with:

• Assessing whether your technology or organization aligns with the solicitation.

• Developing a proposal strategy aligned with the stated evaluation criteria.

• Writing and editing the technical proposal narrative.

• Developing measurable project objectives, milestones, and deliverables.

• Preparing compliant budgets and budget narratives.

• Developing monitoring and evaluation plans.

• Reviewing proposals for completeness and responsiveness before submission.

For this opportunity, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong technical expertise in AI-enabled molecular models, chemical and biological security, or closely related disciplines, along with a clear implementation strategy and measurable outcomes that align with the Department of State's stated objectives.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) | Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics(RESHAPE) 2.0 | Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) Number: CS-26-1301

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

Executive Summary:

The Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics (RESHAPE) 2.0 initiative is a major Department of Defense effort to build a U.S.-owned, domestic advanced packaging ecosystem for secure microelectronics manufacturing. The Government intends to fund multiple prototype projects that expand U.S. capabilities in advanced substrates, 2.5D and 3D packaging, fan-out packaging, RF packaging, advanced assembly, testing, and related manufacturing technologies.

This is a large-scale funding opportunity with an estimated total initiative value of $1,250,000,000 and an expected 4 to 10 awards. The Government is seeking projects that strengthen domestic supply chains, reshore advanced microelectronics manufacturing capabilities, and support Department of Defense programs.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central. Questions will not be accepted after 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that the total estimated value for this initiative is $1,250,000,000.00, subject to the availability of funds. The Government intends to award multiple (estimated 4 to 10) Fixed-Price Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).

The solicitation does not specify individual award sizes. The Government reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the proposed elements.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended for prototype projects that improve U.S. advanced packaging capability and capacity for defense-related microelectronics. Projects may address one or more of the following technical elements:

• Advanced Substrates

• 3D Packaging

• Fan-Out Packaging

• 2.5D Packaging

• Radio Frequency Packaging

• Design Enablement

• Department of War Multi-Chip Module Prototypes

• Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) Processes

• Advanced Assembly

• Advanced Test and Failure Analysis

The initiative supports development of domestic capabilities for advanced system integration, secure packaging, heterogeneous integration, manufacturing infrastructure, prototyping, testing, and related technologies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Eligibility for a prototype OTA rather than a FAR-based contract.

• Potential follow-on production opportunities under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f) if the prototype project is successfully completed.

• Opportunity to participate in a national effort to establish a domestic advanced packaging ecosystem supporting Department of Defense programs and supply chain resilience.

The solicitation explicitly states that follow-on production is not guaranteed.

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

Key dates include:

• Solicitation issued: 15 June 2026

• Questions accepted until: 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central

• White Papers due date: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central

The solicitation uses a two-step process consisting of:

1. White Paper submission.

2. Full Proposal submission by invitation. The due date for full proposals will be provided in the Government's invitation.

Funding is expected to be provided through milestone-based payments upon successful completion and Government acceptance of agreed deliverables.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be made or when funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is being issued by Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Arsenal (ACC-RIA) on behalf of the Combat Capabilities Development Command – Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) in support of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program (10 U.S.C. § 4817).

Funding supports the Department of Defense objective to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, and address supply chain vulnerabilities in advanced microelectronics packaging.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be members with an executed Cornerstone Consortium Management Agreement.

• Have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

• Have favorable status in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

Foreign participation, access, and transfers are restricted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis when determined to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

To satisfy OTA statutory requirements, projects must meet at least one condition described in 10 U.S.C. § 4022, including participation by a nontraditional defense contractor, participation by qualifying small businesses, qualifying cost share, or exceptional circumstances approved by the Government.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation favors projects that:

• Establish or expand domestic advanced packaging capabilities.

• Strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce foreign dependencies.

• Deliver measurable Government return on investment through financial, technical, or supply-chain benefits.

• Support Department of War Programs of Record.

• Demonstrate commercially viable business models and sustainable operations.

• Provide functional prototypes with clear transition pathways.

• Leverage prior Department of War and Department of Commerce investments.

• Strengthen domestic workforce, manufacturing infrastructure, and technical capability.

Priority is specifically encouraged for responses that include delivery of functional prototypes capable of transitioning to Department of War Programs of Record.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• All manufacturing and development work must be performed within the United States.

• Foreign participation is restricted and subject to Government approval.

• Participation in non-U.S. research programs is restricted without Government concurrence.

• Export-controlled information restrictions apply.

• NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements apply.

• Controlled Unclassified Information requirements apply.

• The Government will seek Unlimited Rights or, at minimum, Government Purpose Rights for work performed under the project.

• The security classification level is UNCLASSIFIED, although CUI requirements may apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This opportunity will likely require a significant application effort.

The solicitation requires detailed technical, manufacturing, supply chain, financial, workforce, infrastructure, ROI, commercialization, and milestone planning information. White papers are limited to 10 pages, and invited full proposals are limited to 15 pages plus appendices and supporting materials.

Applicants responding to multiple technical elements must prepare separate responses for each element.

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies by:

• Assessing fit against the solicitation requirements.

• Identifying the strongest technical element(s) for submission.

• Developing the white paper strategy and narrative.

• Building milestone-based project plans.

• Preparing commercialization, ROI, and supply chain impact sections.

• Developing cost-share and investment positioning.

• Drafting and managing proposal submissions.

• Supporting consortium participation and OTA strategy.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Program (NSF SBIR/STTR)

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

Executive Summary:

The NSF SBIR/STTR program provides non-dilutive funding to U.S.-based startups and small businesses developing high-risk, high-impact technologies with strong commercial potential. NSF states it funds “nearly everything from biotechnology to wireless communications to quantum to semiconductors.” Companies begin by submitting a required Project Pitch to determine fit with the program before being invited to submit a full proposal.

The NSF SBIR/STTR program looks forward to receiving the submission of new Project Pitches in response to the new solicitations beginning on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Full proposal submission deadlines are:

• July 27 2026

• November 4 2026

• March 4 2027

Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

NSF emphasizes that the program is intended for technologies requiring substantial high-risk R&D and not “straightforward engineering or incremental product development tasks.” The process is highly competitive, with historical NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I funding rates between 10% and 20%.

How much funding would I receive?

If your proposal is awarded, NSF states you may receive:

• Up to $305,000 for a Phase I award.

• Up to $1,250,000 over two years for a Phase II award.

The solicitation materials provided do not specify award minimums, matching requirements, or the number of anticipated awards.

What could I use the funding for?

NSF states funding is intended for:

• High-risk research and development

• Deep technologies

• Foundational science and engineering innovations

• New products, services, and scalable solutions

• Technologies with strong commercial potential and societal impact

The program specifically supports technologies that:

• Require substantial technical innovation

• Address significant societal or national problems

• Create sustainable competitive advantages

• Demonstrate meaningful market pull and scalability

NSF explicitly states it does not fund:

• Straightforward engineering

• Incremental product development tasks

Areas of Interest

• Advanced Manufacturing (M)

  The Advanced Manufacturing topic aims to support emerging innovations in manufacturing with the potential to stimulate the nation’s manufacturing sector by improving efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability. Proposals should be driven by a foundational technology that significantly advances the way products are made. This can include, but is not exclusive to, technologies in new manufacturing processes, equipment, automation, modeling, and materials/minerals.

  Sub-Topics

  M1. Building and Infrastructure
  M2. Carbon Sequestration
  M3. Cybermanufacturing
  M4. Distributed Manufacturing
  M5. Ecomanufacturing
  M6. Modeling and Simulation
  M7. Natural Resources and Critical Minerals
  M8. Quantum Device Manufacturing
  M9. Sustainable Chemical Manufacturing
  M10. Other Manufacturing Technologies

• Advanced Materials (AM)

  The Advanced Materials topic addresses the development of new and improved materials for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals may focus on the creation of innovative material systems and/or on critical fabrication, processing or manufacturing challenges involved in the successful demonstration and commercialization of novel advanced materials. A broad range of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.

  Sub-Topics

  AM1. Advanced Engineering Materials
  AM2. Coatings and Surface Modifications
  AM3. Metals and Ceramics
  AM4. Novel Advanced Materials-based Sensors
  AM5. Structural and Infrastructural Materials
  AM6. Other Advanced Materials Technologies

• Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics (AA)

  The Advanced Systems for Scalable Analytics topic focuses on innovations needed for building systems that organize and process large and ever-increasing volumes of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data to reveal actionable new insights. It also includes innovative knowledge management and data mining technologies that complement deep learning. Sample topics include data and knowledge management technologies for data acquisition, integration, annotation, governance and provenance; hardware and software for addressing the performance needs of analytical systems; technologies for continual learning in dynamic environments; technologies in data mining, visualization and optimization; and marketplaces for data and models.
  
  These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals focused on the development of a new high-risk technical innovation and significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.

  Sub-Topics

  AA1. Building Analytical System for Learning from Dynamic Environments
  AA2. Data Mining, Machine Learning (Non-deep learning-based), and Reinforcement Learning
  AA3. Decision Support and Optimization
  AA4. Knowledge and Data Management Technologies
  AA5. Marketplaces for Data and Models
  AA6. Novel Visualization Technologies
  AA7. Software Technologies for Scalable Analytical Systems
  AA8. Other Novel Technologies

• Agricultural Technologies (AG)

  The Agricultural Technologies topic supports innovations enabling farm production ecosystems that support the proper utilization of natural resources. Such technologies may encompass systems-level and multidisciplinary solutions to enable complex agricultural practices that support increased biodiversity balanced with yield production.

  Sub-Topics

  AG1. Agroforestry
  AG2. Expanding Access to Farming
  AG3. Food Waste Mitigation
  AG4. Harvesting Complex Systems
  AG5. Improved Resilience through Interspecies Interchange
  AG6. Nature-based Solutions
  AG7. Polyculture Systems
  AG8. Precision Agriculture
  AG9. Resilient Supply & Distribution
  AG10. Other Agricultural Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  The Artificial Intelligence topic focuses on cutting-edge technologies in the field of deep learning-based AI systems and AI-based hardware. The recent successes in computer vision, machine translation, natural-language processing and speech recognition have led to widespread use of learning-based systems in production and an unprecedented growth in AI systems that interact frequently with and/or on behalf of humans in highly personalized contexts. This topic especially emphasizes next-generation AI technologies that are not only safe and reliable but also fair, robust against sophisticated adversaries, privacy preserving, and efficient in terms of computational resources, energy, training data size, etc. It also includes cutting-edge hardware technologies needed for sustainable AI (i.e., novel devices and architectures to support the tremendous processing power needed by AI technologies), edge devices (i.e., intelligent systems on a chip for applications such as voice assistants) and AI technologies that lead to better hardware systems.
  
  These subtopics are only meant to serve as examples. All proposals that are focused on developing a new high-risk technical innovation and that have significant potential commercial and societal impact are welcome to apply, regardless of subtopic.  

  Sub-Topics

  AI1. Cognitive Science-based Technologies
  AI2. Computer Vision Based AI Technologies
  AI3. Conversational AI Technologies
  AI4. Language-Based AI Technologies
  AI5. Novel AI Hardware Technologies (e.g. Neuromorphic Computing, High-performance Technologies for AI, Smart and Secure Edge Devices, etc.)
  AI6. Sustainable AI Technologies for Low Resource Environments
  AI7. Technologies for Trustworthy AI (safe, fair, transparent, privacy-preserving, explainable, and/or secure)
  AI8. Other Novel Technologies

• Augmented Virtual and Mixed Reality (AV/VR/MR)

  The Augmented, Virtual and Mixed Reality (AR/VR/MR) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel hardware/software that can create shared experiences to translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver shared experiences, virtual collaboration, and experiential learning.

  Sub-Topics

  AV1. Differentiated Hardware Technologies for AR/VR/MR
  AV2. Differentiated Software Technologies for AR/VR/MR
  AV3. UI/UX for Immersive AR/VR/MR
  AV4. Advanced Analytics for Collaboration in AR/VR/MR
  AV5. Other Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality Technologies

• Biological Technologies (BT)

  The Biological Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas to advance engineering and science innovation across the biological spectrum. Biological technologies have disrupted decades-old chemical, agricultural and medical products and services, producing a new bioeconomy. Potential breakthroughs in this space are on course to make major socioeconomic contributions by boosting productivity in industrial and agricultural processes, improving human health, and making advances toward environmental sustainability.
  
  Proposed projects should be focused on using or modifying living organisms, systems or biological processes to develop new technologies to produce biochemicals and medical and agricultural products. They may involve bioengineering to improve function in molecules, cells and tissues in humans, plants, animals and microbes. NSF also encourages proposals for enabling new technologies, such as new tools for genomics, proteomics and drug discovery; instruments for biological applications; computational and bioinformatic tools; and new manufacturing technologies for cells, tissues, organs and biologics (with the exception of clinical trials and schedule I substances).
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  BT1. Animal Biotechnology
  BT2. Aquaculture
  BT3. Bio-Inspired Technologies
  BT4. Bioinstruments and Biosensors
  BT5. Cell and Tissue Engineering
  BT6. Fermentation
  BT7. Life Science Research Tools
  BT8. Microbiome and Microbial Diversity
  BT9. Plant Biotechnology
  BT10. Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering
  BT11. Other Biological Technologies

• Biomedical Technologies (BM)

  The Biomedical Technologies topic aims to support the early-stage development of novel products, processes or services that will enable the delivery of high-quality, economically efficient healthcare.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.
  

  Sub-Topics

  BM1. Diagnostics
  BM2. Drug Delivery Methods
  BM3. Materials for Biomedical Applications
  BM4. Medical Imaging
  BM5. Monitoring Devices
  BM6. Other Biomedical Technologies

• Chemical Technologies (CT)

  The Chemical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas of current and emerging commercial significance to many areas, including the broad chemical industry; food processing and technology; agrochemicals; chemical alternatives and organics; green chemicals; water treatment and separations; advanced catalysts and materials; and biochemicals. Sensing, data and advanced analytics technologies relevant to these fields are also appropriate for this topic area. Beyond improvement on technical specifications, it is important to also clearly identify the competitive landscape of what is currently possible and why the proposed innovation will have an impact commercially and/or from a societal benefit standpoint.

  Sub-Topics

  CT1. Biochemicals
  CT2. Catalysts, Advanced Chemicals and Materials
  CT3. Chemical and Environmental Sensing and Data
  CT4. Food Processing, Chemicals and Agriculture
  CT5. Green Chemicals and Chemical Alternatives
  CT6. Separations and Water Treatment
  CT7. Other Chemical Technologies

• Cloud and High-Performance Computing (CH)

  The Cloud and High-Performance Computing (HPC) topic focuses on innovations that result in substantial improvements to cloud computing or high-performance computing platforms. These improvements may be to computing power and efficiency, energy management, data storage, latency, data integrity and availability, cost, or any other factor of importance in such platforms, and may result from software- or hardware-based innovations. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.

  Sub-Topics

  CH1. Algorithms and Applications
  CH2. Computational Architecture
  CH3. Convergence of AI and Cloud/HPC
  CH4. Edge Computing
  CH5. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
  CH6. In-memory Processing
  CH7. Interconnects
  CH8. Middleware
  CH9. Performance Monitoring
  CH10. Processing on Encrypted Data
  CH11. Processor Architecture and Design
  CH12. Resilience and Resource Management
  CH13. Other Cloud and High-Performance Computing Technologies

• Cybersecurity and Authentication (CA)

  The Cybersecurity and Authentication topic focuses on innovations related to the security and integrity of data and data processing and the authentication of people and devices. These subtopic areas are meant to serve as examples; all proposals with technical innovation and significant commercial potential are welcome, regardless of the specific area of focus of the project.

  Sub-Topics

  CA1. Computation on Encrypted Data
  CA2. Cryptography, including Post-quantum Cryptography
  CA3. Data Privacy and Integrity
  CA4. Device Authentication
  CA5. Distributed Ledger
  CA6. Encryption, including Homomorphic Encryption
  CA7. Network and Device Security
  CA8. Personal Authentication
  CA9. Secure and Trusted Computing
  CA10. Secure Machine-to-Machine Communication
  CA11. Security of Cloud and High Performance Computing (HPC) Platforms
  CA12. Other Cybersecurity and Authentication Technologies

• Digital Health (DH)

  The Digital Health topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest-stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel technologies that aim to improve physical or mental wellbeing or health, enable or assist individuals to increase or regain independence and quality of life and improve the delivery of healthcare including efficiency, reducing cost or improving outcomes.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in healthcare or general wellness (medical image analysis, personalized medicine, EHR/EMR, Clinical decision support, Computer aided diagnostics, support or therapy, smart/connected medical devices) as well as technologies that enable or provide assistance to aging or disabled populations and individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

  Sub-Topics

  DH1. Assistive, Enabling and Rehabilitative technologies
  DH2. AI in healthcare and drug discovery
  DH3. Healthcare Workflow, Economics and Delivery
  DH4. Medical Diagnostics and Devices
  DH5. Physical, Mental and Behavioral Health
  DH6. Other Digital Health Technologies

• Emerging Technologies (EM)

  Breakthroughs at the edge of science and engineering are reshaping industries, redefining human capabilities, and creating new market spaces. The Emerging Technologies topic within the NSF Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program is designed for startups working on transformative innovations that defy conventional classifications — pioneering discoveries that could set the stage for the next technological revolution.
  

  This topic is for radical, high-risk ideas that leverage deep science and engineering to push beyond existing limitations. Proposals should introduce disruptive, category-defining solutions that may not fit within traditional NSF topic areas but have the potential to create entirely new industries or fundamentally alter how we interact with the world.
  

  Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Post-Silicon Computation & Intelligent Systems: Quantum logic, molecular computing or bio-inspired artificial intelligence architectures

  • Matter & Machines at the Extreme: Self-assembling nanostructures, programmable materials, or biohybrid robotic systems that blur the lines between biology and engineering

  • Living Technologies & Engineered Evolution: Synthetic biology innovations that harness evolution to create self-improving therapeutics, biocomputers, or sustainable biomaterials

  • Radical Energy & Resilient Earth Innovations: Zero-point energy exploration, deep-space resource utilization, or engineered photosynthesis for planetary-scale impact

  • Cognition & Human Augmentation: Direct brain-machine integration, digital telepathy, or neuroplasticity-enhancing interfaces that redefine intelligence

  • Unconventional Sensing & Interaction: Quantum sensors, femtosecond imaging, or technologies enabling new dimensions of perception If your startup is pioneering a new technological paradigm, building something that did not exist before, and pushing the limits of what's possible, the Emerging Technologies topic is your opportunity to secure early-stage funding for world-changing innovation.

  Sub-Topics

  EM1. Emerging Technologies

• Environmental Technologies (ET)

  Environmental Technologies covers a variety of areas of current and emerging commercial significance including environmental sensing, data, and advanced analytics. Please highlight any aspects of the proposed technology or approach that address a problem without a current solution, or one which is underdeveloped.

  Sub-Topics

  ET1. Conservation, Adaptation and Restoration
  ET2. Digital Ecosystem for the Environment
  ET3. Emission or Waste Reduction and the Circular Economy
  ET4. Food, Regenerative Agriculture, and Energy
  ET5. Measurement
  ET6. Resiliency
  ET7. Sustainable Community Systems
  ET8. Water Treatment, Resilience, and Sanitation
  ET9. Other Environmental Technologies

• Human-Computer Interaction (HC)

  The Human-Computer Interaction (HC) topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel HCI in the context of domains, such as health, education, families, or work to design new computing systems to amplify humans’ physical, cognitive, and social capabilities which translate research-based insights into commercializable opportunities for scalable, real-world application.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include multimedia and multimodal interfaces, such as haptic, tangible, gestural, spatial, and wearable; brain-computer interfaces; intelligent and interactive user interfaces; affective computing; human state estimation involving interaction; and methods for interaction with artificial intelligence. This topic includes commercialization of computational methods and systems for creating and authoring video, audio, textual, visual, and multimedia forms in support of creative expression and ideation and includes technology-supported human-to-human communication and systems which foster innovation and dismantle barriers to scientific progress in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the development of information, interaction, networks, systems, and other forms of computation in response to human needs, desires, and intentions.

  Sub-Topics

  HC1. Multimedia and Multimodal Interfaces
  HC2. HC Computational Methods and Systems
  HC3. Smart Integrated Systems
  HC4. Human-to-Human Communication Systems via Technology
  HC5. Other Human-Computer Interaction Technologies

• Instrumentation and Hardware Systems (IH)

  The Instrumentation and Hardware Systems topic addresses the research and development of new and improved instrumentation and related systems for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications. Proposals in this topic may deal with new instruments for use in scientific, industrial, engineering or manufacturing environments, among others. Systems and tools designed for the purposes of detection, manipulation, characterization, measurement, processing, control or monitoring will be considered. A wide variety of applications areas will be considered as part of this topic.

  Sub-Topics

  IH1. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Actuation, Control, and Manipulation
  IH2. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Detection and Characterization
  IH3. Instrumentation or Hardware Systems for Imaging
  IH4. Other Instrumentation or Hardware Systems Technologies

• Internet of Things (I)

  The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly evolving field that involves the interconnection and interaction of smart objects (objects or devices with embedded sensors, onboard data processing capability, and a means of communication) to provide automated services that would otherwise not be possible. IoT is not a single technology, but rather involves the convergence of sensor, actuator, information and communication technologies. Emerging IoT implementations will use smaller and more energy-efficient embedded sensor technologies, more sophisticated actuators, enhanced communications and advanced data analytics to collect and aggregate information. These new tools will enable intelligent systems that understand context, track and manage complex interactions and anticipate requirements. Market verticals that are potentially impacted by innovations in this area include connected cities and homes, smart transportation, smart agriculture, industrial IoT, and retail IoT.

  Sub-Topics

  I1. IoT Communications
  I2. IoT Integrated Systems
  I3. IoT Sensors and Actuators
  I4. Networking
  I5. Other IoT Technologies

• Learning and Cognition Technologies (LC)

  The Learning and Cognitions Technologies topic aims to support entrepreneurs and startups at the earliest stages of development of innovative, differentiated and novel innovations which disrupt educational norms, challenge conventional methods of content delivery and workforce development with measurable results while remaining firmly anchored in foundational research. They equip individuals for success in emerging industries and undefined roles, bridging the gap between established curricula and the swiftly evolving knowledge landscape.
  
  Technologies in this portfolio include those applying AI in education or workforce development, training tools, upskilling an aging workforce, improving health and wellbeing, as well as technologies as an enabling platform to deliver innovative approaches to learning and cognition development which leverage groundbreaking technological advancements rooted in research.
  
  Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  LC1. Advanced Learning Technologies
  LC2. Workforce Development and Upskilling
  LC3. Advanced Analytics for Learning and Cognition
  LC4. Innovative Approaches to Multimodal Learning
  LC5. Other Learning and Cognition Technologies

• Medical Devices (MD)

  The Medical Devices topic aims to develop novel medical device platforms, introduce innovative medical technologies or translate emerging scientific principles into health practice. Proposals should be considered leading edge innovations, typically based on a discovery, new approach or new scientific principle to medical devices or technologies.
  
  Limited human subject clinical studies may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility or proof-of-concept objectives. The program does not support proposals to conduct clinical trials for sample size calculations, statistically demonstrate safety or efficacy or the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates. Clinical work performed primarily for regulatory purposes or post market surveillance are also not allowed. Proposals requesting support for clinical trials are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitation and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  MD1. Diagnostic Imaging or Monitoring
  MD2. General Medical Devices
  MD3. Implantable
  MD4. Manufacturing Processes or Prototyping Methods
  MD5. Materials (non biological)
  MD6. Procedural Technologies or Visualization
  MD7. Rehabilitation
  MD8. Wearables
  MD9. Women's Health

• Mobility (MO)

  The Mobility topic encourages novel innovations in the land, air, and sea-based movement of goods and people that improve sustainability and resiliency. Proposals responsive to this topic may include technical breakthroughs that address infrastructure and flow issues in global, urban and rural environments. Interdisciplinary and collaborative innovations to address multiple mobility grand challenges are welcome. All proposed innovations must be capable of a sustainable business model.

  Sub-Topics

  MO1. Traffic Congestion and Routing
  MO2. Safety and Navigation
  MO3. Disaster Resilience 
  MO4. Efficiency
  MO5. Supply Chain Transparency and Security
  MO6. Labor Shortages
  MO7. Accessibility
  MO8. Other Mobility Topics

• Nanotechnology (N)

  The Nanotechnology topic addresses the creation and manipulation of functional materials, devices and systems with novel properties that are achieved through the control of matter at a submicroscopic scale (from a fraction of nanometer to about 100 nanometers). This includes, but is not limited to, innovative hierarchical nanostructures, nanolayered structures, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanofibers and other nanomaterials and biomaterials and their composite structures.

  Sub-Topics

  N1. Nanomanufacturing

• Other Topics (OT)

  For projects that do not seem to fit into one of the other technology topic areas, but still meet the NSF SBIR/STTR goals of supporting research and development of deep technology with commercial viability and the potential to benefit society, please pick Other Topics and subtopic OT1. Project pitches and proposals submitted to Other Topics are typically transferred and reviewed in the topic area that best matches the underlying technical innovation. The program does not reject Project Pitches or proposals based on a non-ideal choice of topic areas. The program routinely moves Project Pitches or proposals internally among topic areas that seem to best describe the underlying technical innovation and to ensure the right program officer and reviewer panel sees the project.

  Sub-Topics

  OT1. Other Topics

• Pharmaceutical Technologies (PT)

  The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic covers a wide range of technology areas that advance the discovery, formulation, and manufacture of novel drugs, moieties, compounds, products, processes, platforms or services that will improve the selection, quality or price of pharmaceutical and biologic therapies.
  
  The Pharmaceutical Technologies topic is not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy and safety studies, the development of pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates, work on medical devices or schedule I substances, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable if they are performed in support of feasibility, proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies and must follow NSF policies on research on human subjects. Proposals that request support for clinical studies are noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.
  
  The NSF SBIR/STTR program no longer supports the development of specific therapeutic molecules. Drug Discovery and Manufacturing are still supported by the program.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting clinical trials, the clinical validation of information technologies, or medical devices or studies performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  PT1. Drug Discovery
  PT2. Pharmaceutical and Biologic Manufacturing
  PT3. Other Pharmaceutical Technologies

• Photonics (PH)

  The Photonics topic addresses the research and development of new materials, devices, components, and systems that have the potential for revolutionary change in the optics and photonics industries. Photonic technologies can include anything generally operating in or using photons in the electromagnetic spectrum, from gamma rays down to long radio waves. Examples include lasers, various light emitting diode technologies (LED, OLED, QLED), radiation detectors, photonic integrated circuits, optical systems and novel communications technologies.

  Sub-Topics

  PH1. Advanced Metrology and Sensors
  PH2. Advanced Optical Components and Systems
  PH3. Communications, Information, and Data Storage
  PH4. Lighting and Displays
  PH5. Photonic Devices
  PH6. Photonic Energy Conversion
  PH7. Photonic Materials
  PH8. Photonic Metamaterials and Plasmonics
  PH9. Quantum Optics and Nanophotonics
  PH10. Silicon Photonics and Photonic Integrated Circuits
  PH11. Other Photonics Technologies

• Power Management (PM)

  The Power Management topic address the development of novel technologies that enable new power and thermal management solutions. Innovations supported could range from device-scale breakthroughs to embedded or standalone systems or grid-scale technologies.

  Sub-Topics

  PM1. Energy Harvesting Devices and Systems
  PM2. Materials and Devices for Power Electronics
  PM3. Materials and Devices for Thermal Management
  PM4. Novel Power and Thermal Management Sensors
  PM5. Power Electronics Circuits and Control Systems
  PM6. Power Management Infrastructure and Smart Grid Systems
  PM7. Systems for Thermal Management
  PM8. Other Power Management Technologies

• Quantum Information Technologies (QT)

  This topic focuses on innovations in information and communications technologies that rely fundamentally on quantum mechanical properties and interactions. Typically, such innovations will involve the generation, detection, or manipulation of quantum states to provide faster, more efficient or more secure information processing and communications. Proposals may include innovations at the component, sub-system or system level that result in substantial and usable improvements in the generation, transmission, detection, storage or processing of information, or the security and privacy of information. Proposed innovations must offer the potential for robustness, reliability, scalability and operation at temperatures that are practical within the constraints of the intended application. Innovations at the component and sub-system level should aim for compactness and energy efficiency, consistent with the requirements of the application.
  
  Examples of technology innovations in the quantum computing subtopic could include qubit generation and detection, development of computational models (quantum circuits, etc.), error correction, software, hardware sub-systems and systems and Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computers. Examples of technology innovations in the quantum communications subtopic could include components such as sources, memories, repeaters, detectors, hardware sub-systems and systems, networks, cryptography and key distribution.

  Sub-Topics

  QT1. Quantum Algorithms
  QT2. Quantum Communications
  QT3. Quantum Computing
  QT4. Quantum Sensing and Metrology
  QT5. Quantum Simulation
  QT6. Other Quantum Information Technologies

• Robotics (R)

  The Robotics topic covers robot intelligence and experiential learning, particularly in the areas of high-performance processors or hardware that provides situational awareness and improved artificial intelligence. Innovations in voice, obstacle and image recognition, emotional response and hand-eye coordination are encouraged. We encourage proposals describing projects that borrow features from other animal nervous systems and include biologists, neuroscientists and psychologists on their team to exploit new knowledge in the study of the brain and behavior.
  
  NSF also seeks proposals that address next-generation automation; the flexible and rapid reconfiguration of assembly lines allowing mass customization; the use of advanced control, scheduling, modularization, and decentralization with agile, mobile robotic systems that can enable the cost-effective manufacture of small lot-size products; and on-demand parts manufacturing.
  
  Proposals to support the physical and educational needs of individuals with disabilities (e.g., vision, hearing, cognitive, motor related) are sought. Robotic applications in healthcare, smart drones and drone networks are appropriate. Medical devices focused on providing new capabilities to doctors including surgery; robotic exoskeletons to enhance human strength; personal robots with an emphasis on human-centered end use and interaction, personal caregiving and increased autonomy; future of work; flying taxis; reverse engineering the human brain; robot sense, motion, thought, and emotion; human-robot art; and robots of augmentation are welcome.
  
  Subtopics are not aimed at supporting or conducting clinical trials, clinical efficacy or safety studies, the development pre-clinical or clinical-stage drug candidates or medical devices, or work performed primarily for regulatory purposes. Limited studies with human subjects may be acceptable to the extent that they are performed in support of feasibility, such as proof-of-concept studies of early-stage technologies. Proposals that request support for clinical studies will be deemed noncompliant with the SBIR/STTR solicitations and returned without review.

  Sub-Topics

  R1. Human Assistive Technologies and Bio-related Robotics
  R2. Human-Machine Interfaces and Control/Architecture
  R3. Robotic Applications
  R4. Robotics in Agile Manufacturing, and Co-Robots
  R5. Underground or Underwater Robotics for Low-Visibility, Poor-Connectivity or Hidden Topography
  R6. Other Robotics Technologies

• Semiconductors (S)

  The Semiconductors topic addresses the research and development of new designs, materials, devices and manufacturing systems that have the potential for impactful change in the semiconductor and microelectronics industry.

  Sub-Topics

  S1. Electronic Devices
  S2. Electronic Materials
  S3. Integrated Circuit Design
  S4. Microelectronics Packaging and Systems Integration
  S5. Novel Semiconductor-based Sensors
  S6. Processing and Metrology Technology
  S7. Sustainable Semiconductor Manufacturing
  S8. Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Materials
  S9. Other Semiconductor Technologies

• Space (SP)

  The Space topic seeks transformative technologies to create solutions for sustainable space exploration, habitation or industrialization that could also have a positive impact on human lives.
  
  Applicants should address known capability gaps for enabling technologies for the space or terrestrial industries. Proposals in this area may focus upon launch vehicles or satellite and vehicle propulsion systems, in-space research or manufacturing systems and services, human sustainability, spaceflight or exploration infrastructure, data processing and communication technologies, orbital servicing, asteroid mining and microgravity applications.

  Sub-Topics

  SP1. Launch vehicles and propulsion
  SP2. Satellite technology
  SP3. Spaceflight infrastructure
  SP4. Data and communication
  SP5. In space services and production
  SP6. Human viability and sustainability

• Wireless Technologies (W)

  The Wireless topic involves next-generation wireless communication technologies requiring systems with high data rates, low costs and that support a wide variety of applications and services while maintaining full mobility, minimum latency, and long battery life. Devices and subsystems that increase data throughput rates via cell density; increased spectrum; multiple input, multiple output (MIMO); and new “antenna” concepts are encouraged. NSF welcomes proposals involving modulation and demodulation techniques for signal generation and reception through spectral efficiency, noise immunity, jamming immunity, and power efficiency; radio frequency (RF) pollution: devices and circuits; processing algorithms/3D spatial control; and high efficiency devices such as micro-TWT (traveling-wave tube), smart dust and inductive couplers. NSF seeks proposals in the areas of spectrum-related research and development activities that improve the efficiency by which the radio spectrum is used, and the ability of all members of the public to access spectrum-related services. Mobile and automotive radar, smart solar panels, on-panel DC-AC converters, openRAN (Radio Access Networks)-related devices and applications and self-testing and self-networking devices are also of interest.

  Sub-Topics

  W1. Communication and Networking Technologies
  W2. Networked Sensors and Sensing
  W3. Wireless Devices and Components
  W4. Wireless Systems
  W5. Other Wireless Technologies

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits described in the solicitation materials include:

• Access to external technical and commercialization reviewers

• Feedback from NSF experts and review panels

• Eligibility for supplemental funding opportunities after Phase II

• Ability to apply for additional NSF funding after successful Phase I progress

NSF also notes that access to most Phase I award funds occurs at the time of award notification.

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

Application process timeline:

1. Complete the Project Pitch Assessment

2. Submit a required Project Pitch

3. Receive a response from NSF in approximately 1–2 months

4. If invited, submit a full proposal

5. Undergo proposal review and due diligence

6. Receive funding decision approximately 5–7 months after proposal submission deadline

Full proposal submission deadlines are:

• July 27 2026

• November 4 2026

• March 4 2027

Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date.

NSF states:

• Proposal review occurs approximately 1–3 months after submission

• Additional due diligence may occur approximately 3–5 months after submission

• Funding decisions occur approximately 5–7 months after submission

Where does this funding come from?

The funding comes from:

• The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)

• America’s Seed Fund

• NSF SBIR/STTR programs

The solicitation references:

• NSF 26-510: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs SBIR/STTR: Developing Deep Technologies that Advance U.S. Competitiveness and Security

• NSF 26-511: Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, companies must:

• Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees

• Be located in the United States

• Have at least 50% ownership by U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Perform all funded work in the United States

• Employ a Principal Investigator (PI) at least 20 hours per week

• Have the PI commit at least one month (173 hours) of work per six months of project duration

NSF states it does not fund:

• Companies majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms

• Companies majority-owned by private equity firms

• Companies majority-owned by hedge funds

The PI does not need advanced degrees.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NSF states it looks for companies and projects with:

• Strong technological innovation

• High-risk, unproven R&D

• Significant societal or national impact

• Sustainable competitive advantages

• Commercial potential and market pull

• Scalable business opportunities

• Technically qualified and commercially motivated teams

NSF specifically evaluates:

• Intellectual Merit

• Broader Impacts

• Commercial Impact

The solicitation materials state that proposals are reviewed by external technical and commercialization experts in addition to NSF program staff.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Important restrictions and requirements include:

• Only one Project Pitch per submission deadline is allowed

• Companies with a pending Project Pitch, Open Invitation, or proposal under review must wait before submitting another Project Pitch

• All funded work, including consultant and contractor work, must occur in the United States

• SAM registration is required before proposal submission

• SAM registration can take up to three weeks to complete

• Proposal submission is due by 5:00 PM submitter’s time on the specified due date

NSF also notes that:

• An invitation to submit a proposal does not guarantee funding

• Historical Phase I funding rates have been between 10% and 20%

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation materials do not specify a required preparation timeline.

However, NSF states:

• Writing a full proposal requires a “significant investment of time and effort”

• Companies should begin registration processes “as soon as possible”

• SAM registration can take up to three weeks

• Research.gov registration can take up to 48 hours

The application process includes:

• Completing a Project Pitch

• Receiving NSF feedback

• Preparing a full proposal if invited

• Completing multiple federal registrations

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies:

• Assess fit with NSF SBIR/STTR evaluation criteria

• Develop a compelling Project Pitch

• Position the technical innovation and commercial potential clearly

• Draft and manage the full NSF proposal process

• Prepare commercialization and market positioning content

• Coordinate registrations and submission workflows

• Improve competitiveness against NSF review criteria

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $9,000 + 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

OUSW P - Regional Threat Network Fusion and Prioritization Prototype Open Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The OUSW P – Regional Threat Network Fusion and Prioritization Prototype Open Challenge is seeking configurable intelligence analytics capabilities that can ingest, fuse, and analyze global and regional data sources to support Western Hemisphere security operations. The Government is looking for prototype-driven solutions that can identify hidden relationships across transnational criminal organizations, nation-state actors, and commercial networks while enabling persistent monitoring, automated alerting, and predictive threat analysis.

This is an Open Challenge, meaning submissions remain open for extended durations with multiple Government organizations reviewing submissions on a rolling basis. ONI anticipates rapid down-select within 30–45 days of posting, creating urgency for companies with relevant threat fusion, intelligence analytics, entity resolution, or network analysis capabilities to engage quickly.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, total funding availability, number of awards, or individual contract sizes.

Problem Statement:

Current Western Hemisphere intelligence operations face multiple capability gaps in threat fusion and prioritization. Analysts cannot rapidly fuse disparate regional data sources to identify and assess threat relationships. Identity and entity resolution across sources remains manual and inconsistent. Threat detection relies on static rules that fail to identify evolving criminal-commercial-state actor networks. The Government requires prototype-driven approaches capable of operationalizing data fusion, dynamic threat behavior modeling, and traceable analytics to enable rapid threat identification and prioritized decision support.

Desired Solution:

● Ingest and fuse heterogeneous regional/global datasets (commercially available and Government-approved sources) using repeatable pipelines suitable for analyst use.

● Perform identity/entity resolution across sources with measurable confidence scoring, provenance, and analyst override/auditability.

● Produce network mapping and relationship analytics to reveal hidden associations across criminal, commercial, and state-linked entities.

● Provide persistent monitoring with automated alerting based on evolving behaviors/patterns, not solely static rules.

● Support retrospective incident reconstruction and forward-looking threat assessments, including escalation indicators and network evolution hypotheses.

● Provide traceable analytic reasoning (explainability/provenance) sufficient for operational decision support and mission trust.

● Enable configuration by mission/region/use case without rearchitecture (new data sources, indicators, models, and reporting views).

● Demonstrate and refine the prototype through direct engagement with analysts and decision-makers, incorporating iterative user feedback.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to engage directly with mission analysts and Government decision-makers

• Ability to refine capabilities through operational user feedback

• Potential pathway to production use without system rearchitecture

• Access to award opportunities under ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI

The solicitation also notes that multiple Government organizations may review submissions.

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

The solicitation states that this is an Open Challenge that remains open for extended durations with rolling submissions and biweekly reviews.

The Government states:

• “Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.”

• “ONI anticipates rapid down-select within 30–45 days of posting.”

No final submission deadline is specified in the solicitation. No award start date or funding disbursement timeline is specified.

Where does this funding come from?

The effort is being managed through ONI and states that awards will be made under “ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI.”

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states the opportunity is:

• “Open to U.S.-based industry, academic, and nonprofit organizations.”

Respondents must:

• Register on https://gocolosseum.org to submit

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Government appears to be prioritizing solutions that can rapidly demonstrate operationally relevant capabilities rather than lengthy requirements-driven development efforts.

Competitive submissions are likely to include:

• Existing prototype capabilities rather than conceptual-only approaches

• Demonstrated data fusion and entity resolution capabilities

• Explainable analytics and traceable reasoning

• Automated monitoring and alerting functionality

• Configurable architectures that do not require rearchitecture for new missions or regions

• Strong approaches to analyst usability and operational iteration

• Clear implementation schedules, milestones, and deliverables

• Relevant past performance in intelligence analytics, network analysis, threat detection, or related mission systems

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation includes the following submission requirements and constraints:

• Responses should be 2–10 pages maximum

• Respondents must include:

  • Technical concept

  • Implementation approach

  • Company information

  • Point of contact

  • Past performance

  • Proposed period of performance

  • Proposed applicable documents

  • Proposed technical approach

  • Proposed deliverables

  • Proposed schedule with milestones

  • Proposed payment schedule

  • Proposed patents and data rights

  • Proposed milestone-based costs or ROM pricing

The solicitation also notes that formatting guidance is suggested rather than mandatory, and ONI may pass along submissions regardless of formatting compliance.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Because the Government is requesting relatively short submissions (2–10 pages maximum), companies with existing capabilities or prior prototype work may be able to prepare a response relatively quickly.

However, the solicitation requires:

• Technical approach details

• Milestone schedules

• Payment schedules

• Cost estimates

• Past performance information

• Data rights and patent considerations

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Position your capability around the Government’s stated operational gaps

• Translate technical platforms into mission-focused prototype language

• Build concise OTA-style white papers optimized for rapid evaluation

• Develop milestone-based scopes, schedules, and ROM pricing

• Strengthen differentiation around explainability, entity resolution, and operational deployment

• Prepare submission materials aligned to ONI evaluation expectations

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.

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.

AIR COMBAT COMMAND A2 & AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY (ACC/A2 & AF IC) COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING (CSO) SOLICITATION NUMBER: FA7037-26-S-C001

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

Executive Summary:

This is an Air Combat Command A2 & Air Force Intelligence Community (ACC/A2 & AF IC) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) seeking innovative commercial technologies to support intelligence, AI, cyber, and multi-domain operations.

Important: You cannot apply yet. This is an umbrella CSO with Calls, meaning proposals are only accepted when specific Calls are released. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.

The CSO is open-ended and allows Calls to be issued indefinitely with annual updates.

How much funding would I receive?

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

AREAS OF INTEREST

TOPIC 001: Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Decision Dominance

AI-Driven Predictive Intelligence Analysis

AF IC seeks solutions that leverage Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to move from a reactive to a predictive intelligence posture. Capabilities should include the autonomous analysis of multi-intelligence (multi-INT) data to anticipate adversary actions, identify emerging threats, and drastically reduce the time required to generate and disseminate tactical intelligence.

Human-Machine Teaming for Accelerated Sense-Making

To overcome information overload, AF IC seeks intuitive platforms that enable seamless collaboration between human analysts and AI agents. The Government is interested in solutions that augment human cognition, automate laborious tasks, and utilize advanced visualization to help analysts make sense of vast, complex datasets at machine speed.

Commercial Data Integration and Analysis

AF IC requires innovative methods and platforms to rapidly identify, vet, ingest, and integrate commercially available information and data streams into our intelligence workflows. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial satellite imagery, Radio Frequency (RF) sensing data, public records, and internet-of-things (IoT) data to enrich and add context to classified intelligence.

Information Operations and Counter-Disinformation

AF IC seeks solutions capable of monitoring the global information environment to detect, analyze, and track adversary propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Key capabilities include sentiment analysis, source attribution, and the generation of data-driven counternarratives to ensure information superiority.

TOPIC 002: All-Domain Command & Control

Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Data Integration and Fusion

To realize the vision of AF IC, the JADC2 needs a robust "digital backbone" to fuse data from disparate sensors and platforms across all domains. The Government seeks solutions for a common data layer that can normalize, process, and share Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data in a secure, resilient, and cloud-native environment to create a common operating picture.

Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Battle Management

AF IC is interested in advanced battle management tools that enable the planning, 6 coordination, and synchronized execution of multi-domain operations. Solutions should provide the Government with decision-making aids to understand the cross-domain impacts of kinetic and non-kinetic effects in a dynamic environment.

Digital Twin and Engineering for Mission Rehearsal, Tactics Development, and Training

AF IC seeks to create a high-fidelity, continuously updated digital twin of the battlespace. The primary purpose of this environment is to enable the testing of tactics, rapid development and validation of new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and advanced mission rehearsal for aircrews, operators, and planners in complex, multidomain contingencies, thereby improving readiness while reducing risk.

TOPIC 003: Resilient Cyber and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Operations

Advanced Sensing and Data Processing at the Edge

As operations expand into contested, communication-denied environments, the Government requires solutions that enable the processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) of sensor data at the tactical edge. AF IC is interested in low Size, Weight, and Power (low-SWaP) hardware and software that can perform on-platform AI/ML inference to deliver time-sensitive intelligence directly to the warfighter.

Advanced Cyber Threat Intelligence

To proactively defend our networks, the Government seeks predictive analytic platforms that can identify emerging cyber threats, TTPs, and malware before they are used against government systems. Solutions should provide actionable, machine-readable threat intelligence that can be automatically ingested by government defensive cyber platforms.

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography and Secure Communications

AF IC requires a layered defense to detect, track, identify, and neutralize hostile Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) threats. The Government is soliciting for commercial solutions for all aspects of the counter sUAS mission, including passive and active sensors, command and control integration, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Modernization

AF IC seeks to modernize government SIGINT capabilities with commercial technologies that leverage software-defined radios (SDR), advanced signal processing, and AI/ML for automated signal detection, classification, and geolocation across a congested and contested electromagnetic spectrum.

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (EW)

AF IC seeks to modernize our SIGINT capabilities and develop a cognitive EW capability that leverages AI/ML for automated signal detection, classification, and geolocation. The Government is interested in software-defined systems that can autonomously sense and dynamically respond to novel threats across a congested and contested electromagnetic spectrum.

TOPIC 004: Foundational Digital Infrastructure

Multi-Cloud Abstraction, Orchestration, and FinOps for C2E

The AF IC operates in a multi-cloud environment via the Intelligence Community's Commercial Cloud Enterprise (C2E) contract. The Government seeks a common abstraction layer or Cloud Management Platform (CMP) to provide a "single pane of glass" for managing, deploying, and securing applications across multiple classified cloud providers. Key capabilities include Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) portability, unified security governance, and a robust Financial Operations (FinOps) dashboard to optimize cloud spending across the enterprise.

TOPIC 005: Enterprise Wide Integration and Architecture Modernization

The ACC/A2 seeks innovative solutions to support the integration of data across disparate monitoring phenomenologies and modernization of hardware/software architectures. This topic includes:

• New solutions to integrate data access and discoverability across varying monitoring phenomenologies to lower detection thresholds and/or increase efficiency of current operations.

• Technologies to modernize hardware/software architectures or implement improved software design and accrediting processes to more flexibly meet mission needs.

TOPIC 006: Enterprise Asset and Lifecycle Management Improvements

The ACC/A2 seeks innovative solutions that can provide enterprise-wide asset management visibility as well as improve our lifecycle management capabilities. This topic includes:

• Increase accuracy of forecasting of requirements and scheduling of procurements through the use and exploitation of supply chain demand data

• Supply chain management, specifically: Automated systems to reduce/eliminate inefficiency, improve asset control, decrease touchpoints and minimize inventory

• Automated identification and reporting of components and systems with substandard reliability

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The CSO states potential for:

• Contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

• Follow-on increases in award value and scope as solutions mature

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

A deadline is to be released in the coming days. We’re planning to assist companies with meeting appropriate personnel and are beginning that work promptly.

Where does this funding come from?

• Air Combat Command A2 (ACC/A2)

• Air Force Intelligence Community (AF IC)

• Authorized under:

  • 10 U.S.C. 3458

  • R-DFARS 212.70

Who is eligible to apply?

For Step Two (full proposal), offerors must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Be considered responsible under federal regulations

• Have a satisfactory performance record

• Be eligible under federal law

The solicitation references:

• Small businesses

• Nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 2302(9))

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the solicitation, competitive solutions will:

• Be innovative (new or new application of existing tech)

• Be commercial or commercializable

• Align directly with AF IC mission needs

• Be built for:

  • Cloud-native environments

  • AI-enabled workflows

  • Secure, scalable deployment

Strong proposals will also demonstrate:

• Integration with Zero Trust and ICAM

• Compatibility with DevSecOps and continuous ATO (cATO)

• Use of open architectures (SOSA / OMS)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes:

• Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted

• Do not submit proprietary, classified, or sensitive information in responses

• Must comply with:

  • Cybersecurity requirements (CMMC levels per Call)

  • SAM registration and UEI requirements

Other constraints:

• Government may award all, part, or none

• Government is not obligated to make any award

• Offerors bear all proposal preparation costs

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The structure implies:

• White Paper (2–5 pages) + Quad Chart for Step One

• Full proposal only if invited

Actual timelines will be defined in each Call.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you to:

• Monitor and identify relevant Calls as soon as they are released

• Shape your solution to align with:

  • AF IC priority topics

  • Zero Trust, DevSecOps, and open architecture requirements

• Develop:

  • High-impact white papers and quad charts

  • Full proposals for Step Two

• Position your company as a credible commercial partner to DoD/IC buyers

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.

DOI & IARPA - EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR (ETA) PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTDOI-ETA-FY26-30

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

Executive Summary:

The Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) Program Announcement (DOI-ETA-FY26-30) is a multi-program IARPA funding vehicle supporting high-risk, high-payoff R&D across multiple active programs (e.g., ARCADE, COSMIC, DECIPHER, LocUS). Awards are made as Prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTs) through a competitive, white paper–first process.

There is no fixed submission deadline — White Papers per Program: Continuous, after the posting of Q&As (Preferred).

This is a rolling opportunity, but programs can close once sufficient white papers are received. That creates real urgency: if you are aligned, you should apply as soon as possible before a program is re-labeled “Not Active.”

How much funding would I receive?

Not specified in the solicitation.

• The Government will make multiple Prototype OT awards

• Funding depends on:

  • Quality of proposals

  • Availability of funds

• Awards may be:

  • Partial (only parts of proposals funded)

  • Incremental or phased

No award size ranges or total program value are provided.

Research Topics:

• 1. ARCADE – ARTIFICIAL REASONING FOR CIRCUIT AUTOMATION AND DESIGN ENGINEERING (FY26) - ACTIVE

  ARCADE transforms and accelerates electrical circuit design within the Intelligence Community (IC) by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop an intelligent, comprehensive AI-knowledge assistant that extracts key information from vast technical documentation and enables engineers to perform quick, intuitive queries to meet the speed of mission.

  The technical information ingested by ARCADE will include text, datasheets, diagrams, schematics, tables, and graphs. ARCADE extracts crucial details about electrical components, their specifications and interfaces to compile them into a comprehensive searchable knowledge platform.

  Going beyond a simple search engine, ARCADE aims to suggest and recommend optimal components based on design requirements, constraints, and performance parameters as specified through user-defined prompts. This capability enables engineers to perform swift, targeted queries, dramatically reducing the time it takes to find, compare, and select suitable parts. It also aims to help identify optimal components and potential alternatives more efficiently by providing comparison tables and explanations for why specific components were selected, effectively saving engineers from manually sifting through thousands of documents. Ultimately, ARCADE will lead to faster, more accurate, and more robust circuit designs, ensuring Government missions can be deployed with unprecedented speed and reliability.

• 2. COSMIC – COMMERCIAL OBSERVATION FOR SPATIO-TEMPORAL MONITORING FOR INDICATIONS OF CHANGE (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The aim of the Commercial Observation for Spatio-temporal Monitoring for Indications of Change (COSMIC) program is to formulate a methodology to leverage commercial remote sensing technologies and open source geolocated information to generate pseudo-persistent data (PPD). This will be done by combining and translating complex and novel data, such as nonnadir imagery and non-Red,Green, Blue (RGB) spectral bands, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision-based methodologies into a layered, temporal geospatial model understandable by commercial agentic AI systems. COSMIC will enable the development of an agentic AI analytic system trained by commercial vendors and equipped to answer intelligence questions by bridging the gap between the Intelligence Community (IC) data characteristics and the simpler solutions offered by commercial vendors.

  COSMIC will foster routine updating and modelling of baseline geospatial information in areas through multi-source, persistent surveillance. New sensors will fluidly be incorporated into the generation of layered geospatial models as constellations and sources change over time. In addition to improving the temporal resolution of layered geospatial models, COSMIC also aims to reduce resource demands by streamlining the derivation of actionable intelligence from these models. By integrating commercial remote sensing data with existing geospatial information, the program aims to create a harmonized and up-to-date representation of the physical world that can be used by agentic processes to answer questions relevant to the IC.

• 3. DECIPHER - (FY26) - ACTIVE

  Analysts often struggle to understand specialized language (e.g., slang, jargon, technical terminology) in various situations where dictionary definitions are not readily available, such as:

  • Non-English research articles with novel technical concepts and terms

  • Communications using slang

  • Undefined acronyms used within limited contexts

  • Web forum posts using coded language to mask illicit activities

  In these and similar contexts, analysts dedicate significant effort to triaging content pertinent to their domain of interest and understanding the meaning of unknown or novel specialized terms used within that domain. Adding to this challenge, language can change quickly, and adversaries can rapidly adapt their language to evade detection.

  The Decipher program’s goal is to create capabilities to detect and define specialized language in diverse, multilingual text collections. In Decipher, “specialized language” refers to single or multiword expressions that are difficult to disambiguate (e.g., acronyms, terminology with multiple meanings), are used to deliberately obfuscate interpretation (e.g., coded language), or for which accurate translations or explanations are not readily available (e.g., emergent jargon or slang) to typical non-expert users. Decipher will flag and extract candidate specialized terms in a document or corpus and then will provide candidate plain language translation and annotation of specialized terms, including jargon, slang, and acronyms. The program will also develop technology to annotate text with relevant social and contextual factors, capturing nuanced meaning, as well as to detect concept drift by monitoring use of terminology as it evolves over time.

• 4. LocUS – LOCATION USING SOUND (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The LocUS program aims to create technology that automatically and accurately geolocates multimedia content by maximally leveraging audio and visual information. LocUS will improve the geolocation capabilities of the Intelligence Community (IC) considerably beyond imageryonly methods and thereby increase the volume of content that can be accurately geolocated. This program will increase analysts’ ability to rapidly and accurately determine where a video, image, or audio clip was collected in the absence of accurate metadata indicating location. Applications for national security include human trafficking interdiction, hostage recovery, localization of malign actors using social media or confiscated devices, and other intelligence and law enforcement use cases.

• 5. MOVES – MOVEMENT OBSERVATION AND VIDEO-BASED EVALUATION SYSTEM (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The intelligence community (IC) would benefit from the ability to diagnose, from open-source data, medical conditions in individuals and populations. This ability would enable, e.g., monitoring of the spread of health threats (disease, chemical accidents or attacks, environmental toxins, etc.) and other medical intelligence analyses. The MOVES program aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this long-term goal by addressing a subset of the challenges associated with generalized diagnosis from video.

  The MOVES program will focus on diagnoses of neurological conditions that typically affect people’s movement and demonstrate that it is feasible to diagnose such conditions from challenging input video that may:

  • Be taken from non-ideal angles

  • Include subjects wearing a wide variety of clothing styles

  • Show partially obstructed subjects

  The program requirements are selected to ensure a path to rapid adoption and trust in the algorithms’ performance by medical professionals. Key challenges include the nature of the videos as described above, especially finding movements that are diagnostic of conditions, differentiating between similar symptoms of different disorders, and providing enough information to the medical professionals about how the diagnosis was made so that they can verify the diagnosis and build confidence in the algorithm performance.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes:

• Potential follow-on production Contract or OT if prototype is successful

• Direct engagement with IARPA and Intelligence Community stakeholders

• Access to Government-furnished data (program-dependent)

• Independent Test & Evaluation (T&E) feedback throughout development

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

Application timeline:

• White Papers per Program: Continuous, after the posting of Q&As (Preferred)

• Full proposals: By invitation only

Process:

1. Submit White Paper

2. Government evaluates for viability

3. If selected → invited to submit full proposal

4. If selected → negotiation → award

Award timing:
Not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC)

• In partnership with IARPA (Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity)

Authority:

• Issued under 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6) for Prototype OT agreements

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible:

• All responsible sources capable of meeting requirements

• U.S.-based entities (prime must be U.S.)

• Teams including:

  • Small businesses

  • Non-traditional defense contractors (NDCs)

  • Non-profits

Foreign participation:

• Allowed only as part of a U.S.-based team

Not eligible:

• Government agencies

• FFRDCs

• UARCs

• Government-affiliated organizations with privileged access

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on evaluation criteria, winning proposals will:

• Demonstrate innovative, high-risk/high-payoff technical approaches

• Clearly align with specific program objectives

• Show feasible execution plans with defined milestones

• Include strong technical teams and capabilities

• Address technical risks with mitigation strategies

• Offer IP terms that allow Government transition

The Government prioritizes:

• Scientific merit

• Relevance to IARPA mission

• Resource realism

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes — several important ones:

Submission restrictions

• One program per white paper

• Must follow strict formatting and page limits

Funding restrictions

• No facility construction

• No commercialization costs

Technical restrictions

• Classified proposals are not accepted

IP & data

• Government requires sufficient rights for transition

• Must disclose IP ownership and restrictions

Compliance requirements

• NSPM-33 research security disclosures required

• Potential foreign influence review and mitigation

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Requirements include:

• White Paper (up to ~8 pages technical content)

• If invited:

  • Full technical proposal (≤15 pages)

  • Detailed cost proposal

  • Multiple compliance attachments

This is a moderate-to-high effort application, especially at full proposal stage.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Program selection (which ETA program to target)

• White paper strategy and positioning

• Technical narrative development aligned to IARPA evaluation criteria

• Full proposal development (if invited)

• IP, compliance, and structure alignment

• End-to-end submission management

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Arcane Thunder 27 (AT 27)

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

Executive Summary:

This is an RFI (Request for Information), not a funding opportunity, but it is a critical gateway to Army experimentation and potential follow-on contracting. The U.S. Army is seeking cutting-edge technologies for Arcane Thunder 27 (AT27), a major multi-domain experimentation campaign.

If selected, your technology may be invited to participate in field demonstrations and exercises with operational units. This is a high-visibility pathway to engage directly with the Warfighter and DoD stakeholders.

Submission deadline: 22 May 2026 : 22:59 CDT.
Missing this deadline means waiting for future cycles—there is no guarantee of a re-open.

How much funding would I receive?

This RFI does not include funding, but funding would shortly follow.

What could I use the funding for?

AI-Enabled Command & Control

• Edge-deployed AI for decision support, wargaming, and risk analysis

• Automated synchronization across units and systems

• AI models that operate in degraded or denied environments

Cyber, Electronic Warfare & Information Operations

• RF, cyber, and information effects (detect, disrupt, deceive)

• AI-driven emitter identification and behavior modeling

• Integrated cyber/EW payloads across platforms

Multi-Domain Sensing & Targeting

• Sensor fusion across RF, EO/IR, SAR, and other modalities

• Real-time targeting and geolocation (TDOA/FDOA/DF)

• Adaptive sensor tasking and AI-enabled targeting

Resilient Communications & Networking

• Low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications

• Self-healing mesh networks across air, ground, and space

• Cross-domain data transfer (unclassified to higher classification)

Autonomy, Robotics & Swarming

• Multi-platform control with single operator

• Adaptive swarm behavior based on mission and threat

• Autonomous detection, tracking, and targeting

Additive Manufacturing & Edge Modularity

• Field-ready 3D printing for parts and payloads

• Modular, plug-and-play payload architectures

• In-theater reconfiguration and resupply

Operational Simulation & Decision Tools

• Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) environments

• Digital twins and mission rehearsal tools

• End-to-end visualization of sensor-to-shooter workflows

Supporting Capability Areas

• Counter-UAS systems

• Space-based communications and sensing

• Defensive cyber operations

• Signature reduction (RF, visual, EMS)

• Threat replication and red-teaming tools

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—this opportunity is about access and validation, not capital:

• Invitation to Army-led field experiments and demonstrations

• Direct engagement with:

  • Warfighters

  • DoD R&D organizations

  • Combatant Commands and other agencies

• Real-world testing in contested, denied, and austere environments

• Opportunity for follow-on contracting actions

• Visibility into how your product performs in multi-domain operations

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

Submission deadline: 22 May 2026 : 22:59 CDT.

Key milestones:

• NLT 30 September 2026: Down-select notifications

• Late 2026: Planning conferences and interviews

• Early 2027: Final planning and risk reduction

• Apr – Jun 2027: Field exercises (CONUS and OCONUS)

• Funding timeline: Not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Not applicable.

• Issued by the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center for experimentation purposes.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Industry

• Academia

• Individuals

• Laboratories

Must:

• Submit via Vulcan-SOF

• Provide a Scout Card + Technology Quad Chart

• Keep all submissions unclassified

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Selections favor technologies that are:

• Relevant to current military missions

• Technically mature and deployable

• Adaptable across multiple use cases

• Aligned to multi-domain operations

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Do NOT submit proposals — only Scout Cards

• No classified information allowed

• Must disclose ITAR/EAR/OFAC restrictions

• Data generated becomes U.S. Government property

• Must use required formats or risk rejection

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Expect to prepare:

• Scout Card (per technology)

• Quad Chart

• Technical specs (SWaP, power, spectrum, etc.)

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support across all phases of this CSO:

• Refine your positioning against Army priority areas

• Translate your tech into a high-impact Scout Card

• Ensure compliance with submission and formatting rules

• Increase likelihood of selection for demonstration

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.