AFRL STAR-FISH Call 017: Secure by Design Space Vehicle

Executive Summary

AFRL's Space Vehicles Directorate wants white papers for a Secure by Design Space Vehicle: a flat-sat and cyber range, cyber-hardened flight software testing, ground demonstrations and an on-orbit demo. Estimated funding is $14 million in total. White papers are due November 13, 2026, 4:00 PM MST.

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The deciding factor is readiness to perform classified, cost-type work. AFRL plans Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts, requires an approved accounting system, and expects work from CUI up to Secret. Space vehicle builders and integrators with cleared staff and flat-sat experience are the natural fit.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, Phillips Research Site, Kirtland AFB, NM
• Opportunity: STAR-FISH (Space Technology Advanced Research - Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware) Call 017, Secure by Design Space Vehicle
• Number: Advanced Research Announcement FA9453-21-S-0001, Call 017 (SAM.gov notice FA945326XA001)
• Authority and Award Vehicle: 10 U.S.C. 4023, Procurement for Experimental Purposes; Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts with a base period and two options
• Funding: About $14 million estimated for the whole Call (FY2027 $5M, FY2028 $2M, FY2029 $2M, FY2030 $5M), not per award
• Technology Maturity: Ground demonstration through on-orbit demonstration
• Due Date: White papers due November 13, 2026, 4:00 PM MST

Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the November 13, 2026 deadline.

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What Is STAR-FISH?

STAR-FISH is AFRL's standing Advanced Research Announcement for experimentation with spaceflight and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies. AFRL posts specific Calls under it. Call 017 asks for a full Secure by Design Space Vehicle effort, run as a two-step process: white paper first, then a proposal for selected offerors.

What Problem Is AFRL Trying to Solve?

Cyber threats put national critical space missions at risk, including Position, Navigation, and Timing; Missile Warning and Missile Tracking; Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance; and Satellite Communications. AFRL wants a space vehicle designed, tested and demonstrated with cyber protection built in from the start.

Priority Capability Areas: What AFRL Is Looking For

• Design and build: a space vehicle flat-sat and a matching space vehicle cyber range, integrated and verified.
• Cyber-hardened flight software: integrate the Government's Cyber-Hardened Satellite Software (CHSS); MIT Lincoln Laboratory performs the hardening and the Government provides interfaces and drivers.
• Test and evaluation: functional, performance and cyber-effectiveness testing against a non-hardened baseline, including cyber-attack scenarios.
• Operations: CONOPs and courses of action for cyber detection, protection and recovery, plus a user interface.
• Demonstration: ground experimentation, then on-orbit experimentation and a live demonstration.

Funding and Award Terms

• Total estimate: about $14 million for the Call across FY2027 to FY2030. Funding is an estimate and depends on future budgets.
• Contract type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee with a base period and two options, though AFRL may use another instrument.
• Number of awards: multiple awards are anticipated, but AFRL may make one or none.
• Cost share: not required.
• Data rights: the Government seeks unlimited rights and may accept Government Purpose Rights.

Eligibility Requirements and Participation

• Size standard: NAICS 541715, 1,000 employees.
• Approved accounting system: required for cost-type awards, along with other approved business systems.
• Security: work is expected from unclassified and CUI up to Secret. Staff must be U.S. citizens with the needed clearance; a DD Form 254 applies and your facility clearance must be current with DCSA.
• Foreign ownership: foreign-owned offerors cannot propose as prime. The technology is ITAR or EAR controlled, and any foreign nationals must be disclosed.

How to Apply

• Attend the Q&A: an online question and answer session is set for 9:00 AM on October 22, 2026.
• Download the current template: use the STAR-FISH White Paper Template (Attachment 2) from valideval.com/star_documents. Old versions are rejected.
• Request a DoD SAFE drop-off: email the Contracting Officer at least three workdays before the deadline. Drop-off links last 14 days.
• Submit the white paper and ROM cost: unclassified PDF with your UEI, uploaded through DoD SAFE by November 13, 2026, 4:00 PM MST. You cannot receive an award without a white paper.

What Happens After You Submit?

• White paper review: rated Highly Recommended, Selectable, or Not Selectable. AFRL aims to notify offerors within 30 days.
• Request for Proposal: selected offerors receive an RFP letter with the proposal due date.
• Evaluation: relevance to AFRL needs, scientific and engineering viability, and the project plan rank first; problem definition and benefit versus funding rank second; proposal quality ranks last.
• Feedback: unsuccessful offerors are notified in writing and can request feedback.

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits small satellite and space vehicle builders, flight software and avionics teams, and space cyber companies that can carry cleared, cost-type work through an on-orbit demonstration. If you lack an approved accounting system or cleared facility, consider joining a prime's team instead of bidding alone.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For AFRL announcements like STAR-FISH, we help you:

• Decide prime or partner: check accounting, clearance and teaming readiness before you invest in a bid.
• Map to the objectives: align your approach with each phase of the Statement of Objectives.
• Write the white paper: use the required template and keep it tight on problem, product and plan.
• Build the ROM cost: a realistic Cost Plus Fixed Fee estimate across the base and options.
• Prepare for the RFP: be ready to turn a selected white paper into a full proposal quickly.

Plan Your STAR-FISH White Paper

Frequently Asked Questions

When are white papers due?

November 13, 2026, 4:00 PM Mountain Standard Time, through DoD SAFE. One section of the notice lists an earlier date, so confirm with the Contracting Officer.

How much funding is available?

About $14 million is estimated for the whole Call from FY2027 to FY2030. That total covers all awards, not each one.

What kind of contract will be awarded?

AFRL anticipates Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts with a base period and two options, but may choose another instrument.

Do I need a security clearance?

Work is expected up to the Secret level. Staff must be U.S. citizens with the right clearance, and a DD Form 254 applies.

Is cost share required?

No. Cost share is not required for this Call.

Do I have to build the cyber-hardened software?

No. MIT Lincoln Laboratory performs the hardening. The Government provides the CHSS interfaces, drivers and flat-sat requirements, and you integrate them.

Can a small business apply?

Yes, under the 1,000-employee size standard for NAICS 541715, but you need an approved accounting system for a cost-type contract.

Can foreign-owned companies participate?

Foreign-owned offerors cannot propose as prime. The technology is export controlled.

Can BW&CO help with a STAR-FISH white paper?

Yes. We help teams decide prime or partner, write the white paper and ROM cost, and prepare for the RFP. Book a call with our team.

Source: STAR-FISH Call 017, Secure by Design, on SAM.gov

NIWC Atlantic Airborne Laser Comms Turret (AOI 27-A001)

Executive Summary

NIWC Atlantic wants a flight-certified laser communications and optical timing turret for NASA's PC-12 research aircraft, plus a compact C-band transceiver telescope that fits inside it. Best fit: teams with TRL 6/7 airborne optics. Solution briefs are due October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT on Vulcan.

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This is Area of Interest 27-A001 under the NIWC Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Cell Commercial Solutions Opening (N65236-26-S-0001). Awards are prototype other transaction agreements for a 16-month, single-phase effort, and a winning prototype may lead directly to a follow-on production agreement without further competition. Every brief must show how the CSO's nontraditional participation requirement is met.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, Rapid Capabilities Cell, with NASA Glenn Research Center as a partner
• Solicitation: Commercial Solutions Opening N65236-26-S-0001
• Area of Interest: 27-A001, Resilient Airborne Free-Space Optical Communications Turret
• Command Focus Area: Battlespace Connectivity
• Award Vehicle: Prototype other transaction (OT) agreement, with possible follow-on production without further competition
• Funding: Not published in the AOI
• Period of Performance: 16 months, single phase; prototype deliverables at month 12, flight-test support months 12 to 16
• Technology Maturity: Preference may be given to TRL 6/7
• Security: Must be able to receive and store CUI; no facility clearance required
• Due Date: October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT (solution brief on Vulcan)

Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the October 15 deadline.

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What Is AOI 27-A001?

AOI 27-A001 is a prototype call from NIWC Atlantic's Rapid Capabilities Cell. It asks industry for a flight-certified, aero-optically resilient, dual-turret system that carries both free-space optical communications (FSOC) and optical time transfer. The system must work across ground, littoral and multi-altitude airborne conditions. NIWC Atlantic will run the work with NASA Glenn Research Center and a nontraditional defense contractor, using iterative sprints and bi-weekly syncs with government partners.

What Problem Is NIWC Atlantic Trying to Solve?

Electronic warfare and GPS-denied or RF-denied environments put Navy, Marine Corps and joint air and maritime operations at risk. Concepts such as Distributed Maritime Operations and JADC2 need very high-bandwidth links and precise timing between moving nodes without relying on RF or satellite navigation. Optical links and optical clock synchronization can provide that, but they have mostly worked in calm ground labs. In flight, boundary layers, transonic shocks, aero-optical aberrations, airframe vibration and tight size, weight, power and drag limits break beam coherence and tracking. The AOI notes that commercial optical gimbals also lack the airworthiness certification, shock resilience and fine pointing, acquisition and tracking (PAT) performance needed for aircraft integration.

Priority Capability Areas: What NIWC Atlantic Is Looking For

You can propose to one line of effort or both. The brief must say clearly which.

• Line of Effort 1, Airborne Optical Terminal and Gimbal System: an FAA-certified, ruggedized turret gimbal designed, machined and assembled for NASA Glenn's Pilatus PC-12 research aircraft.
• PAT control and jitter suppression: transition and implement government-off-the-shelf PAT software, embedded sensors and closed-loop motor drivers that reject vibration, angular base motion and high-frequency aero-optical jitter.
• Aero-optical modeling: CFD (RANS/LES), boundary layer wake evaluations and flat versus conformal window trade studies, validated by wind tunnel testing up to transonic speeds.
• Airworthiness: structural FEA under static and dynamic limit loads, drag, lift and moment at never-exceed airspeed (V_NE), window destructive pressure evaluations, and documentation that meets NASA Airworthiness Review Board standards.
• Validation: link acquisition and optical time transfer on 650 m to 2 km laser test range baselines, ground-to-vehicle links at 0 to 30 mph in GPS/RF-denied conditions, 1.6 km over-water links, and multi-altitude flights.
• Adaptive optics: multi-spectral adaptive optics for simultaneous multi-wavelength propagation in turbulence, with hardware plus modeling and simulation for air-to-air and ground-to-air profiles.
• Line of Effort 2, Air-qualified optical transceiver telescope: a self-contained monostatic transceiver that drops into the Line 1 turret. Optical C-band, 5 W maximum transmit power, single-mode fiber interface, 80 to 125 mm clear aperture sized for links up to 30 km, and a volume of 145 mm x 145 mm x 254 mm.
• Fine tracking: a multi-axis fast steering mirror with a 1 kHz threshold and 10 kHz objective bandwidth, a feedback loop for alignment in turbulence, and well-defined interfaces to the Line 1 coarse tracking system and government command and control software.
• Environment: survive commercial PC-12 flight inside a sealed turret whose internal air sees thermal and pressure changes; show MIL-STD certifications where applicable.

Highly desired attributes include flight-proven aero-optic testing, wind tunnel capability in a 3 ft x 3 ft cross-section up to transonic speeds, direct NASA or DoD airworthiness flight release experience, a turret that supports both classical high-bandwidth data and precision optical time transfer, and stable link acquisition without GPS or RF positioning. Secondary attributes are conformal window readiness, low SWaP-C power and battery backup, and 6-DOF maritime motion testing for sea states 1 through 6.

Funding and Award Terms

• Funding: The AOI does not publish a dollar amount.
• Agreement type: Prototype other transaction agreement under the CSO.
• Schedule: One 16-month phase. Prototypes are due at month 12, with flight-test support from month 12 to month 16.
• Follow-on: Any prototype OT awarded under this AOI may result in a direct follow-on production agreement without further competitive procedures.

Eligibility and Participation

• Nontraditional participation: The brief must explain how the nontraditional business participation requirement in CSO paragraph 6.2 is met. If a teaming partner meets it, name that partner and give its CAGE code. If you meet it through cost share, say so explicitly.
• Maturity: Preference may be given to mature optical tracking, gimbal control and aero-optical mitigation at TRL 6/7.
• Experience to highlight: airborne instrumentation design, finite element flight load analysis, high-speed optical beam steering and outdoor laser range testing.
• Security: You must be able to receive and store CUI. No facility clearance is required.

How to Apply

• Register on Vulcan (vulcan-sof.com) and open the AOI 27-A001 call. Briefs emailed to the contracting officer are not accepted.
• Write a solution brief of up to 15 PowerPoint slides or 5 pages that meets CSO N65236-26-S-0001 paragraph 7.2.
• Name your line of effort, Line 1, Line 2 or both, and articulate each clearly.
• Show nontraditional participation per CSO paragraph 6.2, including any teaming partner's name and CAGE code or an explicit cost-share statement.
• Keep CUI out of the brief.
• Submit by October 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EDT. Late submissions will not be considered.
• Send questions to Jessie Rehwoldt at jessie.m.rehwoldt.civ@us.navy.mil.

What Happens After You Submit?

• Down-select: The Government may limit how many companies it invites to pitch, based on the evaluation considerations in CSO paragraph 7.2.2. Selected companies are notified in writing.
• Virtual pitches, tentatively October 29 and 30, 2026: open with a bottom-line-up-front solution overview, the collaborative division of labor and a top-level cost breakdown.
• Technical briefing: show your hardware and software running a representative tracking, PAT stabilization or aero-optic data scenario, including real-time telemetry, line-of-sight stabilization under simulated disturbance and physical proof of core capabilities.
• Execution roadmap: present a complete solution and a credible path to full flight demonstration.
• Quiet period: no press releases or public announcements about AOI 27-A001 before the Government's down-select notice for pitches, or you risk exclusion.

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits companies that already fly or flight-test optical terminals, gimbals, fast steering mirrors or adaptive optics, and that can show TRL 6/7 hardware. Laser communications, optical time transfer and aero-optics teams that can work with NASA and DoD airworthiness boards are the core audience. A Line 2 brief suits a company with a compact C-band transceiver that meets the size, aperture and steering bandwidth limits.

It fits less well if your technology is still at lab scale, if you cannot hold CUI, or if you cannot pull together a pitch-ready demonstration by late October. Those teams can partner with a turret or terminal provider on one line of effort, or look for SBIR topics in laser communications and PNT.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For CSO prototype calls like AOI 27-A001, we help you:

• Decide quickly whether to bid Line 1, Line 2 or both.
• Build a 15-slide or 5-page solution brief around the AOI's stated attributes.
• Structure nontraditional participation, teaming and cost share to meet the CSO.
• Prepare the pitch overview, technical demonstration and flight roadmap.
• Plan the path from prototype OT to follow-on production.

Plan Your AOI 27-A001 Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AOI 27-A001?

A NIWC Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Cell area of interest seeking a flight-certified airborne free-space optical communications and optical time-transfer turret, plus a matching transceiver telescope, under CSO N65236-26-S-0001.

When is the deadline?

Solution briefs are due on Vulcan by 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 15, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

How much funding is available?

The AOI does not publish a dollar amount. Pitches must include a top-level cost breakdown.

What kind of award is it?

A prototype other transaction agreement for a 16-month, single-phase effort. It may lead to a follow-on production agreement without further competition.

Can I propose to only one line of effort?

Yes. You can propose to Line 1, Line 2 or both, as long as the brief clearly states which.

Do I need to be a nontraditional defense contractor?

The brief must show how the CSO's nontraditional business participation requirement (paragraph 6.2) is met. You can meet it yourself, through a named teaming partner with a CAGE code, or through an explicitly stated cost share.

Do I need a security clearance?

No facility clearance is required, but you must be able to receive and store CUI. The brief itself must not contain CUI.

What aircraft will the system fly on?

NASA Glenn Research Center's Pilatus PC-12 research aircraft.

When are the pitches?

The Government anticipates virtual pitches, tentatively on October 29 and 30, 2026.

Can BW&CO help with an AOI 27-A001 submission?

Yes. We help teams decide fit, write the solution brief, structure nontraditional participation and prepare the pitch. Book a call with our team.

Source: AOI 27-A001 Resilient Airborne Free-Space Optical Communications Turret (SAM.gov)

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Commercial Solutions Opening (SP4701-27-S-C001): Executive Summary for Startups

Open through October 1, 2031. Areas of interest post on SAM.gov.

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Executive Summary

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) posted a five-year Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) on October 1, 2026. It stays open until October 1, 2031. DLA will publish specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) on SAM.gov on a rolling basis, and each AOI will set its own deadline and solution brief template. As of October 7, 2026, no AOI has been posted.

DLA runs the Department's supply chain management, energy and fuel distribution, disposition services and rapid logistics response. Companies in logistics software, supply chain visibility, warehouse automation, fuel and energy, and disposition and recycling should watch this CSO and be ready to apply when an AOI matches their product. Awards are fixed-price, either as prototype Other Transaction (OT) agreements with a path to follow-on production or as FAR-based commercial contracts.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), DCSO Philadelphia
• Opportunity: Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Framework (2026 to 2031)
• Solicitation number: SP4701-27-S-C001
• Authority: 10 U.S.C. 3458 and DFARS Subpart 212.70; prototype OTs under 10 U.S.C. 4022
• Award vehicle: Fixed-price prototype OT agreements, FAR Part 12 commercial contracts or commercial contracts under DFARS 212.7002(b)
• Funding: No dollar amount published. Funding availability is screened for each solution brief.
• Technology maturity: Technologies, processes or methods that are new, or a rapid, novel application or adaptation of existing ones
• Due date: Rolling through October 1, 2031. Each AOI sets its own closing date.

Think your company fits DLA's mission areas? Talk with BW&CO before the first AOIs post.

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What Is the DLA CSO?

A CSO is a competitive procedure that lets DoD buy commercial and innovative solutions through short solution briefs. DLA's CSO is a five-year framework: the base notice sets the rules, and each AOI describes a specific need, its evaluation scale and its deadline.

What Problem Is DLA Trying to Solve?

DLA is the Department of Defense's logistics combat support agency. It supports the military services, combatant commands and federal partners worldwide. Its AOIs will describe specific capability gaps, technical challenges or mission requirements across that mission.

Priority Capability Areas: Where DLA Works

DLA has not posted AOIs yet. Its notice describes the mission areas AOIs will come from:

• Supply chain management: Planning, sourcing, inventory and visibility across the defense supply chain.
• Energy and fuel distribution: Fuel supply and energy support for military operations.
• Disposition services: Reuse, resale, recycling and disposal of excess property.
• Rapid logistics response: Fast support for crises and contingencies.

Funding and Contract Terms

• Funding: No dollar amount is published.
• Funding screen: At the first screen, DLA rates each solution brief "Funding Possible" or "Funding Not Possible." DLA states that "lower-priced solutions that align with immediate budgetary parameters are inherently favored."
• Contract type: Every contract or agreement under this CSO is fixed-price.
• Instrument: DLA intends to award prototype OTs but may use a FAR-based contract instead.
• Path to production: After a successful prototype OT, DLA may award a follow-on production contract or agreement without new competition, subject to available funds. Success can be declared on a discrete phase of the project.
• Submission costs: DLA does not pay for solution briefs, pitches, proposals or travel.

Eligibility

• Who can apply: Any responsible company. The notice defines nontraditional defense contractors to include all small businesses.
• Classification: Submissions must be unclassified.
• Responsibility: DLA will assess performance record, integrity, financial capability and operational capacity before award.

How to Apply

• Watch SAM.gov for AOIs posted under SP4701-27-S-C001.
• Use the official Solution Brief template attached to the AOI. Nonconforming briefs are returned without technical evaluation.
• Describe your solution, technical approach and pricing in the brief.
• Keep your terms and price valid for at least 180 calendar days.
• Mark proprietary information. DFARS 252.227-7991 (Deviation 2026-O0036) applies.
• Submit electronically to the DLA points of contact before the AOI's closing date and time. You may submit more than one brief for different approaches to one AOI.

What Happens After You Submit?

• Conformance review and funding screen: Administrative check and "Funding Possible / Funding Not Possible."
• Technical evaluation: Technical feasibility, importance to agency programs and viability, in that order. Ties go to the lowest-priced, highly rated brief.
• Next step if selected: A pitch, a full proposal or direct award negotiations.
• Award: A prototype OT or FAR-based commercial contract after negotiations and a fair and reasonable price determination.

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits companies with a working commercial product, or a prototype close to one, in logistics software, supply chain analytics, warehouse and materiel handling automation, fuel and energy systems, or recycling and disposition. It also fits firms that can price a bounded first phase.

It fits less well if you need cost-reimbursed R&D or if you cannot hold your price for 180 days.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For CSOs like DLA's, we help you:

• Track new DLA AOIs and match them to your product.
• Write a solution brief on the official template.
• Price a fixed-price first phase that fits DLA's funding screen.
• Draft prototype success metrics that support a follow-on production award.
• Prepare for the pitch and negotiations.

Plan Your DLA CSO Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solicitation SP4701-27-S-C001?

DLA's Commercial Solutions Opening framework for 2026 to 2031. It sets the rules for solution briefs submitted against AOIs DLA posts on SAM.gov.

What is the deadline?

The CSO is open through October 1, 2031. Each AOI has its own closing date and time.

Are any AOIs open now?

Not as of October 7, 2026. DLA says it will post AOIs on a rolling basis.

How much funding is available?

No amount is published. DLA screens each brief for funding availability.

What kind of award results?

A fixed-price prototype OT under 10 U.S.C. 4022 or a FAR-based commercial contract, at DLA's discretion.

Can a prototype lead to production?

Yes. If the prototype OT was competitively awarded through this CSO and is successfully completed, DLA may award follow-on production without new competition, subject to funds.

Does DLA pay for my submission?

No. DLA does not pay for briefs, pitches, proposals or travel.

Can I submit more than one brief?

Yes, for different technological approaches to the same AOI. Each brief must stand alone.

Can BW&CO help with a DLA CSO submission?

Yes. We help founders match AOIs, write the brief and price a fundable first phase. Book a call with our team.

Source: SAM.gov, SP4701-27-S-C001

Army Red River Army Depot OIB Modernization CSO (W911RQ-27-S-C001): Executive Summary for Startups

Open now for solution briefs through September 30, 2027.

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Executive Summary

Army Contracting Command at Red River Army Depot (ACC-RRAD) in Texas posted a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) on October 6, 2026 to modernize the depot's Organic Industrial Base. It is open for submissions through September 30, 2027. Ten areas of interest are continuously open, including automation, advanced manufacturing, advanced analytics, warehouse and inventory systems, paint processes, and energy and chemical processes.

If your company sells a commercial product or service in one of these areas, or can adapt one for depot use, you can apply with a five-page solution brief. Awards are fixed-price contracts under FAR Part 12 commercial procedures, subject to available funds. Two specific areas of interest also carry their own deadlines: Micro Trucks (October 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CDT) and Parts Washers Lease and Maintenance (November 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CDT).

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: U.S. Army Contracting Command, Red River Army Depot (ACC-RRAD), Texas
• Opportunity: Organic Industrial Base (OIB) Modernization Commercial Solutions Opening
• Solicitation number: W911RQ-27-S-C001
• Authority: DFARS Subpart 212.70 (DoD Class Deviation 2022-O0007)
• Award vehicle: Fixed-price contracts, including fixed-price incentive fee, under FAR Part 12. Other contract types are possible depending on the area of interest.
• Funding: No dollar amount published. Awards depend on funding availability, which is a Phase 1 evaluation criterion.
• Technology maturity: Commercially available products or adaptations of existing commercial products. Pilots, concept demonstrations and agile development are also allowed.
• Period of performance: Generally 12 months or less unless the area of interest says otherwise
• Due date: Rolling through September 30, 2027. Micro Trucks AoI: October 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CDT. Parts Washers AoI: November 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CDT.

Think your company fits one of these areas? Talk with BW&CO before you submit.

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What Is the Red River OIB Modernization CSO?

A CSO is a competitive procedure that lets the Army buy commercial products, technologies and services through short solution briefs instead of a full proposal. Red River uses this one to modernize how the depot repairs and builds Army equipment. The Army groups these technologies under the name Convergent Manufacturing: agile facilities, a connected digital enterprise, advanced manufacturing, digital twin, automation and cybersecurity.

What Problem Is Red River Trying to Solve?

The depot wants to link legacy analog manufacturing systems with modern digital systems, use modeling and simulation to speed decisions, and get the right materiel to soldiers at the right time and place. Its specific areas of interest point to everyday depot bottlenecks: painting bulky parts, building tire and wheel assemblies, tracking inventory and training, and handling coatings, cleaning, stripping and plating safely.

Priority Capability Areas: What Red River Is Looking For

These ten areas are continuously open. Put the area title in your email subject line.

• Agile / Flexible Facilities: Scalable, adaptive production lines that integrate physical and virtual processes and can make multiple weapon components on one line.
• Advanced Manufacturing: Hybrid manufacturing cells, advanced robotics, point-of-need manufacturing kits, human-machine interfaces, integrated controls, and AI/ML with real-time process monitoring for predictive maintenance, scheduling and lower reject rates.
• Paint Process: Faster, more efficient painting of wheel hubs, engine and transmission containers and other storage containers, including moving and handling heavy, bulky items.
• Automation: Sensor-driven control systems, including robotic painting and welding and pick-and-sort for warehousing.
• Advanced Analytics: Machine learning, forecasting, simulation, data mining and related techniques that go beyond traditional preventive maintenance and business intelligence.
• Workforce Development: Talent programs that build skills for convergent and advanced manufacturing.
• Human Capital: Software that tracks training requirements and progress by series and grade.
• Tire Process: Better flow, handling and temporary storage in tire and wheel assembly.
• Inventory Process: Warehouse management systems, hardware and software that improve inventory accuracy, reduce loss and cut pick and receipt time.
• Energy and Chemical: Safe and sustainable surface coating, cleaning, rubber denuding, stripping and plating.

Specific areas of interest with deadlines:

• Micro Trucks (W911RQ-27-S-C001-A001): Two small utility vehicles for the Equipment and Heavy Tactical Divisions. Due October 19, 2026, 4:00 p.m. CDT.
• Parts Washers Lease and Maintenance (W911RQ-27-S-C001-A002): Leasing, maintenance and closed-loop solvent reclamation for industrial parts washers. Due November 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m. CDT.

Funding and Contract Terms

• Funding: No dollar amount or award ceiling is published.
• Contract type: Fixed-price, primarily under FAR Part 12, and dependent on available funds.
• Terms: Payment terms and intellectual property rights are negotiable.
• Submission costs: The Army does not pay for solution briefs, pitches or proposals unless an area of interest says otherwise.
• If funds are not available: Phase 1 solution briefs are kept in the ACC-RRAD library.

Eligibility

• Who can apply: Traditional and nontraditional defense contractors, including small businesses.
• Foreign-owned businesses: May apply alone or with U.S.-owned partners, subject to required clearances and approvals.
• Registrations before award: A Unique Entity ID, an active SAM.gov registration and the government invoicing system (for example, Wide Area Workflow).
• Responsibility: You cannot be suspended, debarred or otherwise prohibited from award.
• Classification: All submissions must be unclassified.

How to Apply

• Pick the area of interest that matches your product. Use a separate brief for each distinct concept.
• Write a solution brief of up to five single-sided pages in 12-point font, or up to 15 slides. Include company and contact details, the area of interest, an executive summary, the technology concept (commercial product, pilot or adaptation), and a rough order of magnitude price with desired payment terms.
• Mark proprietary data with the disclaimer in the CSO.
• Email it to usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil with the area of interest title in the subject line.
• Send questions to the POCs in the specific area of interest. The CSO POC is Jake Horn (jacob.j.horn.civ@army.mil).

What Happens After You Submit?

• Phase 1, solution brief: Evaluated on responsiveness with a commercially available product, technical merit and uniqueness, and the extent to which funding is available. The Army aims to finish within 30 calendar days of the submission period closing.
• Phase 2, pitch (if invited): In person, virtual or on paper, with a rough price (+/- 15%), notional schedule and IP. Pitches stay valid for 90 days. If no funding is assigned within 120 days after the pitch evaluation, the Army closes the selection.
• Phase 3, Commercial Solution Proposal (if invited): Separate technical and price volumes, valid for at least 120 days.
• Award: A fixed-price contract after negotiations, subject to funds. The Army may skip Phase 2 or move faster for urgent needs.

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits companies with a commercial or near-commercial product in industrial automation, robotics, manufacturing software and analytics, warehouse and inventory systems, training-tracking software, or coatings and surface-finishing chemistry. It also fits firms that can run a 12-month pilot at a depot.

It fits less well if your technology still needs basic research or your price depends on cost-reimbursement. For early R&D, an SBIR topic or a research BAA is usually the better first step.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For CSOs like Red River's, we help you:

• Choose the area of interest your product fits best.
• Write a five-page solution brief built around the Phase 1 criteria.
• Build a fixed-price scope and rough price the depot can fund.
• Prepare for the pitch and the Commercial Solution Proposal.
• Find related depot and arsenal CSOs where the same brief can work.

Plan Your Red River CSO Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solicitation W911RQ-27-S-C001?

It is Army Contracting Command-Red River Army Depot's Organic Industrial Base Modernization Commercial Solutions Opening. It buys commercial products, technologies and services that modernize depot operations.

What is the deadline?

The CSO is open through September 30, 2027. The Micro Trucks area of interest closes October 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. CDT, and the Parts Washers area of interest closes November 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. CDT.

How much funding is available?

No amount is published. Funding availability is evaluated for each solution brief.

What kind of contract results?

Fixed-price contracts, including fixed-price incentive fee, primarily under FAR Part 12 commercial procedures.

Can a company with no government contracts apply?

Yes. Nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses can apply. You need a UEI and SAM registration before award.

How long is the solution brief?

Up to five single-sided pages in 12-point font, or up to 15 slides. The title page does not count.

Does the Army pay for my submission?

No, unless a specific area of interest says otherwise.

How fast is the evaluation?

The Army aims to evaluate solution briefs within 30 calendar days after the submission period closes and pitches within 30 calendar days of the pitch.

Can I submit more than one brief?

Yes, if each brief covers a separate and distinct concept.

Can BW&CO help with a Red River CSO submission?

Yes. We help founders pick the right area, write the brief and price a fundable scope. Book a call with our team.

Source: SAM.gov, W911RQ-27-S-C001

Army SBIR ARM27BX01-DP001: G-TEAD USAREUR-AF ACE 27-02: Spectrum Enabled Warfare Powered by xTech

Quick Answer

ARM27BX01-DP001 is an Army SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in the DoW SBIR 2027 CSO, Release 1, tied to the xTech competition G-TEAD USAREUR-AF ACE 27-02: Spectrum Enabled Warfare. The Army wants electromagnetic spectrum operations solutions for U.S. forces on NATO's Eastern Flank, with awards up to $2,000,000 over 12 to 18 months.

The first deadline is the one that matters: a white paper on xtech.army.mil by October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Only competition finalists and final winners can submit a DSIP proposal, in a window from April 19 to May 7, 2027.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: ARM27BX01-DP001
• Title: G-TEAD USAREUR-AF ACE 27-02: Spectrum Enabled Warfare Powered by xTech
• Component: U.S. Army
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 CSO, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 12 to 18 months
• Entry route: xTech prize competition (finalists and winners only may submit to DSIP)
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Emerging Threat Reduction
• Keywords: electromagnetic support, autonomous network management, electromagnetic environment visualization, electromagnetic spectrum operations, distributed RF systems
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• xTech white paper deadline: October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET
• DSIP proposal window (finalists and winners only): April 19, 2027 to May 7, 2027
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Army Is Looking For

The Army FUZE program and U.S. Army Europe and Africa are running this Accelerated Capability Event to help V Corps sense, understand, exploit, attack, and protect across a contested electromagnetic environment and connected cyberspace, protecting tactical command and control while delivering non-lethal and lethal effects against adversary C3 and targeting architectures.

Solutions should be modular, coalition interoperable, effective in congested RF, scalable, upgradeable, intuitive for Soldiers across specialties, and maintainable at the tactical edge without routine field service representative support. Selected solutions will be integrated into live USAREUR-AF exercises.

Three demonstration tracks

• Capability 1: Electromagnetic Support and Tactical Surveillance.
• Capability 2: Autonomous Network Management.
• Capability 3: Electromagnetic Environment Visualization and Battle Damage Assessment Tools.
• Full details are in Appendix A of the competition RFI on xtech.army.mil/competitions.

How the Phases Are Structured

There is no Phase I. Finalists and winners submit a Direct to Phase II proposal with justification documentation (technical reports, test data, prototype designs, and performance results) showing scientific and technical merit and feasibility plus military and commercial applications.

Phase II produces Soldier-friendly prototypes for testing and experimentation with select Army units in realistic field conditions, with direct feedback for rapid iteration, plus a draft transition and commercialization plan.

Phase III matures the technology to TRL 8 or 9 and produces prototypes to support scaling and fielding with the Army and commercial pathways.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II cost limit: $2,000,000.
• Period of performance: 12 to 18 months.
• TABA: the Army may provide up to $50,000 per Direct to Phase II project, in addition to the award limit, if the need is supported.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Only finalists and final winners of the xTech competition may submit a Direct to Phase II proposal. Proposals from anyone else will not be evaluated.
• To be considered at all, you must submit a white paper on the xTech competition site by October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. xTech applications are not submitted through DSIP.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• October 7, 2026: the xTech application window opens. Read the full competition announcement and Appendix A topic details on xtech.army.mil/competitions.
• October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET: white paper deadline on the xTech site. Firms that miss it cannot compete or submit a DSIP proposal under this topic.
• Finalists and final winners are invited to submit a Direct to Phase II proposal in DSIP between April 19, 2027 and May 7, 2027, with justification documents showing scientific and technical merit and feasibility.
• Keep SAM.gov and DSIP registrations current so you are ready if you advance.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

EW, RF sensing, spectrum management, and network autonomy companies with demonstrable hardware or software fit this competition. The white paper is short and due in a few weeks, so the decision to compete should be made now.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Army SBIR topic ARM27BX01-DP001?

It is an Army SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in the DoW SBIR 2027 CSO, Release 1, tied to the xTech competition G-TEAD USAREUR-AF ACE 27-02: Spectrum Enabled Warfare, seeking electromagnetic spectrum operations solutions.

How do I apply?

Submit a white paper through the xTech competition site at xtech.army.mil/competitions by October 23, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET. xTech applications are not submitted through DSIP.

Who can submit a DSIP proposal?

Only finalists and final winners of the xTech competition. Proposals from anyone else will not be evaluated.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 for a 12 to 18 month Direct to Phase II, plus possible TABA of up to $50,000. Participants can also earn xTech prize money.

When is the DSIP window?

The DSIP proposal window for finalists and winners runs from April 19, 2027 to May 7, 2027.

What capability tracks are included?

Electromagnetic Support and Tactical Surveillance, Autonomous Network Management, and Electromagnetic Environment Visualization and Battle Damage Assessment Tools.

OSW SBIR OSW27BZ01-NV001: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Rapid Maturation

Quick Answer

OSW27BZ01-NV001 is an Office of the Secretary of War SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for counter-UAS technology that detects, tracks, identifies, or defeats small, low-flying Group 1 and Group 2 drones in hostile or contested areas. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months with no priced option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The technical volume is only 2 pages on a required template, and cost is not an evaluation criterion. The same scope is offered as a Direct to Phase II under OSW27BZ01-DV002.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: OSW27BZ01-NV001
• Title: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Rapid Maturation
• Component: Office of the Secretary of War (OSW)
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 2 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Advanced Manufacturing; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Trusted AI and Autonomy
• Keywords: counter-UAS, C-sUAS, Group 1 UAS, Group 2 UAS, autonomous threat detection, edge AI, multi-sensor fusion, denied environment
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What OSW Is Looking For

Cheap, maneuverable commercial drones threaten tactical forces, critical infrastructure, and installations, and current defenses are limited by cost, operator attention, and vulnerability to countermeasures. OSW wants mature or maturing technology anywhere in the counter-UAS kill chain against Group 1 and Group 2 UAS.

Three example areas are listed, and a proposal can address one, several, or a gap not listed. Detection and tracking: hold track on agile targets in cluttered low-altitude airspace with a modality you choose, preferably when the target is not emitting; fixed-site or mains-powered solutions are out of scope, since the system must move with the force. Identification and decision support: classify and identify unauthorized platforms on tactical computing carried or emplaced with the force, with a pathway to existing command and control. Mitigation and defeat: kinetic, non-kinetic, or cyber defeat in remote theaters and dense urban areas, with collateral effects addressed.

Four operating preferences every proposal must address

• (a) The system does not require the target to emit RF. Passive RF can be part of a solution, but track should hold when the target is silent.
• (b) The system does not radiate. Kinetic and cyber defeat are favored. Jamming, active illumination, and transmitting into a target's links are in scope but must be declared with their operational effect.
• (c) The system does not require cloud services or reachback and keeps working with all external network interfaces disabled.
• (d) The system does not require a dedicated operator whose only task is attending it. Human judgment over use of force is still expected.
• Out of scope: work requiring classified access or a facility clearance at award, and approaches that depend on cooperative identification such as Remote ID.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I determines technical, scientific, and commercial feasibility. Work may include a concept architecture, modeling critical software, or bench testing key hardware. Deliverables are a feasibility study, a technical report, and an initial system design package showing the path to a prototype. The report must state test conditions, dates, target or surrogate, and measured results, and where the approach stands on each operating preference.

Phase II follow-on depends on future-year funds and will be considered among Phase I awardees. It is scoped to 12 months to reach TRL 6 and a transition decision, and a Government showcase may be held about six months after award.

Phase III commercial markets are deploy-with-a-team uses: temporary airspace security for events, venues, construction, and energy sites; convoy and executive protection; wildfire, disaster, and infrastructure response; and mobile detection kits for law enforcement and allies. Defeat authority in the United States is limited by statute to covered federal entities, so defeat-focused proposals are not expected to show a near-term domestic market for that function. Military uses include point defense for tactical units, forward operating bases, and naval vessels.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000, with no priced option.
• Maximum Phase I period of performance: 6 months.
• Cost is not an evaluation criterion under this topic.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 2 pages, prepared on the required OSW Phase I Technical Volume Template. Anything past two pages is not evaluated.
• TABA: Phase I awardees may request up to $6,500, in addition to the Phase I ceiling.
• Phase II follow-on depends on future-year funds and will be considered among Phase I awardees.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• The feasibility you rely on may not rest solely on prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR or STTR work, must have been substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator, and you must own or license the related IP before submission.
• Work requiring classified access or a facility clearance at the time of award is out of scope.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

This is a good entry point for early counter-UAS teams with a credible approach and some bench or field data, particularly passive sensing, edge AI classification, or low-collateral defeat concepts. Writing a compelling 2 page volume takes discipline, so plan your argument around the evaluation rubric.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OSW SBIR topic OSW27BZ01-NV001?

It is an Office of the Secretary of War SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for counter-UAS technologies that detect, track, identify, or defeat Group 1 and Group 2 drones in contested areas.

How much funding is available?

Up to $300,000 for Phase I with a maximum 6 month period of performance and no priced option. Up to $6,500 in TABA may be requested.

How long is the technical volume?

Two pages, prepared on the required OSW Phase I Technical Volume Template. Pages beyond two are not evaluated.

Is cost evaluated?

No. Cost is not an evaluation criterion under this topic.

Is there a Direct to Phase II option?

Yes. OSW27BZ01-DV002 offers the same scope as a Direct to Phase II of up to $2,000,000 over 12 months for firms with documented test evidence.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

OSW SBIR OSW27BZ01-DV002: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Rapid Maturation

Quick Answer

OSW27BZ01-DV002 is an Office of the Secretary of War SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to rapidly mature commercial and dual-use counter-UAS technology that detects, tracks, identifies, or defeats small, low-flying Group 1 and Group 2 drones in contested areas. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over a compressed 12 month period of performance, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The format is unusually tight: a 5 page technical volume on a required template plus 5 pages of feasibility evidence, which must include a documented test. A companion Phase I topic, OSW27BZ01-NV001, covers less mature approaches.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: OSW27BZ01-DV002
• Title: Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Rapid Maturation
• Component: Office of the Secretary of War (OSW)
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 12 months
• Technical volume limit: 5 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Advanced Manufacturing; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Trusted AI and Autonomy
• Keywords: counter-UAS, C-sUAS, Group 1 UAS, Group 2 UAS, autonomous threat detection, edge AI, multi-sensor fusion, denied environment
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What OSW Is Looking For

Cheap, maneuverable commercial drones threaten tactical forces, critical infrastructure, and installations, and current defenses are limited by cost, operator attention, and vulnerability to countermeasures. OSW wants mature or maturing technology anywhere in the counter-UAS kill chain against Group 1 and Group 2 UAS.

Three example areas are listed, and a proposal can address one, several, or a gap not listed. Detection and tracking: hold track on agile targets in cluttered low-altitude airspace with a modality you choose, preferably when the target is not emitting; fixed-site or mains-powered solutions are out of scope, since the system must move with the force. Identification and decision support: classify and identify unauthorized platforms on tactical computing carried or emplaced with the force, with a pathway to existing command and control. Mitigation and defeat: kinetic, non-kinetic, or cyber defeat in remote theaters and dense urban areas, with collateral effects addressed.

Four operating preferences every proposal must address

• (a) The system does not require the target to emit RF. Passive RF can be part of a solution, but track should hold when the target is silent.
• (b) The system does not radiate. Kinetic and cyber defeat are favored. Jamming, active illumination, and transmitting into a target's links are in scope but must be declared with their operational effect.
• (c) The system does not require cloud services or reachback and keeps working with all external network interfaces disabled.
• (d) The system does not require a dedicated operator whose only task is attending it. Human judgment over use of force is still expected.
• Out of scope: work requiring classified access or a facility clearance at award, and approaches that depend on cooperative identification such as Remote ID.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. You must show Phase I equivalent feasibility achieved outside SBIR/STTR, with a written record of at least one test stating conditions, dates, target or surrogate, measured result, and how it was measured. Test data, technical reports, and third-party evaluations count. A design alone or a self-declared TRL does not. Direct to Phase II proposals first go through a feasibility determination using the Volume 5 evidence, and only those that pass are evaluated further.

Phase II refines the approach into an operational prototype ready for test and evaluation in a militarily relevant or simulated field environment, reaching TRL 6 in 12 months so the capability can reach a transition decision within a year. Budget for your own test authority, range access, spectrum authorization, threat surrogates, and facilities. A Government showcase may be held about six months after award, by invitation based on end user interest, but every performer must provide operational evidence to support follow-on funding.

Phase III commercial markets are deploy-with-a-team uses: temporary airspace security for events, venues, construction, and energy sites; convoy and executive protection; wildfire, disaster, and infrastructure response; and mobile detection kits for law enforcement and allies. Defeat authority in the United States is limited by statute to covered federal entities, so defeat-focused proposals are not expected to show a near-term domestic market for that function. Military uses include point defense for tactical units, forward operating bases, and naval vessels.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000.
• Period of performance: 12 months, not the 24 months the BAA otherwise allows.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 5 pages on the required Direct to Phase II template. Feasibility documentation goes in Volume 5, also limited to 5 pages.
• TABA: Phase II awardees may request up to $50,000 per project, in addition to the award ceiling.
• The Government may host a showcase about six months after award, by invitation based on end user interest.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• You must show Phase I equivalent feasibility achieved outside SBIR/STTR: a written record of at least one test with conditions, dates, target or surrogate, measured result, and measurement method. A design alone or a self-declared TRL is not enough.
• You must own or license the associated IP before proposal submission.
• Work requiring classified access or a facility clearance at award is out of scope.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Counter-UAS companies with fielded or field-tested hardware and documented test results fit this topic. If your test evidence is thin, the Phase I companion topic OSW27BZ01-NV001 may be a better use of this cycle.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OSW SBIR topic OSW27BZ01-DV002?

It is an Office of the Secretary of War SBIR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to mature counter-UAS technologies that detect, track, identify, or defeat Group 1 and Group 2 drones in contested areas.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 with a 12 month period of performance. Phase II awardees may also request up to $50,000 in TABA.

What counts as feasibility?

A written record of at least one test of your approach with conditions, dates, target or surrogate, measured result, and measurement method. A system design alone or a self-declared TRL is not sufficient.

How long is the proposal?

The technical volume is limited to 5 pages on the required template, and the feasibility documentation in Volume 5 is also limited to 5 pages.

What are the operating preferences?

No requirement for the target to emit RF, no friendly emissions, no cloud or reachback dependence, and no dedicated operator. They are preferences, not eligibility rules, but every proposal must say where it stands on each.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV005: Intermediate Temperature Cooling Unit

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV005 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a compact cooling unit (chiller, pump, piping, instrumentation, and controls) that supplies about 65 F water to cool DDG 51 electronics more efficiently than the ship's 42 F chilled water system. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

There are no Navy-qualified intermediate temperature chillers today. The Navy estimates about 200 refrigeration tons of load could move to an intermediate loop.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV005
• Title: Intermediate Temperature Cooling Unit
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: electronic cooling water, energy efficiency, chiller, HVAC, thermal management
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

DDG 51 destroyers are approaching their power and cooling limits. Running all electronics on 42 F chilled water consumes significant power and causes condensation that can create electrical hazards. Equipment that tolerates warmer water could be served by a more efficient intermediate loop, preserving margin for future upgrades.

The unit must have a small footprint, meet Navy shock, noise, vibration, EMI, reliability, and maintainability standards, and be galvanically compatible with copper-nickel piping. Cooling mediums may include water, seawater, or glycol mixes. Proposers define cooling capacity, efficiency, power draw, output pressure and flow, and not-to-exceed dimensions.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept and shows it can meet Navy needs and become a useful product. The Option covers initial prototype design specifications.

Phase II delivers a prototype, demonstrates capacity, efficiency, power draw, pressure, and flow, participates in extended testing at a maritime facility, and prepares a manufacturing and development plan.

Phase III supports Navy transition with installation and maintenance manuals. Commercial markets include maritime, industrial facility cooling, and data centers.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

HVAC and chiller manufacturers, marine thermal management firms, and data center cooling companies looking for a defense entry point fit well. Experience with shock-qualified or naval equipment is a plus.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV005?

DON27BZ01-NV005 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a compact intermediate temperature cooling unit supplying about 65 F water to cool DDG 51 shipboard electronics.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

Why an intermediate temperature?

Running warmer water than the 42 F chilled water system uses less energy, reduces condensation hazards, and preserves power and cooling margin for future DDG 51 upgrades.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV004: Input-Output Unit (IOU) for Secure Processing and Routing of Hull, Mechanical, & Electrical (HM&E) and Navigation Signals

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV004 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an IP54-rated Input-Output Unit (IOU) that interfaces legacy and modern shipboard equipment and routes steering, machinery control, damage control, alarm, synchro, and navigation signals over redundant Ethernet. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The Navy wants a simpler, more open and modular design built from commercially available components to cut lifecycle cost and end reliance on proprietary legacy hardware.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV004
• Title: Input-Output Unit (IOU) for Secure Processing and Routing of Hull, Mechanical, & Electrical (HM&E) and Navigation Signals
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Microelectronics; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: Ethernet networks, input output unit, Parallel Redundancy Protocol, PRP, dust-protected, water splash-resistant
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

IOUs are used on all DDG 51 ships, LHA(R) ships, Aegis Ashore, and Foreign Military Sales cases to translate non-Ethernet traffic such as synchro and serial data for Ethernet users. The Navy's move from Halon to water mist fire suppression makes splash resistance essential, and today's many circuit card types complicate support.

The base technology exists in industry. The topic asks you to integrate it into one product.

Selected requirements

• IEC 60529 IP54 enclosure with adequate internal cooling, RoHS compliant, and 50 percent spare capacity for growth.
• Interfaces: RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, NTDS-E, fiber and Cat 5 Ethernet (unicast, multicast), analog synchro (60 and 400 Hz), and analog AC and DC voltage, with triaxial, 42-pin, 92-pin, and fiber connectors.
• Maximum 188 lb and 17 x 26 x 27 inches, mountable from rear or bottom.
• Dual 120V 60Hz power, under 600 W fully loaded, MIL-STD-1399-300 Type I and II, MIL-STD-461 EMI/EMC, restart within 30 seconds after power restoration.
• MIL-STD-810, MIL-DTL-901, MIL-STD-167, and MIL-HDBK-2164 environmental compliance; MTBF above 10,000 hours for all components.
• IPv4, IPv6, IP multicast, and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (IEC 62439-3); repair possible while energized.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept that meets the requirements and demonstrates its efficacy through modeling, simulation, and supporting documentation. The Option covers initial prototype design specifications.

Phase II builds, tests, and delivers a prototype for a network lab to verify continuity and throughput of all signal types with legacy connections, including cooling under sustained heavy load and IP54 verification per IEC 60529 and MIL-STD-1399.

Phase III supports fleet-wide transition, with commercial uses in maritime systems, offshore extraction, and industrial networks.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Rugged industrial networking, shipboard electronics, and protocol gateway companies are the right fit. Firms with MIL-STD-901 and 461 test experience will move faster. Plan for the ITAR restriction.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV004?

DON27BZ01-NV004 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a dust-protected, splash-resistant Input-Output Unit that processes and routes hull, mechanical, electrical, and navigation signals on Navy ships.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR, and foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV003: Improved Cargo Door Actuator

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV003 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an improved, corrosion-resistant actuator for the roughly 2,500 pound cargo doors on DDG 51 destroyers. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Saltwater spray routinely corrodes current actuators to failure, forcing crews to hand-carry cargo in port. The new design should be close to a form and fit replacement and must never allow a sudden door closure.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV003
• Title: Improved Cargo Door Actuator
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Advanced Materials; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: nanocoatings, saltwater corrosion, corrosion resistant materials, actuator, reliability and maintainability
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

The Navy needs an actuator that withstands saltwater, marine fuel, and chemicals; is as close as possible to a form and fit replacement; is cost effective on a life-cycle basis; holds heavy doors open for long periods without failure; and is easy for sailors to repair or replace.

The Navy notes that corrosion-resistant steels and Inconel alloys exist but are often cost-prohibitive or unproven for Navy use, and nanomaterials can improve corrosion resistance but may lack needed mechanical properties. Design improvements are also welcome.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept and demonstrates feasibility against corrosion resistance, mechanical performance, form, fit, function, maintainability, and life-cycle cost through small-scale test, modeling, or simulation. The Option covers initial prototype design specifications.

Phase II delivers a prototype actuator, demonstrates performance, completes an extended maritime environment test, and prepares a manufacturing and development plan.

Phase III supports fleet transition with installation, maintenance, and operations manuals. Commercial markets include shipping, offshore extraction, and industrial processes.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Actuator, hydraulic, and motion control manufacturers with marine products, and corrosion engineering or coatings companies willing to team with one, are the strongest fits.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV003?

DON27BZ01-NV003 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an improved, corrosion-resistant cargo door actuator for DDG 51 class destroyers.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

What are the key design constraints?

Corrosion resistance to saltwater, fuel, and chemicals; near form and fit replacement; life-cycle cost effectiveness; the strength to hold roughly 2,500 pound doors open for long periods with no sudden closure; and easy maintenance.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV002: Fire Resistant Joiner Bulkhead

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV002 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a more fire-resistant joiner bulkhead that improves compartment-level fire containment on ships without adding significant weight, width, or installation cost. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The bulkhead must meet AN-30 class shock and fire performance per MIL-STD-3020 and pass Navy Fire, Smoke, and Toxicity testing per MIL-STD-1623.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV002
• Title: Fire Resistant Joiner Bulkhead
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Advanced Materials; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: fire safety, intumescent coatings, bio-composites, bulkhead fire containment, fire protection, high-performance fibers
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

Recent and historical ship fires (the topic cites USS Oscar Austin, USS Conyngham, USS Stark, and the cruise ship Star Princess) spread through joiner bulkheads. Better panels would let damage control teams contain fires before they threaten the ship and crew.

Constraints matter as much as performance: no significant weight increase given how many panels a ship carries, little added width in tight destroyer spaces, and no expensive edge treatments since panels are often cut to fit at the shipyard.

The Navy points to intumescent coatings, nanomaterial-enhanced thermal coatings, and high-performance fibers, and is also open to bio-composites and bio-polymers with lower toxicity.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept, shows it can meet the requirements, and establishes feasibility of the material or system through small-scale testing. The Option, if exercised, covers initial design specifications for a Phase II prototype.

Phase II delivers a prototype bulkhead for evaluation, demonstrates performance over the required parameters, completes an extended land-based evaluation, and prepares a manufacturing and development plan with connection detail drawings.

Phase III supports Navy transition with installation and maintenance manuals. Commercial markets include shipping, construction, aerospace, and automotive.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Fire-resistant materials, coatings, and composite panel manufacturers are the right audience. Firms that already test to marine or aerospace fire, smoke, and toxicity standards will have the easiest feasibility story.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV002?

DON27BZ01-NV002 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a fire-resistant joiner bulkhead that improves compartment-level fire containment while meeting Navy limits on weight, fit, cost, and fire, smoke, and toxicity.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

What standards must the bulkhead meet?

It must meet or exceed AN-30 class shock and fire certification per MIL-STD-3020 and pass Navy Fire, Smoke, Toxicity testing per MIL-STD-1623.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

Navy SBIR DON27BZ01-NV001: Cleaner for the Time Domain Reflectometer Tank Level Indicator

Quick Answer

DON27BZ01-NV001 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a technology that cleans, and ideally reverses, fouling on Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) Tank Level Indicator (TLI) sensors in place inside compensated fuel tanks on DDG 51 destroyers, without depressurizing, defueling, or dewatering. Phase I is up to $315,000 including the option, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

One application should restore full operability for 36 months (objective) and no less than 8 months (threshold).

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BZ01-NV001
• Title: Cleaner for the Time Domain Reflectometer Tank Level Indicator
• Component: Department of the Navy
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: time domain reflectometry, tank level indicator, fuel fouling, TDR rods and tubes, compensated fuel tanks, crystallization
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Navy Is Looking For

Crystallization and contaminants on TDR rods and tubes cause false readings, electrical shorts, and fuel tracking errors that affect ship stability and have contributed to fuel spills. Today's fix takes tanks offline, removes fuel and compensating seawater, and pulls sensors for manual cleaning, which is costly, rarely feasible underway, and can cause miscalibration on reinstallation.

The DDG 51 Program Office treats this as a high priority. The Navy wants a product that cleans the entire TDR assembly, works with the existing sensor architecture, and can be used on in-service ships while underway.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops a concept to clean a fouled TDR TLI in situ in a compensated fuel tank, explains how it would be employed underway, and establishes feasibility through small-scale testing, analysis, or modeling. The Option, if exercised, covers initial design specifications for a Phase II prototype.

Phase II builds and demonstrates a prototype that returns a fouled TDR TLI to full operability in a simulated confined space without emptying the tank or causing spills, minimizes personnel tank access, identifies the Navy testing needed for shipboard certification, and delivers a transition plan.

Phase III supports fleet-wide transition with equipment, training, and logistics documentation, with likely extension to LHD 1 and LHA 6 classes and commercial fuel tank farms.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, so the Phase I total is up to $315,000. Base and Option costs must be separated in Volume 3.
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA, with structure provided to Phase I awardees.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, 10-point minimum font, and the Option tasks must be inside the 10 pages.
• TABA: up to $6,500 for Phase I, in addition to the Phase I amount. Cost sharing is not accepted on Navy Phase I proposals.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the work in both the Phase I Base and the Option. The Navy does not accept deviations from this rule for Phase I.
• Firms more than 50 percent owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms are eligible to propose to Navy topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Industrial cleaning chemistry, ultrasonic or in-line cleaning tool makers, and fuel system maintenance companies are the natural fit. Experience with sensor maintenance in fuel or marine environments will help your feasibility case.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BZ01-NV001?

DON27BZ01-NV001 is a Navy SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to clean fouled Time Domain Reflectometer tank level indicator sensors in place inside compensated fuel tanks on DDG 51 class destroyers.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

How long must one cleaning last?

The technology must restore full TDR TLI operability for an objective of 36 months and a threshold of no less than 8 months from a single application.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

Navy SBIR DON27BX01-NP001: ONR Open Topic for Low-Cost Heads Up Displays (HUDs) for Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR)

Quick Answer

DON27BX01-NP001 is an Office of Naval Research SBIR Phase I open topic in the DoW SBIR 2027 Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), Release 1, for low-cost, domestically sourced, NDAA-compliant heads-up displays (HUDs) with on-board 6 degrees of freedom (6DOF) tracking for Navy and Marine Corps users. Phase I is up to $315,000 ($200,000 base plus $115,000 option), closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

ONR wants existing hardware: demonstration platforms, prototypes, and commercial products for first-person view (FPV) drone pilots and AR for Forward Observers and Joint Terminal Air Controllers.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DON27BX01-NP001
• Title: ONR Open Topic for Low-Cost Heads Up Displays (HUDs) for Virtual & Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
• Component: Department of the Navy (Office of Naval Research)
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 CSO, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $315,000
• Period of performance: 6 month base plus 6 month option
• Technical volume limit: 10 pages
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Human-Machine Interfaces; Integrated Sensing and Cyber
• Keywords: heads up display, augmented reality, human-machine interface, first person drone, virtual reality, mixed reality
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Office of Naval Research Is Looking For

The Navy and USMC have gaps in affordable, NDAA-compliant HUDs. ONR will give Phase I awardees operational context and technical thresholds, assess technologies against them, and provide feedback to align with warfighting needs.

Your existing hardware should meet one or both areas

• A HUD for FPV pilot operations with integrated display, signal inputs, and mounting locations for organic FPV equipment such as antennas, transmitters, and power supplies.
• An integrated HUD with native 6DOF tracking using on-board sensors (cameras, IMUs, magnetometers), compute, and battery power.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I describes your existing technology, the Navy system it would improve or replace, expected improvements, and a transition approach to both the Navy and commercial markets. Deliverables are a kick-off brief at 15 days, progress report at 90 days, and a final report, quad chart, and Initial Phase II proposal at 180 days. The Option, if exercised, covers initial design specifications for a Phase II prototype.

Phase II is open to all Phase I awardees through an Initial Phase II proposal, evaluated on the same criteria as Phase I. It generally includes a functional prototype, a transition plan covering production, fielding, logistics, and safety, and further commercialization.

Phase III supports incorporating low-cost HUDs into USMC Fires programs of record for Forward Observers, JTACs, and FPV drone attack operators.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I Base: up to $200,000 over 6 months.
• Phase I Option: up to $115,000 over 6 months, for a Phase I total of up to $315,000 (less TABA).
• Phase II: up to $2,000,000 including all options and TABA. All Phase I awardees may submit an Initial Phase II proposal.
• Navy instructions state awards under this CSO are executed as Other Transaction (OT) agreements.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 10 pages, with the Option tasks inside the 10 pages. TABA of up to $6,500 is available for Phase I.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I work.
• ONR wants existing hardware: demonstration platforms, prototypes, or commercial products, not a paper concept.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

This open topic is built for XR hardware startups and FPV goggle makers with a domestic supply chain story and a product already working. If your components are sourced from covered foreign countries, address NDAA compliance directly in the proposal.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Navy SBIR topic DON27BX01-NP001?

DON27BX01-NP001 is an Office of Naval Research SBIR Phase I open topic under the DoW SBIR 2027 CSO, Release 1, for low-cost, domestically sourced, NDAA-compliant heads-up displays with 6DOF tracking for FPV drone pilots, Forward Observers, and JTACs.

How much funding is available?

Phase I has a Base of up to $200,000 over 6 months and an Option of up to $115,000 over 6 months, for up to $315,000 total. Phase II can be up to $2,000,000 including options and TABA.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Navy Phase I technical volumes are limited to 10 pages, with a 10-point minimum font, and the Phase I Option tasks must fit inside those 10 pages.

Does ONR want new concepts?

No. ONR is requesting existing technology demonstration platforms, prototypes, and commercial products. The proposing small business should already have a hardware solution that meets one or both technical areas.

What contract type is used?

Navy instructions state awards under this CSO are executed as Other Transaction agreements.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

DAF STTR DAF27TZ01-DV003: Fusion of Cooperative Information Sharing for Uncrewed Air Systems (FOCISAUS)

Quick Answer

DAF27TZ01-DV003 (FOCISAUS) is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for cooperative perception: letting multiple uncrewed and ground sensing nodes share, prioritize, and fuse mission-relevant data in near real time under tight bandwidth. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Data fusion is a core requirement, not an add-on. Proposals must show how fused outputs reach autonomy software, edge analytics, or operators, and how the system copes with degraded or intermittent links.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27TZ01-DV003
• Title: Fusion of Cooperative Information Sharing for Uncrewed Air Systems (FOCISAUS)
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW STTR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: STTR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Trusted AI and Autonomy
• Keywords: cooperative perception, sensor fusion, data fusion, uncrewed air systems, autonomy, adaptive transmission, compression, edge processing, distributed sensing
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Distributed air operations need awareness beyond any single platform's field of view. Cooperative perception can extend coverage and reduce blind spots, but large sensor data, variable wireless links, and the challenge of combining different geometries and modalities limit it.

The Air Force wants prototype-ready solutions for distributed organization, discovery, and retrieval of sensor data; adaptive selection, fidelity control, compression, and transmission; near real-time fusion across platforms and sensor types (point cloud, image, radar, feature or object level, or track association); delivery of fused products to applications; and measurable gains in latency, bandwidth efficiency, blind-spot reduction, and detection or tracking.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from prior research, lab validation, commercial development, or operational demonstrations performed outside the SBIR/STTR program. Your Phase I type effort should have identified operational needs and stakeholders, shown feasibility in distributed information exchange, compression, or adaptive transmission, established a credible fusion approach, produced evidence of prototype readiness, and laid out a clear path to Phase II.

Phase II builds and demonstrates an integrated prototype across multiple air and ground nodes, with performance results on latency, bandwidth, perception quality, and mission relevance, plus documentation and a transition plan.

Phase III targets counter-UAS, tactical reconnaissance, base and perimeter security, special operations, disaster response, and search and rescue, with commercial use in public safety, infrastructure inspection, autonomous delivery, and remote operations.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I proposals will be accepted and no Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR/STTR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• This is an STTR topic, so you need a formal partner research institution (a university, FFRDC, or qualifying nonprofit). At least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution, measured by direct and indirect costs. Deviations are not allowed.
• You must document Phase I type feasibility completed outside the SBIR/STTR program, substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Autonomy, collaborative perception, and networked sensing companies, particularly those working on V2X style data sharing or multi-drone mapping, fit well. Universities with cooperative perception research are natural STTR partners.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF STTR topic DAF27TZ01-DV003?

FOCISAUS is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for cooperative perception and sensor data fusion across distributed uncrewed and ground sensing nodes.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested.

Is data fusion required?

Yes. The topic says offerors should address data fusion as a core requirement, whether through point cloud fusion, image or radar correlation, feature or object fusion, track association, or another mission-appropriate method.

Do I need a research institution partner?

Yes. As an STTR, at least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

DAF STTR DAF27TZ01-DV002: Cyber Resiliency for Fog and Edge Computing Devices

Quick Answer

DAF27TZ01-DV002 is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks on fog and edge computing (FEC) devices and their networks so missions can continue in highly contested environments. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Your feasibility package must include an approach, an architecture, and a prior demonstration of a limited-scope prototype that prevents or mitigates at least one class of attack on an edge node or embedded device and can scale to many nodes with autonomous detection and response.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27TZ01-DV002
• Title: Cyber Resiliency for Fog and Edge Computing Devices
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW STTR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: STTR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Advanced Computing and Software
• Keywords: cyber resiliency, cyber security, fog and edge computing, Internet of Things, avionics systems, space systems
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Edge and embedded devices increasingly carry mission functions in avionics and space systems, and they are exposed to supply chain and remote exploit attacks. The Air Force wants protections that scale across large numbers of edge nodes and autonomously detect and respond to attacks.

The Direct to Phase II effort should broaden the classes of threats covered, improve detection and response, and show that FEC devices can fight through a supply chain or remote exploit attack and still accomplish mission objectives.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from prior research, lab validation, commercial development, or operational demonstrations performed outside the SBIR/STTR program. The feasibility study should include the approach, architecture, and the limited-scope prototype demonstration described above.

Phase II expands robustness and threat coverage, improves detection and response, and demonstrates fight-through capability against supply chain or remote exploit attacks.

Phase III targets military and commercial avionics and space systems plus commercial IoT, Internet of Battle Things, and Internet of Space Things markets.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I proposals will be accepted and no Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR/STTR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• This is an STTR topic, so you need a formal partner research institution (a university, FFRDC, or qualifying nonprofit). At least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution, measured by direct and indirect costs. Deviations are not allowed.
• You must document Phase I type feasibility completed outside the SBIR/STTR program, substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Embedded security, firmware integrity, and runtime attestation companies with a working edge prototype fit this topic. Pair with a university cyber lab to meet the STTR research institution requirement, and check ITAR constraints on your staff.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF STTR topic DAF27TZ01-DV002?

It is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks on fog and edge computing devices and networks for mission assurance in contested environments.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested.

What feasibility evidence is required?

An approach, an architecture, and a prior demonstration of a limited-scope prototype that prevents or mitigates a single class of cyber attack on an edge node, embedded device, or similar device, with a path to scale and autonomous detection and response.

Do I need a research institution partner?

Yes. As an STTR, at least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR, and foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

DAF STTR DAF27TZ01-DV001: AI-Enabled Computed Vision Air-to-Air Refueling Performance Assessment and Automated Pilot Debrief System

Quick Answer

DAF27TZ01-DV001 is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an AI computer vision system that analyzes tanker camera video (especially KC-46) after aerial refueling and produces objective pilot performance scores and automated debrief products. Awards are up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Targets include debrief products within 15 minutes of video ingestion and at least 95 percent agreement with experienced instructors. As an STTR, you need a research institution partner performing at least 30 percent of the work.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27TZ01-DV001
• Title: AI-Enabled Computed Vision Air-to-Air Refueling Performance Assessment and Automated Pilot Debrief System
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW STTR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: STTR Direct to Phase II
• Award ceiling: $2,000,000
• Period of performance: 24 months
• Technical volume limit: 35 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Human-Machine Interfaces; Trusted AI and Autonomy
• Keywords: AI, machine learning, computer vision, aerial refueling, pilot training, flight analytics, human machine interface, VR, AR, aviation safety, KC-46, KC-135
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Aerial refueling is one of the most demanding and safety-critical tasks aircrews perform, yet assessment still relies on instructor observation, self-assessment, and manual video review. The Air Force wants to turn each refueling sortie into objective, data-driven feedback that improves proficiency, reduces mishaps and equipment damage, and raises readiness.

The system should detect and track the boom or hose and the receiver, measure relative position, closure rate, approach vector, stability, and envelope adherence, correlate with available aircraft data, score performance and trends, and generate visual debriefs such as overlays, heat maps, timelines, and VR or AR replays. It must also automatically protect sensitive video, including masking unauthorized aircraft and sensitive geography. The vendor may choose the first 3 to 5 receiver platforms with Government concurrence.

Phase II tasks

• Task 1: system architecture, data acquisition, and secure CUI processing.
• Task 2: computer vision model adaptation and performance analytics, demonstrated at TRL 6+.
• Task 3: automated performance assessment, pilot feedback, and an instructor or master debriefer review interface (stretch goal: detect bent or broken boom, probe, or hose and FOD).
• Task 4: automated data protection and video processing.
• Task 5: pilot debrief visualization and training integration, including a VR/AR trade study.
• Task 6: operational demonstration with at least one aerial refueling training organization and a Phase III transition plan.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I is skipped. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from prior research, lab validation, commercial development, or operational demonstrations performed outside the SBIR/STTR program. Offerors must show experience in at least half of the listed technical areas (computer vision on dynamic objects, high-speed motion imagery, tracking, aviation analytics, VR/AR and HMI, sensor and telemetry integration, controlled aviation data handling, automated video masking, and secure government software) and TRL 4 or greater at award.

Phase II executes the six tasks above and delivers an operational prototype.

Phase III transitions the capability to KC-46, KC-135, C-17, fighter, Navy, and Marine Corps refueling communities and autonomous refueling programs, with commercial aviation training as a dual-use market.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Direct to Phase II award maximum: $2,000,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Award maximum duration: 24 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 35 pages or slides.
• No Phase I proposals will be accepted and no Phase I awards will be made under this topic.
• TABA: DAF will provide up to $50,000 per Phase II award in addition to the topic amount. The detailed request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR/STTR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• This is an STTR topic, so you need a formal partner research institution (a university, FFRDC, or qualifying nonprofit). At least 40 percent of the work must be done by your firm and at least 30 percent by a single research institution, measured by direct and indirect costs. Deviations are not allowed.
• You must document Phase I type feasibility completed outside the SBIR/STTR program, substantially performed by your firm or principal investigator.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Computer vision and aviation analytics companies with tracking experience on fast-moving objects are the core fit, especially those with flight training or simulation products. Line up the university or research institution partner early, since the STTR 30 percent minimum cannot be waived.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF STTR topic DAF27TZ01-DV001?

It is a Department of the Air Force STTR Direct to Phase II topic in DoW STTR 2027 BAA Release 1 for an AI computer vision system that assesses aerial refueling performance from tanker video and produces automated pilot debriefs.

How much funding is available?

Up to $2,000,000 over up to 24 months, plus up to $50,000 in TABA per Phase II award if requested in Volume 5.

Do I need a research institution partner?

Yes. As an STTR, at least 40 percent of the work must be performed by your small business and at least 30 percent by a single research institution.

What performance does the Air Force want?

Debrief products within 15 minutes of video ingestion, accurate tracking of position and refueling geometry, and at least 95 percent agreement with experienced instructors during validation.

Can I submit a Phase I proposal?

No. No Phase I proposals will be accepted. You must show Phase I type feasibility from work outside the SBIR/STTR program and TRL 4 or greater at award.

When is the deadline?

The topic opens October 28, 2026 and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET in DSIP.

DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV006: High Speed, Low Temperature Hyperspectral Imager for High Enthalpy Ground Testing

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV006 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a hyperspectral imager that resolves surface temperature and emissivity of test articles at high speed and low temperature in AEDC high enthalpy ground test facilities. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Threshold specs are 0 to 1500 F (2000 F objective), 4000 Hz (5000 Hz objective), a pixel footprint of 0.1 inch or less (0.05 inch objective), and accuracy of plus or minus 10 F (5 F objective).

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV006
• Title: High Speed, Low Temperature Hyperspectral Imager for High Enthalpy Ground Testing
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 20 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Restricted under ITAR (22 CFR 120-130) or EAR (15 CFR 730-774). Foreign national participation must be disclosed and may be restricted.
• Focus areas: Advanced Materials; Hypersonics; Nuclear
• Keywords: temperature measurement, emissivity, hyperspectral imager, high enthalpy ground testing, hypersonics, materials
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

AEDC needs a high-speed, low-temperature measurement capability that overlaps with its existing higher-temperature instruments, so material response can be tracked across the full test range.

Threshold and objective requirements

• Temperature range: 0 to 1500 F threshold, 2000 F objective.
• Sampling rate: 4000 Hz threshold, 5000 Hz objective.
• Pixel footprint: 0.1 inch or less threshold, 0.05 inch objective.
• Accuracy: plus or minus 10 F threshold, plus or minus 5 F objective.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I compiles feasibility research on a low-temperature, high sampling rate hyperspectral imager against the threshold requirements and delivers a feasibility report describing a benchtop proof of concept that will guide Phase II fabrication.

Phase II fabricates a well-defined prototype that meets the objectives and can become operationally viable.

Phase III deploys the hyperspectral imager.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Phase I award maximum duration: 6 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 20 pages or slides.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): DAF will provide up to $6,500 per Phase I award, in addition to the topic award amount. The detailed TABA request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I research or analytical work.
• Firms majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are eligible to propose to DAF topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic rather than several variations.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Infrared and hyperspectral camera developers, thermography specialists, and photonics firms with fast detector readout experience are the best fit. Note the ITAR restriction when planning your team.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF SBIR topic DAF27BZ01-NV006?

DAF27BZ01-NV006 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a high-speed, low-temperature hyperspectral imager to measure surface temperature and emissivity in high enthalpy ground testing.

How much funding is available?

Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over up to 6 months. The DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance per Phase I award, in addition to the topic amount.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides for this topic. Pages beyond the limit are not considered.

Is this topic export controlled?

Yes. It is restricted under ITAR or EAR. You must disclose any proposed foreign nationals, and their participation may be restricted.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, technical questions must go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV005: Luminescence-Based Surface Measurement Technique for Simultaneous Pressure and Temperature Measurements within Non-Oxygen Based Hypersonic Ground Test Facilities

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV005 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a non-intrusive, luminescence-based surface technique that measures pressure and temperature simultaneously in hypersonic wind tunnels that use nitrogen instead of air, such as AEDC Tunnel 9. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Conventional pressure sensitive paint relies on oxygen quenching, so it does not work in oxygen-free flows. That leaves these facilities limited to discrete measurements.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV005
• Title: Luminescence-Based Surface Measurement Technique for Simultaneous Pressure and Temperature Measurements within Non-Oxygen Based Hypersonic Ground Test Facilities
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 20 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Hypersonics
• Keywords: hypersonic, instrumentation, non-intrusive, wind tunnel
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Pressure sensitive paint (PSP) gives global surface pressure data used to calculate aerodynamic loads and spot small-scale flow features. Its luminophores fluoresce inversely with local oxygen concentration, which rules it out in nitrogen blowdown facilities.

The Air Force wants a new technique, paint or luminophore system plus data reduction, that captures simultaneous global pressure and temperature in non-oxygen hypersonic tunnels.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I develops the technique or paint and establishes feasibility through thorough characterization of paint properties, sensitivities, and the data reduction process, using benchtop tests and small-scale educational supersonic or hypersonic facilities.

Phase II demonstrates the full-scale prototype in a hypersonic test facility using test probes or a well-known standard test article, and delivers the completed technique and refined data reduction process.

Phase III markets the technique for non-intrusive simultaneous pressure and temperature measurement in non-oxygen high-speed tunnels.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Phase I award maximum duration: 6 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 20 pages or slides.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): DAF will provide up to $6,500 per Phase I award, in addition to the topic award amount. The detailed TABA request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I research or analytical work.
• Firms majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are eligible to propose to DAF topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic rather than several variations.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Optical diagnostics firms, luminescent materials chemists, and university aerospace labs with PSP or TSP experience are the right fit. A university co-investigator with access to a small hypersonic facility helps Phase I credibility.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF SBIR topic DAF27BZ01-NV005?

DAF27BZ01-NV005 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to develop a luminescence-based technique for simultaneous global surface pressure and temperature measurement in non-oxygen hypersonic ground test facilities.

How much funding is available?

Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over up to 6 months. The DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance per Phase I award, in addition to the topic amount.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides for this topic. Pages beyond the limit are not considered.

Why doesn't standard pressure sensitive paint work here?

Standard PSP depends on oxygen quenching of luminophores. Facilities such as AEDC Tunnel 9 use nitrogen as the working fluid, so there is no oxygen signal to measure.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, technical questions must go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV004: Long Rod Delivery System

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV004 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a launching system that fires high length-to-diameter (long rod) projectiles at 1,400 m/s to more than 2,300 m/s with controlled orientation and no structural damage, to improve Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) data. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

Phase I is a feasibility study comparing launch technologies such as advanced light-gas, hybrid electromagnetic, and pneumatic approaches.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV004
• Title: Long Rod Delivery System
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 20 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Advanced Materials; Sustainment and Logistics
• Keywords: missile fragments, projectile, LFT&E, survivability
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

There is currently no reliable way to control the flight of a long rod projectile so it consistently reaches a target location at a specific orientation. That gap degrades LFT&E fidelity, compromises survivability assessments of aircraft, and adds acquisition risk and cost.

The Air Force wants a non-destructive, high-precision launcher that delivers long rods at controlled angle of attack to support vulnerability assessments and engineering designs for current and next generation combat aircraft.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I evaluates alternative launch technologies against the requirement to launch high L/D projectiles from 1,400 m/s to above 2,300 m/s without structural degradation, develops a conceptual design, models internal ballistics, acceleration, and exit velocity, and identifies risks and mitigations.

Phase II builds and tests a sub-scale or full-scale prototype, runs live-fire demonstrations with inert long rods, and uses diagnostics such as flash X-ray and high-speed imaging to verify integrity, pitch, and yaw at muzzle exit, then validates the system for LFT&E use such as ballistic limit testing.

Phase III transitions the launcher to Army, Navy, and Air Force LFT&E ranges and pursues dual-use markets including materials science, spacecraft micrometeoroid shielding, and hypervelocity impact research.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Phase I award maximum duration: 6 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 20 pages or slides.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): DAF will provide up to $6,500 per Phase I award, in addition to the topic award amount. The detailed TABA request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I research or analytical work.
• Firms majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are eligible to propose to DAF topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic rather than several variations.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Ballistics, light-gas gun, and electromagnetic launcher specialists are the core audience, along with test range engineering firms. University hypervelocity labs can be strong partners even on an SBIR.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF SBIR topic DAF27BZ01-NV004?

DAF27BZ01-NV004, Long Rod Delivery System, is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a precise, non-destructive launcher for high length-to-diameter projectiles used in live fire test and evaluation.

How much funding is available?

Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over up to 6 months. The DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance per Phase I award, in addition to the topic amount.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides for this topic. Pages beyond the limit are not considered.

What velocity range must the launcher reach?

The Phase I study evaluates launching high L/D projectiles from 1,400 m/s to more than 2,300 m/s without structural degradation.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, technical questions must go through DSIP Topic Q&A.

DAF SBIR DAF27BZ01-NV003: Multiple Telemetry Site Signal Source Synchronization

Quick Answer

DAF27BZ01-NV003 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 for a networked system that synchronizes telemetry signal simulators across geographically separated ground stations, so test ranges can check the full telemetry chain, including best source selection, before a live flight. Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over 6 months, closing November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

The end goal is a product standardized in IRIG-106 and adopted at major Air Force, Army, and Navy test ranges.

Topic at a Glance

• Topic number: DAF27BZ01-NV003
• Title: Multiple Telemetry Site Signal Source Synchronization
• Component: Department of the Air Force
• Solicitation: DoW SBIR 2027 BAA, Release 1
• Program and phase: SBIR Phase I
• Award ceiling: $300,000
• Period of performance: 6 months
• Technical volume limit: 20 pages or slides
• Projected CMMC level: Level 2 (Self)
• Export control: Not marked as ITAR restricted on DSIP
• Focus areas: Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Space Technology
• Keywords: signal synchronization, best source selection, test and training ranges, flight test, data quality metrics, hypersonic vehicles, telemetry infrastructure
• Pre-release: October 7, 2026
• Opens: October 28, 2026
• Closes: November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• Submission portal: DSIP at dodsbirsttr.mil

What the Air Force Is Looking For

Flight tests that cross multiple ranges, such as hypersonic, cruise missile, and long-range weapon tests, rely on telemetry receive stations along the flight path relaying data to a control room. Best source selectors (BSS) now time-align these streams and pick the best data bit by bit using data quality metrics.

The problem: pre-flight checks still test each site individually with an uncorrelated boresight simulator, so the BSS cannot correlate the streams and its configuration is unknown until the mission. The Air Force wants signal sources at multiple sites to simulate the test article as if every station could see it at once, enabling an end-to-end checkout of antennas, networks, BSS, and control room displays.

How the Phases Are Structured

Phase I describes the shortfall with all components, interfaces, standards, and use cases; proposes an architecture with spatially diverse signal sources synchronized to a precise common time and frequency reference; derives a master-client network with a central command and control GUI; and develops a protocol that aligns the pseudo-random bit sequences (PRBS) from every simulator.

Phase II delivers a prototype with time-aligned signal generation, a web GUI for central control, multi-site BER testing through a BSS including simulated latency and jitter, lab verification, and field validation with at least three signal sources at three geographically diverse locations (for example Edwards AFB, China Lake, and Point Mugu).

Phase III matures the system from TRL 6 to TRL 8 with the ranges and the Range Commanders Council Telemetry Group. Named customers include the 412th Test Wing, 96th Test Wing, NAWCAD, and White Sands Missile Range, with commercial markets at primes and launch providers.

Funding and Proposal Limits

• Phase I award maximum: $300,000. Proposals above this amount will not be considered for evaluation or award.
• Phase I award maximum duration: 6 months.
• Technical Volume (Volume 2) limit: 20 pages or slides.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): DAF will provide up to $6,500 per Phase I award, in addition to the topic award amount. The detailed TABA request must be in Volume 5.

Who Is Eligible

• You must be a U.S. small business concern that meets SBIR ownership and size rules at the time of award.
• Your firm must perform at least two-thirds of the Phase I research or analytical work.
• Firms majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity funds are eligible to propose to DAF topics.
• DoW now limits proposals on a per-topic basis, so plan on one strong proposal for this topic rather than several variations.

Key Dates and How to Apply

• Now through October 28, 2026: pre-release. Topic authors are listed on the DSIP Topics and Topic Q&A page and you can call or email them directly with technical questions. This is the only window for direct contact.
• October 28, 2026: the topic opens for proposals in the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). After this date, questions go through DSIP Topic Q&A only.
• November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET: complete proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP. A proposal still marked In Progress or Ready to Certify is not considered submitted.
• Before you submit, confirm an active SAM.gov registration, a DSIP account, completed Volume 6 Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training, and the Volume 7 foreign affiliation disclosure webform.

Is This Topic a Fit for Your Company?

Telemetry, RF test equipment, and precision timing companies are the natural fit, especially those familiar with IRIG-106, data quality encapsulation, and range operations. A team that pairs RF signal generation with network timing expertise will read well.

BW&CO has helped deep tech founders secure $350M+ in non-dilutive funding. If you want a second opinion on fit, feasibility documentation, or a proposal plan before the deadline, book a call with our team below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAF SBIR topic DAF27BZ01-NV003?

DAF27BZ01-NV003 is a Department of the Air Force SBIR Phase I topic in DoW SBIR 2027 BAA Release 1 to synchronize telemetry signal simulators across multiple range sites so the full receive chain, including best source selection, can be verified before a flight test.

How much funding is available?

Phase I awards are up to $300,000 over up to 6 months. The DAF also provides up to $6,500 in Technical and Business Assistance per Phase I award, in addition to the topic amount.

When is the deadline?

The topic pre-released October 7, 2026, opens October 28, 2026, and closes November 25, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Proposals must be certified and submitted in DSIP.

How long can the technical volume be?

Volume 2 is limited to 20 pages or slides for this topic. Pages beyond the limit are not considered.

What does the Phase II field test require?

A prototype of at least three signal sources controlled by a central hub, installed and tested at three geographically diverse locations, with PRBS synchronization, remote GUI control, and passing multi-site BER testing at the BSS output.

Can I talk to the topic author?

Yes, during pre-release only, from October 7 until the topic opens on October 28, 2026. After that, technical questions must go through DSIP Topic Q&A.