Space Domain Awareness Solutions CSO

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Space Force Space Acquisition & Integration Office (SAIO) is awarding up to $6 million through a multi-year Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to small businesses developing innovative Space Domain Awareness (SDA) solutions. Companies submit short white papers under specific Areas of Interest (AOIs), with AOI-2025_01 closing January 20, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding amounts are determined at the AOI and proposal level. For AOI-2025_01, awards are expected to come from a shared ~$1.5M funding pool across multiple AOIs. The Government may fund all, some, or part of a proposed solution, depending on mission priority, technical merit, and available funds.

What could I use the funding for?

SpOC/S33Z – SDA Capability Enhancement seeks research, development, and prototyping efforts that advance state-of-the-art methods for managing, analyzing, and exploiting space sensor data. The dynamic and challenging SDA environment requires novel approaches that go beyond traditional software development, with emphasis on experimental techniques, proof-of-concept demonstrations, and technology maturation that can transition into operational use.

Technical Focus Areas (TFAs)

Offerors may propose solutions aligned with one or more of the following TFAs. All submissions should emphasize the R&D aspect of their approach, with deliverables expected to include prototypes, models, and/or experimental frameworks rather than production-ready systems.

• TFA 1: Scalable, Adaptable Data Management Tools

  Desired Capabilities:

  • Research and prototyping of new database or data architecture approaches for storing and managing sensor observations, state vectors, and metadata.

  • Experimental tools for data format translation/conversion to enable integration across platforms or analysis pipelines.

  • Innovative methods for tagging, indexing, and organizing traditional and non-traditional sensor data (e.g., radar, EO/IR, passive RF).

• TFA 2: Modeling and Analytics for Enhanced Accuracy and Optimization

  Desired Capabilities:

  • Development and validation of new modeling techniques to determine LEO sensor performance requirements.

  • Research into space environmental models to support phased array radar performance assessments.

  • Exploration of methods for dynamic weighting of sensor observations.

  • Prototyping of modeling/simulation tools to assess the impact of sensor network topology changes.

  • Experimental accuracy assessment tools for passive RF systems, mobile sensors, or degraded data environments.

• TFA 3: Agile Software Prototyping and Transition

  Desired Capabilities:

  • Exploration of approaches to integrate or reuse government-developed astrodynamics models/toolkits in new prototypes.

  • Rapid prototyping of experimental software to address SDA operational challenges.

  • Research into refactoring methods that enable rapid prototypes to evolve into maintainable, deployable systems without full-scale redevelopment.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct award, companies benefit from:

Government Validation & Technical Credibility
Being selected by the U.S. Space Force Space Acquisition & Integration Office (SAIO) signals strong technical credibility and alignment with Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission priorities—significantly strengthening trust with primes, integrators, and future DoD customers.

Non-Dilutive Technology Maturation
CSO awards enable companies to advance high-risk, high-impact SDA software and analytics technologies using non-dilutive capital, preserving founder equity while increasing enterprise value and technical maturity.

Access to Space Force Operational Stakeholders
Awardees gain direct exposure to Space Force operators, technical leads, and acquisition personnel within the SDA enterprise—creating opportunities for transition paths, follow-on AOIs, and future operational adoption.

Increased Visibility & Notoriety
Participation in Space Force–funded R&D enhances visibility across the national security space ecosystem, including government stakeholders, defense primes, and the broader space technology community.

Strengthened Exit / Acquisition Potential
Demonstrating government-backed progress in SDA capabilities positions companies for strategic partnerships, follow-on contracts, or acquisition by major defense and space industry primes.

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

Phase I submissions consist of a white paper and short PowerPoint briefing. For AOI-2025_01, white papers close January 20, 2026. Selected companies may be invited to pitch sessions and then submit a full proposal. Award notifications typically occur within ~45 days of evaluation, with contract start dates generally ~90 days after final proposal submission.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the U.S. Space Force, administered through the Space Acquisition & Integration Office (SAIO) under DFARS 212.70 Commercial Solutions Opening authority.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to U.S. entities. AOI-2025_01 is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS 541715. Offerors must comply with NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements and be eligible for federal contracting.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Winning teams are typically small businesses with strong technical depth in space data, analytics, modeling, or software R&D, and a clear understanding of SDA mission needs. Competitive proposals emphasize innovation, feasibility, and operational relevance, while remaining realistic in scope, schedule, and cost.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Phase I submissions must be unclassified. Foreign participation is prohibited due to export control and national security restrictions. The Government will acquire only minimum necessary data rights, allowing companies to retain ownership of their core IP.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most teams should expect 4–6 weeks to prepare a compliant Phase I submission, including the quad chart, PowerPoint briefing, and white paper. Founders should plan additional time if cybersecurity documentation or internal technical alignment is needed.

How can BW&CO help?

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

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

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

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

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

Additional Resources

See solicitation on sam.gov

Kronos Program – Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Executive Summary:

Space Systems Command’s Kronos CSO is soliciting commercial prototype solutions that strengthen Space Force command and control (C2). Submissions must align to Areas of Interest (AOIs) (Operational C2, Battle Management, Space Intelligence). Phase I requires a brief overview deck (5 slides) and a 5-page white paper; selected offerors may be invited to Phase II for full proposals. Phase I materials are due Dec 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm MT.

How much funding would I receive?

The CSO does not specify dollar amounts but likely in the millions of dollar range. The Government may issue OTA or FAR-based prototype awards; follow-on production is possible if the prototype is successful, subject to available funding and approvals.

What could I use the funding for?

Prototype development aligned to an Area of Interest below:

AOI 01: Operational Command and Control

The Kronos PMO is seeking innovative solutions that enable end-to-end C2 functionality, including planning, preparation, execution, and assessment, within a unified, interoperable framework. Key capabilities include developing and prioritizing commander’s intent; supporting both deliberate and dynamic target development and effects-based operations; conducting capability and feasibility analysis; facilitating commander’s decision-making and force assignment; monitoring real-time mission execution with adaptability to changing conditions; performing combat assessment; and providing comprehensive shared situational awareness across joint, and allied partners. The innovative solution must be scalable, modular, and extensible to support evolving mission needs and emerging technologies. Cloud-native design, DevSecOps practices, AI/ML integration, advanced data management, and zero trust cybersecurity principles are highly desired. Submissions should demonstrate how the proposed solution delivers a cohesive, resilient, and adaptable C2 capability aligned with U.S. Space Force operational priorities and enables agile, data-driven decision-making across the Kronos Enterprise.

AOI 02: Battle Management

The Kronos PMO is seeking an integrated Space Attack Planning Toolkit to enable advanced effects-based planning and coordination across the Kronos Enterprise. The desired solution will support the ability to match space resources to effects-based requirements by synthesizing commander’s guidance, effects, and operational priorities with real-time resource status, including tactical units and ISR assets. The solution should expedite C2 planning and enhance coordination between operational and tactical levels. Key capabilities include integration of tactical C2 assessment tools to enable rapid course of action development, feasibility modeling, probability of success analysis, and collateral impact assessment. The solution should support tactical C2 planning by providing real-time status, warnings, and orders to tactical units, while capturing and managing CONOPs and CONEMPs to ensure coherent command relationships and execution pathways. Additionally, the toolkit must enable tactical C2 monitoring and visualization of ongoing effects, support dynamic guidance updates, and facilitate responsive coordination with tactical units within established rules of engagement. The solution must be modular, scalable, and designed for seamless integration with the broader Kronos C2 architecture, with an emphasis on agility, real-time data integration, and operational relevance.

AOI 03: Space Intelligence

The Kronos PMO is seeking an integrated Intelligence solution to enhance decision advantage for joint and coalition forces across the Kronos Enterprise. The desired solution must unify three core intelligence capabilities: battlespace characterization, collection operations, and targeting. Battlespace characterization should enable continuous understanding and prediction of adversary capabilities, tactics, dispositions, centers of gravity, and courses of action, with dynamic assessments that inform targeting and operational decision-making. Collection operations must support the tasking and synchronization of ISR assets and exploitation resources to acquire actionable data on the operational environment, adversary activity, and infrastructure, closing intelligence gaps and enhancing situational awareness. The targeting component must provide a continuous, analytic process to select, prioritize, and engage targets in alignment with commander objectives, integrating intelligence at every stage of the targeting cycle. The solution must facilitate seamless coordination across functional disciplines and between operational and tactical levels. Scalability, modularity, and interoperability with the broader Kronos C2 architecture are essential, with emphasis on real-time data integration, dynamic visualization, and AI/ML-driven analytic capabilities. Submissions should clearly demonstrate how the solution enhances intelligence-driven operations and supports timely, informed, and effective decision-making across the joint force.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding, participation offers major strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection through the CSO process signals that your company’s industrialized construction approach meets urgent defense infrastructure modernization goals. That endorsement strengthens credibility with defense primes, base infrastructure offices, and private investors.

Enhanced Market Visibility and Notoriety:
Awardees gain visibility through announcements, government communications, and defense industry press—establishing your firm as a recognized innovator in resilient military housing and off-site manufacturing.

Follow-On Production Opportunities:
Successful prototypes can transition directly to follow-on production agreements without further competition, potentially unlocking multi-installation, multi-year build programs.

Nondilutive Growth and Exit Value:
Winning an OT award provides nondilutive capital and validation, often leading to higher valuations and stronger acquisition potential for defense and construction-tech firms.

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

• Phase I (Initial Submission): Overview briefing (≤5 slides plus required Quad Chart) and a 5-page white paper; optional pitch session may be requested.

• Phase II (By Invitation): Technical Approach, Statement of Work, and Price proposal per RFP instructions.

• Awards/Timing: The Government may fund all, some, part of, or none of the proposals and may incrementally fund awards; timing is subject to availability of funds.

Where does this funding come from?

Space Systems Command, Kronos Program of Record, using primarily Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) authority under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021-4022, with potential for FAR-based contracts where appropriate

Who is eligible to apply?

Offerors proposing innovative commercial prototypes addressing the AOIs (page 5).

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Solutions that show Government interest and technical merit, align with AOIs, demonstrate integration feasibility, modern software practices, and offer reasonable pricing. Vendor viability and security posture are also considered.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Prototype focus; follow-on production not guaranteed.

• All Phase I & II submissions unclassified; Phase II performers should hold required clearances if classified work is proposed.

• Data/IP rights negotiated per DFARS (FAR-based) or via OTA; Government intends to acquire only necessary rights.

• Export controls (ITAR/EAR) and FOCI disclosure apply.

• Non-Government advisors (FFRDC/SETA/SE&I/A&AS) may review under NDAs.

• OCI analysis/mitigation required at Phase II.

• CRWL considerations per FY25 NDAA may affect award eligibility.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive powerpoint and white paper will take 75-100 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

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

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

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

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

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for the Overview Briefing and White Paper for $7000. Pitch & Full proposal quoted upon invitation.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

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

Additional Resources

View the Solicitation Here.

The AFWERX & SpaceWERX Open Topic Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Executive Summary:

AFWERX & SpaceWERX’s Open Topic provides SBIR/STTR awards to small businesses to validate feasibility (Phase I) and build prototypes with Air Force or Space Force partners (Phase II or D2P2). Any technology could potentially be funded if it provides real value to the military. Phase I awards are up to $75K/$110K for 3 months; Phase II up to $1.25M/$1.8M; Direct to Phase II up to $1.25M. The next deadlines are estimated to be Q4 of 2025 or Q1 of 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

1. Phase I (Feasibility Study): Up to $75K (SBIR) or $110K (STTR) for a 3-month effort.

2. Phase II (Prototype Development): Up to $1.25M (SBIR) or $1.8M (STTR) for up to 21 months.

3. Direct to Phase II (D2P2): Up to $1.25M (SBIR) for up to 21 months, available to companies that can skip Phase I by providing prior feasibility evidence and a signed Customer Memorandum.

What could I use the funding for?

• Phase I funds a feasibility study and/or customer discovery to identify an Air Force or Space Force end user and customer, culminating in a preliminary and final report.

• Phase II/D2P2 funds R&D to adapt and prototype your dual-use solution with an Air Force or Space Force Technical Point of Contact and the Customer/End User who signed the Customer Memorandum.

See sample projects here.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, AFWERX/SpaceWERX Open Topic participants gain several strategic advantages:

• Government Validation and Credibility: Selection for an AFWERX or SpaceWERX SBIR/STTR award demonstrates strong technical merit and alignment with Department of the Air Force priorities. This validation builds trust among primes, defense customers, and private investors.

• Enhanced Visibility and Market Recognition: Awardees are often highlighted in AFWERX communications, SpaceWERX showcases, and federal innovation reports—raising profile across defense, aerospace, and venture communities.

• Access to the National Defense Innovation Network: Recipients gain entry into the AFVentures ecosystem, connecting with Air and Space Force end users, program offices, and transition partners to accelerate dual-use commercialization and follow-on contracting opportunities.

• Stronger Commercial and Exit Potential: By advancing technology with nondilutive funding and government-backed validation, companies enhance valuation, de-risk product development, and increase attractiveness for acquisition or follow-on investment

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

The next deadlines are expected to be Q4 of 2025 and Q1 of 2026. Funding is generally received 4-5 months after the deadline.

Where does this funding come from?

Awards are made under the Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR program via AFWERX/AFVentures and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Who is eligible to apply?

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

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

• Have ≤ 500 employees including affiliates.

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated based on three primary criteria:

• Technical Approach: The soundness, feasibility, and innovation of your proposed solution—how effectively it addresses the problem and advances the state of the art.

• Defense Need: The strength of alignment between your technology and an identified Air Force or Space Force capability gap, as demonstrated through end-user engagement or a signed Customer Memorandum.

• Commercialization Potential: The dual-use viability and market readiness of your solution—its potential to scale in both defense and commercial sectors.

Strong applications clearly articulate all three dimensions, showing technical excellence, a validated Air Force or Space Force use case, and a credible path to commercial success.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposal Template Compliance: You must use the required proposal template; any content placed outside designated pages will not be evaluated.

• U.S.-Based R/R&D Requirement: All research and development activities funded under the award must be conducted within the United States.

• ITAR Restrictions: Projects involving ITAR-controlled materials limit the participation of foreign nationals.

• Customer Memorandum Requirement: A signed Customer Memorandum is mandatory for all Phase II and Direct to Phase II (D2P2) submissions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

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

How can BW&CO help?

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

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

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

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

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for

• Phase I: $9,000 Flat Fee + a 5% Success Fee.

• Phase II/D2P2: $15,000 Flat Fee + a 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

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

Additional Resources

Access the AFWERX Website here.