USASOC CY2026 C-sUAS Open Call

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

Executive Summary:

U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is seeking counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) technologies to protect Army Special Operations Forces (ARSOF) operating in austere, high-risk environments.

Small UAS pose a growing threat through ISR, targeting, and direct attack capabilities. USASOC is looking for TRL 4–7 solutions that improve detection and defeat capabilities while minimizing the electromagnetic signature of the user.

The submission deadline is 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

Submissions are currently open and will be accepted beginning 02 Feb 2026 : 23:00 GMT-6 through 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6. If this is aligned with your technology, you should plan to submit before the deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

Typical funding is around $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

This opportunity supports engagement objectives including:

• Capability Demonstration

• Market Research

• Tech Experimentation

USASOC is specifically interested in C-sUAS technologies that are:

• TRL 4–7

• Handheld or body worn sensors for sUAS detection

• Handheld RF detect and defeat solutions

• GNSS denial or spoofing technologies

• Expeditionary Fixed Sites (EFS) that are man packable <50lbs

• EFS that provide detection capabilities of group 1–3 UAS

All technologies should minimize the electromagnetic signature of the user.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Additional benefits are not specified in the solicitation.

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

Open Date: 02 Feb 2026 : 23:00 GMT-6
Deadline: 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6

The deadline to submit is 01 Dec 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is issued by U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided solicitation materials.

Entity type restrictions (e.g., small businesses, large businesses, academic institutions, non-profits) are not specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated interests, USASOC is seeking technologies that:

• Address sUAS threats to ARSOF

• Fall within TRL 4–7

• Provide handheld, body-worn, RF detect/defeat, GNSS denial/spoofing, or man-packable (<50lbs) Expeditionary Fixed Site capabilities

• Detect group 1–3 UAS

• Minimize the electromagnetic signature of the user

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Submission requires:

• Uploading a quad chart of your technology (See template)

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The only required submission material specified is a quad chart of your technology.

Preparation time will depend on how quickly you can complete the required quad chart.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess whether your technology aligns with the stated TRL 4–7 and C-sUAS requirements

• Refine your positioning to clearly address ARSOF operational needs

• Develop and optimize your quad chart to align with USASOC’s stated interests

• Ensure your submission directly reflects the language and priorities in the solicitation

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($4,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) Exercise Barb 26

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

Executive Summary:

COMSUBFOR is seeking emerging technologies to support Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) operations in alignment with U.S. national security and DoD strategic guidance. The focus is on maintaining undersea dominance by modernizing warfighting capabilities through persistent innovation and integration of emerging technologies.

This effort supports broader Joint Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements. Technologies must directly enhance U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS mission effectiveness and lethality in a contested undersea environment.

The application deadline is March 22nd. If you are developing autonomous, robotic, or remotely operated systems capable of conducting Offensive Seabed Attack missions, you should begin preparing immediately.

How much funding would I receive?

Typical funding is around $500k - $2m.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding would support technologies that enhance the execution of Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) operations.

Area of Interest (AOI-1): Offensive Seabed Attack

Submissions should address:

• Deploying and operating robotic autonomous systems

• Deploying and operating remotely operated systems

• Targeting adversary seabed systems

• Achieving kinetic and non-kinetic effects

• Covering the entire kill chain from deployment through battle damage assessment

Technologies must be directly relevant to enhancing mission effectiveness and lethality in a contested undersea environment.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This effort supports U.S. Submarine Force priorities and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements.

Additional benefits beyond potential integration to enhance U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS mission effectiveness are not specified.

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

The application deadline is March 22nd.

Where does this funding come from?

This effort is issued by COMSUBFOR in accordance with U.S. national security and DoD strategic guidance.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided solicitation materials.

Entity type restrictions (e.g., small businesses, large businesses, academic institutions, non-profits) are not specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that:

• Enhance Offensive Subsea and Seabed Warfare (SSW) capabilities

• Improve mission effectiveness and lethality in contested undersea environments

• Support U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 requirements

• Address the full kill chain from deployment to battle damage assessment

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Cost share requirements are not specified.

• Technology readiness level (TRL) requirements are not specified.

• Export control, security clearance, or classification requirements are not specified.

• Other restrictions are not specified in the provided materials.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Given the March 22nd deadline, companies should assume an accelerated preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate your seabed or autonomous systems technology into a mission-aligned narrative tailored to COMSUBFOR priorities

• Map your solution to the Offensive Seabed Attack AOI and clearly articulate full kill chain impact

• Position your company to demonstrate relevance to U.S. Submarine Force and AUKUS Pillar 2 mission effectiveness

• Develop concise, defense-aligned technical and capability briefs

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($4,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

The Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO) is actively seeking innovative commercial technologies to support U.S. Air Force cyberspace intelligence, electromagnetic warfare, information operations, and multi-domain operations. This Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is designed to move fast, fund mature technologies applied in novel ways, and support field demonstrations—ideally within one year.

How much funding would I receive?

AFCO expects to make individual awards ranging from:

• $50,000 to $50,000,000 over the full period of performance

These amounts are not strict limits. Proposals over $15,000,000 must include phased options that allow for incremental funding. All awards are subject to the availability of funds.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may be used to develop, demonstrate, test, or deploy innovative commercial technologies aligned with AFCO’s mission areas. Proposals must address one or more of the following capability areas:

AFCO-CM-001, ELECTROMAGNETIC WARFARE (EW)

• Electromagnetic attack, support, and protection

• EW data fusion and advanced signal processing

• Cognitive EW and AI/ML-enabled techniques

• EW battle management and waveform generation

AFCO-CM-002, INFORMATION OPERATIONS (IO)

• Technologies that affect adversary decision-making

• Capabilities targeting informational, physical, or cognitive dimensions

• Generative AI or autonomous AI applied to the information environment

AFCO-CM-003, Electromagnetic Digital Communications

• Free-space and space-based digital communications

• Access, denial, disruption, degradation, deception, or destruction of communications

• Novel approaches emphasizing extensibility over single-purpose solutions

AFCO-CM-004, Multi-Domain Innovation

• Integrated effects across EW, cyberspace, ISR, and information operations

• Automated and synchronized multi-domain operational capabilities

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, successful companies may receive:

• Direct engagement with Air Force technical and operational stakeholders

• Opportunities for follow-on contracts or Other Transactions (OTs)

• Potential multi-year periods of performance (up to five years)

• A clear pathway from prototype to operational relevancest Proposal and SOW).

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

• Phase I: Quad Chart and White Paper may be submitted at any time before September 30, 2026

• Phase II: Only by invitation from the Contracting Officer

• Proposal preparation window (Phase II): 30 calendar days from invitation

• Expected contract start: Approximately 90 days after proposal submission

Period of performance:

• Typically 1–5 years, with exceptions considered based on maturity or need

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the Air Force Cryptologic Office (AFCO), Cyberspace ISR and Multi-Domain Innovation Division, under the U.S. Department of the Air Force.

Awards may be issued as:

• Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts

• Fixed Price Incentive (FPI) contracts

• Other Transactions (OTs) under 10 U.S.C. §2371bal Medicines).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S.-based commercial companies

• Small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors

• Companies offering commercial items, technologies, or services

To receive an award, companies must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Be considered responsible under FAR Part 9.1

• Meet any security clearance requirements if proposing classified work

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Successful proposals typically:

• Apply mature technologies in novel ways

• Demonstrate clear relevance to AFCO mission needs

• Support field demonstrations within one year (ideally)

• Offer measurable improvements to operational effectiveness

• Align with open architecture approaches (e.g., SOSA, OMS/UCI, modular software/hardware)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include:

• All submissions must be commercial solutions

• Classified submissions require prior coordination

• Proposals exceeding page limits will not be evaluated

• Intellectual property assertions must follow DFARS requirements

• AFCO may partially fund, incrementally fund, or decline any proposal

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Typical preparation times:

• Phase I (Quad Chart + White Paper): 1–3 weeks

• Phase II (if invited): 30 calendar days

The Phase II submission includes a technical proposal, statement of work, and detailed pricing.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Rapidly assess fit against AFCO’s priority areas

• Shape your Quad Chart and White Paper for evaluator clarity

• Position your technology for Phase II invitation

• Translate technical capabilities into mission-aligned value propositions

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 consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.