TSM Special Topic – WIRE Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Department of Defense is seeking advanced manufacturing solutions that can help build and sustain the next generation of supersonic aircraft through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace (TSM) Special Topic: Advanced Manufacturing for Supersonic Aircraft. The government is specifically looking for technologies that reduce acquisition and sustainment costs, accelerate production timelines, strengthen the domestic supply chain, and improve manufacturing capabilities for critical aerospace systems.
This opportunity is designed for companies developing advanced aerospace manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing, advanced materials, robotics and automation, reverse engineering, advanced repair technologies, and digital engineering tools.
Submissions must be submitted to the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace between May 15, 2026 and June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST. Solutions assessed as “Awardable” may become eligible for future procurement actions through the Tradewinds ecosystem and potentially through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).
How much funding would I receive?
The solicitation does not specify any award amount, funding range, ceiling, floor, or number of awards.
The notice states that placement into the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace as “Awardable” does not guarantee any current or future award. Future awards, if any, may result through separate procurement actions.
What could I use the funding for?
The solicitation is seeking advanced manufacturing technologies and processes that support the manufacturing and sustainment of supersonic aircraft.
Example capability areas include:
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
PBF-LB
EBF3
Flight-critical components
High-temperature thermoplastics
Titanium alloys
Nickel-based superalloys
Advanced Materials
Carbon fiber composites
Metal matrix composites
High-stress and high-temperature applications
Robotics and Automation
Automated assembly
Manufacturing automation
Precision and safety improvements
Reverse Engineering and Legacy Systems
Reverse engineering of obsolete components
Recreation of technical data packages
Advanced Repair Technologies
Laser cladding
Cold spray
Non-destructive inspection (NDI)
Digital Engineering and Manufacturing
MBSE
Digital twins
Manufacturing process optimization
The government also requires solutions to:
Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs
Shorten production timelines
Strengthen the U.S. Defense Industrial Base
Reduce reliance on foreign suppliers
Improve domestic manufacturing capabilities
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Companies assessed as “Awardable” will:
Be placed in the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace
Have their solutions made available for future procurement actions
Potentially become eligible for future awards through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)
The solicitation also notes that future awards may require companies to become DIBC members, although DIBC membership is not required to submit a solution.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Key dates include:
Submission window opens: May 15, 2026
Submission deadline: June 24, 2026, 12:00PM EST
Assessment period begins: July 1, 2026
Assessment period concludes: July 31, 2026, no later than 12:00PM EST
Notification of assessment rating: On or immediately after July 31, 2026
Where does this funding come from?
The opportunity is sponsored through the Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Execution (WIRE) program, which is focused on strengthening the U.S. Defense Industrial Base and supporting critical national security manufacturing capabilities.
The notice states that future awards, if any, may be made through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC).
Who is eligible to apply?
The solicitation refers broadly to “entities” and “vendors” submitting solutions through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.
The notice does not specify:
Company size requirements
Small business requirements
Domestic ownership restrictions
Revenue limits
Stage restrictions
TRL requirements
The solicitation does state that submissions must comply with the Tradewinds Announcement v10.0 requirements and submission process.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
The government is prioritizing solutions that:
Directly support current and future supersonic aircraft manufacturing and sustainment
Reduce acquisition and sustainment costs
Accelerate production timelines
Strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities
Reduce reliance on foreign sources
Advance the state of the art in aerospace manufacturing
Strong applications will likely demonstrate:
Clear technical differentiation
Significant improvement over existing processes
Strong domestic supply chain impact
Long-term industrial base resilience
Scalability and operational relevance
The solicitation also emphasizes business models that foster innovation, competition, and broader adoption within the industrial base.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes. Important restrictions and requirements include:
All submissions must be made through the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace
Submissions must comply with Tradewinds Announcement v10.0
Video submissions are required
Companies must select:
“Special Topic Submission” under Submission Type
“WIRE ADV MAN Special Topic” under Relevant Strategic Focus Area
Video titles must begin with:
“WIRE ADV MAN:”
The solicitation also states:
Submission preparation costs are not reimbursable
“Awardable” status does not guarantee funding
Future awards may require DIBC membership
The solicitation does not specify any cost share requirements.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The application requires a compliant Tradewinds video submission addressing all required evaluation criteria.
Companies will need to prepare content covering:
Problem alignment
Mission acceleration
Technical innovation
Business model viability
Industrial base impact
The solicitation does not estimate preparation time. However, because the process requires a structured video submission and compliance with Tradewinds requirements, companies should expect a meaningful preparation effort.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help your team:
Determine whether your technology aligns with the solicitation
Position your solution against the Tradewinds evaluation rubric
Develop a compelling technical and commercialization narrative
Structure and script the required video submission
Translate complex manufacturing technologies into reviewer-friendly messaging
Emphasize domestic supply chain and industrial base impacts
Improve competitiveness for “Awardable” assessment status
