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

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

Executive Summary:

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

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

How much funding would I receive?

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

Problem Statement:

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

Desired Solution:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

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

• Ability to refine capabilities through operational user feedback

• Potential pathway to production use without system rearchitecture

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

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

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

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

The Government states:

• “Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.”

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

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

Where does this funding come from?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states the opportunity is:

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

Respondents must:

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

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

Competitive submissions are likely to include:

• Existing prototype capabilities rather than conceptual-only approaches

• Demonstrated data fusion and entity resolution capabilities

• Explainable analytics and traceable reasoning

• Automated monitoring and alerting functionality

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

• Strong approaches to analyst usability and operational iteration

• Clear implementation schedules, milestones, and deliverables

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

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation includes the following submission requirements and constraints:

• Responses should be 2–10 pages maximum

• Respondents must include:

  • Technical concept

  • Implementation approach

  • Company information

  • Point of contact

  • Past performance

  • Proposed period of performance

  • Proposed applicable documents

  • Proposed technical approach

  • Proposed deliverables

  • Proposed schedule with milestones

  • Proposed payment schedule

  • Proposed patents and data rights

  • Proposed milestone-based costs or ROM pricing

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

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Because the Government is requesting relatively short submissions (2–10 pages maximum), companies with existing capabilities or prior prototype work may be able to prepare a response relatively quickly.

However, the solicitation requires:

• Technical approach details

• Milestone schedules

• Payment schedules

• Cost estimates

• Past performance information

• Data rights and patent considerations

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Position your capability around the Government’s stated operational gaps

• Translate technical platforms into mission-focused prototype language

• Build concise OTA-style white papers optimized for rapid evaluation

• Develop milestone-based scopes, schedules, and ROM pricing

• Strengthen differentiation around explainability, entity resolution, and operational deployment

• Prepare submission materials aligned to ONI evaluation expectations

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H - TIGAR Exploratory Topic | ARPA-H-SOL-26-144

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking high-risk, high-impact biopreservation technologies through the Technology InteGrator and AcceleratoR (TIGAR) Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). This opportunity is focused on enabling temperature-flexible storage of regenerative tissues, organs, organoids, engineered tissues, and other complex biologics. ARPA-H is specifically looking for approaches that can stabilize larger and more complex biological systems without introducing high cost or operational complexity.

This is an early-stage R&D opportunity designed for ambitious technical teams pursuing novel approaches involving areas such as new materials, AI/ML, high-throughput screening, biological interventions, devices, analytical technologies, processing methods, and packaging systems.

There are two intake cycles. The first Solution Video deadline is June 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET and the first Full Proposal deadline is August 5th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. The second Solution Video deadline is December 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET and the second Full Proposal deadline is February 5th, 2027, 5:00 PM ET. The ISO closes on February 5th, 2027, 11:59 PM ET. Companies interested in this opportunity should begin preparing immediately due to the required two-step submission process and detailed technical proposal requirements.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H states that the total funding requested “must not exceed $2 million USD over the 18-month period of performance.” Awards are anticipated to be made as “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements.”

Areas of Interest

Funding is intended to support development of enabling technologies for biopreservation and temperature-flexible storage of complex biologics and regenerative tissues.

Proposed solutions may include combinations of:

• New materials

• Artificial intelligence/machine learning

• High-throughput screening methods

• Biological interventions

• Devices

• Processing methods

• Analytical technologies

• Packaging approaches

Projects must demonstrate progress toward functional preservation of:

• Entire biological structures such as organoids, organs, or organ sub-units; or

• One (1) cubic centimeter volumes of tissue

Projects must target storage durations of “≥30 days” at practical temperatures achievable with conventional equipment, including:

• -80˚C

• -20˚C

• 4˚C

• 20˚C-25˚C room temperature (RT)

ARPA-H states that innovations focused only at the cellular level “without a strategy for deployment in thick tissues will not be considered.” Preferred demonstration systems include:

• Organoids

• Donated tissues

• Whole organs

• Organ sub-structures

• Vascularized allografts

• Engineered tissues

The proposed effort must be structured as an 18-month program with:

• Two 9-month phases

• A down-select decision at the end of Phase 1

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H program staff

• Opportunity to advance foundational proofs-of-concept aligned with future ARPA-H research priorities

• Ability to position technologies for future commercial, clinical, and biomedical applications

• Potential future commercialization advantages for successful technologies

ARPA-H also states that “resource sharing is encouraged,” including:

• Shared-use infrastructure

• Data or IP access arrangements

• Performer contributions

• ROI or value-sharing mechanisms

The solicitation additionally notes that open-source software approaches and interoperability standards are preferred.

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

Key dates are:

• Posting Date: April 22nd, 2026

• Webinar: May 20th, 2026

• Webinar Registration deadline: May 18th, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Intake Group 1:

• Solution Video due date: June 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Full Proposal due date: August 5th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

Intake Group 2:

• Solution Video due date: December 8th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Full Proposal due date: February 5th, 2027, 5:00 PM ET

ISO closing date:

• February 5th, 2027, 11:59 PM ET

The submission process includes:

1. Submission of a required Solution Video package

2. Submission of a Full Proposal

ARPA-H states it will “generally respond within 30 business days of receipt” for both Solution Video reviews and Full Proposal evaluations.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), specifically through the Scalable Solutions Office.

The funding opportunity is titled:
“Technology InteGrator and AcceleratoR (TIGAR)”

The solicitation number is:
“ARPA-H-SOL-26-144”

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible proposers may include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other commercial entities

ARPA-H states that all sources capable of satisfying the government’s needs may respond unless suspended or debarred.

However, the solicitation specifically excludes:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as primes or sub-performers, unless ARPA-H determines unique capabilities are necessary

• Government entities and government employees

• Individuals or entities currently providing professional support services to ARPA-H

• Entities suspended or debarred from doing business with the government

• Certain foreign entities and individuals restricted under the CHIPS and Science Act and other federal statutes

Foreign entities may participate if they comply with applicable regulations, export controls, and security requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Have a valid UEI

• Maintain active registration throughout the award period

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H states proposals will be evaluated primarily on:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Proposer Capabilities and Experience

3. Contribution to the ARPA-H Mission and User Experience

4. Cost/Price Reasonableness

Competitive projects will likely include:

• Highly innovative and technically sound approaches

• Clear, testable experimental designs

• Logical technical milestones

• Strong risk mitigation plans

• Experienced interdisciplinary teams

• Clear commercialization or clinical relevance

• Practical solutions that improve storage and distribution of biologics

• Approaches that reduce dependence on tightly controlled temperature environments

• Technologies capable of preserving large or complex biological systems

ARPA-H also states strong proposals should:

• Consider end-user adoption and clinical workflow

• Address affordability and accessibility

• Align with interoperability and open standards

• Include commercially friendly open-source software approaches where applicable

The solicitation notes that ARPA-H prefers “novel solutions” and discourages low-risk proposals designed primarily to minimize budget.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Total requested funding cannot exceed $2 million USD

• Cellular-only preservation approaches without thick tissue deployment strategies are out of scope

• All submissions must be in English

• Non-conforming submissions may be rejected without review

• Submission is only allowed through the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal

• Registration delays will not excuse late submissions

Additional restrictions include:

• Compliance with research security disclosure requirements

• Restrictions related to foreign entities and malign foreign talent recruitment programs

• Compliance with intellectual property and software interoperability standards

• Potential requirements for open-source alignment

• Human subjects and animal research compliance requirements where applicable

• Restrictions on dangerous gain-of-function research

• Restrictions on procurement of synthetic nucleic acids from non-compliant suppliers

ARPA-H also reserves the right to:

• Select all, some, one, or none of the proposals

• Negotiate only portions of proposals

• Remove proposals from consideration during negotiations

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Applicants should expect a meaningful preparation effort due to the two-step submission process and detailed proposal requirements.

The required Solution Video package includes:

• A 7-minute prerecorded video

• Transcript

• Supplemental slides

• Team overview

• Risk mitigation strategies

• Timeline and milestones

• Cost summary

The Full Proposal package requires:

• Technical & Management Proposal

• Cost Proposal

• Cost Proposal Workbook

• Administrative & National Policy documentation

Companies pursuing competitive submissions will likely need substantial coordination across technical, regulatory, commercialization, and management teams. Early registration in SAM.gov and the ARPA-H submission portal is strongly advised because registration processing may take “7–10 business days” or longer.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants throughout the TIGAR application process, including:

• Assessing program fit and competitiveness

• Developing commercialization and technical positioning

• Structuring milestone-driven workplans

• Drafting and editing Solution Video materials

• Preparing compliant Full Proposal packages

• Developing cost narratives and supporting documentation

• Assisting with risk mitigation and evaluation alignment

• Supporting submission strategy across intake groups

We can also help teams translate complex technical concepts into clear, ARPA-H-aligned proposal narratives focused on impact, feasibility, commercialization potential, and user adoption.Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

AFWERX SBIR Open Topic Program

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

Executive Summary:

The AFWERX Open Topic and STRATFI/TACFI programs are designed to help commercial technology companies transition dual-use technologies into Department of the Air Force (DAF) applications. These programs are among the most founder-friendly defense funding pathways because companies propose their own technology solutions rather than responding to narrowly defined technical requirements.

The Open Topic provides multiple entry points:

• Phase I feasibility studies

• Traditional Phase II prototype development

• Direct to Phase II (D2P2) for companies with mature technology and existing Air Force customer relationships

STRATFI/TACFI is intended to help companies bridge the “Valley of Death” between SBIR/STTR Phase II and Phase III commercialization and scaling efforts.

The STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2 Notice of Opportunity is “Coming Soon,” and AFWERX states additional details and submission guidance will be released over the next few weeks. No application deadline is currently specified in the materials provided.

How much funding would I receive?

Open Topic Phase I:

• Maximum award of $75K (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $110K (STTR)

Open Topic Phase II:

• Maximum award of $2M (SBIR)

• Maximum award of $2M (STTR)

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Maximum award of $1.25M (SBIR)

The STRATFI/TACFI follow-on funding provides anywhere from $375k to $15m with private and government matching requirements.

Areas of Interest

Autonomous Mass:

• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)

• Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

• Weapons Technology

Command, Control, & Battle Management:

• Communications, & Battle Management (C3BM)

• Advanced Mission Systems Architecture & Engineering

Counter Incursion:

• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS)

• Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Defeat

Agile Combat & Readiness

• Contested Logistics

• Manufacturing & Readiness

Alignment with the DOW’s Critical Technology Areas (CTAs):

• Applied Artifical Intelligence

• Biomanufacturing

• Logistics Technologies

• Battlefield Information Dominance

• Scaled Hypersonics

• Scaled Directed Energy

What could I use the funding for?

Phase I funding is intended to:

• Conduct technical feasibility studies

• Identify a DAF end user and customer

• Secure a signed Customer Memorandum

• Prepare for a Phase II proposal

Phase II funding is intended to:

• Conduct further R&D

• Build and adapt prototypes

• Develop dual-use solutions for Air Force applications

• Work directly with an Air Force Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)

D2P2 funding is intended for companies that:

• Already have a prototype-ready solution

• Have identified an Air Force end user and customer

• Already possess a signed Customer Memorandum

STRATFI/TACFI funding is intended to:

• Bridge the “Valley of Death” between Phase II and Phase III

• Support transition and scaling efforts

• Deliver strategic capabilities for the DAF

Phase III efforts may include:

• Products

• Services

• Research/R&D

• Testing and evaluation

• Production contracts

• Commercialization activities funded by non-SBIR/STTR dollars

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Direct access to Air Force and Space Force customers

• Ability to transition commercial technology into defense markets

• Opportunity to secure sole-source Phase III awards

• Access to Air Force Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs)

• Potential follow-on commercialization opportunities

AFWERX states that:

• “The Open Topic is the front door to working with the Department of the Air Force.”

• More than 75% of companies received their first Air Force SBIR/STTR contract through AFVentures

• 27% of participating companies are receiving private investments

• Over $1.12B has been executed through AFVentures to date

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

Open Topic Phase I:

• Period of Performance: 3 months

Open Topic Phase II:

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

Direct to Phase II (D2P2):

• Period of Performance: Up to 21 months

STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2:

• Notice of Opportunity “Coming Soon”

• Additional submission guidance will be released “over the next few weeks”

• No application deadline is specified in the provided materials

AFWERX notes that solicitation dates are subject to change.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• AFWERX

• SpaceWERX

• Department of the Air Force (DAF)

• Air Force SBIR/STTR programs

Phase III efforts specifically must be funded by sources other than SBIR/STTR set-aside funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Open Topic eligibility is intended for:

• Small businesses

• Companies with dual-use technologies

• Firms capable of supporting Department of the Air Force missions

STRATFI/TACFI eligibility requires ALL of the following:

• Company must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC)

• SBC must be eligible for a SBIR/STTR award

• Company must be on an active SBIR/STTR Phase II effort or have completed Phase II within two years of Capability Package submission

• The subject Phase II effort must not already have received a second (“sequential”) Phase II

• At least 90 days must have passed since the beginning of the associated SBIR/STTR Phase II execution

• SBC must not be executing a prior STRATFI effort at the time of submission

• Anticipated work must be performed in the United States

Submission for STRATFI/TACFI must be completed by a Government POC only.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

AFWERX states it is interested in:

• Innovative technology domains with demonstrated commercial value

• Dual-use technologies and solutions

• Technologies that can support Air Force mission needs

• Companies capable of transitioning solutions to warfighters

Strong applicants are likely to have:

• Existing commercial traction

• Identified Air Force customers and end users

• A signed Customer Memorandum

• Clear transition and commercialization plans

• Prototype-ready technology for D2P2 opportunities

For STRATFI/TACFI, companies with active Phase II transition momentum and strong government/customer alignment are likely to be more competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• STRATFI/TACFI submissions must be completed by Government POC only

• Incomplete submissions will not be considered

• Phase III efforts cannot be funded with SBIR or STTR dollars

• Phase III work must derive from, extend, or complete prior SBIR/STTR efforts

• Phase III contracts must comply with SBIR/STTR data rights requirements

• D2P2 applicants must demonstrate technical merit and possess a signed Customer Memorandum

The materials also state:

• Phase III contracts may involve non-SBIR/STTR federal funding sources

• Work is anticipated to be performed in the United States

• Sole-source Phase III awards may be made because competition requirements were satisfied during Phase I and II

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify expected application preparation timelines.

However, companies should expect substantial preparation work related to:

• Identifying Air Force end users and customers

• Securing a signed Customer Memorandum

• Preparing technical and commercialization materials

• Coordinating with Government POCs

• Completing submission templates and guidance documentation

STRATFI/TACFI applicants are instructed to:

• Review FAQs and submission checklists

• Review guidance documentation

• Complete required templates

• Submit through the online application system

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies:

• Position commercial technology for AFWERX Open Topic alignment

• Develop compelling dual-use commercialization narratives

• Identify and support Customer Memorandum strategies

• Prepare SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, D2P2, and STRATFI/TACFI applications

• Translate technical capabilities into defense-relevant outcomes

• Build transition and scaling strategies for Phase III opportunities

• Manage submission preparation and compliance requirements

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | IGoR - Intelligent Generator of Research

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking multidisciplinary teams to build an AI-enabled interoperable research ecosystem through the Intelligent Generator of Research (IGoR) program. The goal is to dramatically accelerate biomedical research and therapeutic development by creating mechanistic disease models, AI-driven experiment orchestration, standardized protocols, and a distributed network of validated laboratories. ARPA-H states the system is intended to enable researchers to create validated knowledge “at least 10x more rapidly than conventional approaches.”

This is a 5-year, 3-phase program under the ARPA-H Proactive Health Office. ARPA-H anticipates awarding approximately three Other Transaction (OT) agreements to teams capable of addressing all four technical components of the program.

Solution Summaries are due by 06/25/2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Full Proposals are due by 08/06/2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time. Companies interested in applying should begin organizing teaming structures and registrations immediately, particularly because SAM.gov registration can take 7–10 business days.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify total funding amounts or individual award sizes.

ARPA-H states it anticipates making:

• “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements”

• Approximately three awards to multidisciplinary teams

The solicitation does not specify:

• Ceiling amounts

• Floor amounts

• Cost share requirements

• Phase-specific funding allocations

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support development of the IGoR ecosystem, including:

• Mechanistic disease models encoding causal biological relationships across scales

• An AI orchestration layer that identifies knowledge gaps and designs experiments

• A layered protocol architecture enabling reproducible experimentation

• A distributed marketplace of validated laboratories returning standardized data

ARPA-H expects performers to address all four technical components as part of an integrated system.

The solicitation states the objective is to:

• Eliminate longstanding inefficiencies in research

• Accelerate development of therapies for complex diseases

• Enable validated knowledge generation at least 10x faster than conventional approaches

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Participation in a high-visibility ARPA-H initiative

• Access to collaboration and networking opportunities through the Proposers’ Day

• Ability to form multidisciplinary teams and partnerships

• Flexibility associated with Other Transaction (OT) agreements compared to traditional federal contracts

ARPA-H also states that:

• Resource sharing is encouraged

• A recording of the Proposers’ Day will be posted publicly

The solicitation does not specify additional commercialization support, follow-on funding pathways, or transition assistance.

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

Key dates:

• Proposers’ Day: T.B.D.

• Solution Summaries due: 06/25/2026, 12:00 PM Eastern Time

• Full Proposals due: 08/06/2026, 12:00 PM (Noon) Eastern Time

Submission process:

1. Submit a Solution Summary

2. Receive feedback from ARPA-H indicating whether proposal submission is encouraged or discouraged

3. Submit a full proposal

ARPA-H notes that proposers may still submit full proposals even if discouraged after the Solution Summary review.

The solicitation does not specify:

• Award announcement dates

• Negotiation timelines

• Expected project start dates

• Timing of funding disbursement

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from:

• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Proactive Health Office

Program:

• Intelligent Generator of Research (IGoR)

Solicitation Number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-155

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants may include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other commercial entities

ARPA-H states that all sources capable of satisfying the government’s needs may respond unless otherwise restricted.

Restrictions include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) generally may not participate as prime or sub-performers unless ARPA-H determines unique capabilities are necessary

• Government entities and government employees are generally prohibited

• Current ARPA-H support service providers are ineligible

• Certain foreign entities and individuals are prohibited under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and related national security restrictions

Applicants must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Have a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• Maintain active SAM.gov registration through award

ARPA-H states new SAM.gov registrations take an average of 7–10 business days.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H states it anticipates selecting approximately three multidisciplinary teams capable of addressing all four components of the IGoR ecosystem.

Competitive proposals will likely demonstrate:

• Integrated multidisciplinary capabilities

• AI and machine learning expertise

• Mechanistic disease modeling capabilities

• Experimental protocol standardization

• Large-scale laboratory coordination capabilities

• Reproducible data generation approaches

• Ability to execute across all technical areas described in Appendix A

The solicitation emphasizes:

• Bold and unconventional research directions

• Accelerated knowledge generation

• Interoperable research infrastructure

• Reproducibility and standardization

ARPA-H also encourages resource sharing and teaming.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• FFRDCs and government entities generally cannot serve as prime or sub-performers

• Current ARPA-H support contractors are ineligible

• Certain foreign entities and individuals are prohibited

• Submissions containing proprietary information must be clearly marked

• All Solution Summaries must:

  • Be in English

  • Use sans serif fonts no smaller than 11-point

  • Be limited to five pages (excluding cover pages and references)

ARPA-H also notes:

• It will not reimburse proposal preparation costs

• Late submissions caused by delayed registration may not be considered

• Large language models (LLMs) may be used during review under controlled security conditions

The solicitation does not specify:

• Mandatory cost share

• Manufacturing requirements

• Export control classifications

• Intellectual property terms beyond standard OT agreement references

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This opportunity will likely require substantial preparation effort because:

• ARPA-H expects multidisciplinary teams

• Applicants must address all four major technical components

• Teaming and integration strategies will likely be critical

• OT-based proposals are often highly technical and milestone-driven

Preparation activities may include:

• Forming consortium relationships

• Finalizing technical architecture

• Building execution and management plans

• Completing SAM.gov registration

• Preparing a Solution Summary followed by a full proposal

The solicitation does not specify expected proposal preparation timelines.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit with the IGoR program objectives

• Build a competitive teaming strategy

• Translate technical concepts into ARPA-H-ready proposal language

• Develop Solution Summaries and full proposals

• Structure OT-compliant submissions

• Build milestone-driven technical plans

• Coordinate multidisciplinary proposal development

• Prepare management, commercialization, and execution materials

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | HEARING - Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H’s Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) program is seeking teams capable of developing the first minimally invasive, brain-connected hearing restoration platform that can read and write auditory information directly with the brain’s auditory cortex. The program aims to move beyond traditional hearing aids and cochlear implants by creating closed-loop systems that can reduce background noise in real time, personalize hearing restoration, and restore hearing close to normal for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

This is a highly ambitious, systems-level program requiring integrated teams spanning neurotechnology, wireless power and communications, AI/ML auditory decoding, clinical audiology, neurosurgery, regulatory affairs, and device commercialization. ARPA-H explicitly requires proposals to address all three Technical Areas (TAs) and all three program phases.

Solution Summaries are due Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET. Full Proposals are due Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET. Companies interested in leading or participating in a team should begin partner discussions immediately because the solicitation strongly emphasizes multidisciplinary integration and system-level execution.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that ARPA-H anticipates making “Multiple Other Transaction (OTs) Agreements.”

The solicitation does not specify:

• Total program funding

• Individual award sizes

• Ceiling amounts

• Floor amounts

• Number of awards

• Funding by Technical Area

• Funding by phase

Cost sharing is “Encouraged (Optional).”

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support development of a fully integrated closed-loop hearing restoration platform across three Technical Areas:

• TA1: Intracortical Device(s)

  • Minimally invasive brain interfaces

  • Recording and stimulation technologies

  • Wireless brain-connected devices

  • Cortical targeting technologies

  • Implant delivery systems

• TA2: Dynamic Sound Modulator

  • Wearable hearing-aid-like devices

  • Wireless power transfer

  • Bidirectional communications

  • Closed-loop auditory systems

  • External processing hardware

• TA3: Auditory Read & Write Algorithms

  • AI/ML auditory decoding

  • Neural signal interpretation

  • Personalized hearing restoration algorithms

  • Closed-loop neuroprocessing software

  • Auditory stimulation and modulation systems

The program also supports:

• Animal studies

• Human data collection

• Pre-clinical validation

• Regulatory engagement with FDA

• First-in-human (FIH) studies

• Manufacturing scale-up

• Clinical protocols

• System integration activities

The solicitation requires all proposals to address all three TAs and all program phases.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H

• FDA engagement and regulatory planning support

• Participation in ARPA-H performer meetings

• Collaboration opportunities with multidisciplinary teams

• Potential commercialization pathways

• Clinical translation support

• Access to a high-visibility national neurotechnology initiative

ARPA-H states it is uniquely positioned to:

• Convene multidisciplinary teams

• Set aggressive system-level milestones

• Provide commercialization support

• Provide regulatory support

The solicitation also encourages:

• Open or permissive licensing for interoperability components

• Shared data standards

• Shared benchmarking tools

• Shared reference datasets

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

Key dates are:

• Proposers’ Day: Monday, June 8, 2026

• Questions & Answers (Q&A) due date: Monday, June 15th, 2026, 5:00 PM ET

• Solution Summaries due date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

• Full Proposals due date: Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

The HEARING program is structured as a 4.5-year effort consisting of:

• Phase 1: Research & Development (18 months)

• Phase 2: Pre-Clinical (24 months)

• Phase 3: Clinical / First-in-Human Studies (12 months)

The solicitation does not specify:

• Award announcement dates

• Contract negotiation timelines

• Expected project start dates

• Payment schedules

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from:

• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Health Science Futures (HSF) Office

Program title:

• Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)

Solicitation number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-154

Announcement type:

• Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible proposers include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other than small businesses

The solicitation states:
“All responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal to this ISO.”

Additional eligibility requirements and restrictions include:

• Proposals must address all three Technical Areas and all program phases

• Proposals must be submitted under a single prime awardee

• Teams must include interdisciplinary expertise

• Teams must include representative end-user, clinical, and regulatory expertise

• Proposers may submit a maximum of:

  • One (1) proposal as prime proposer

  • Two (2) proposals as sub proposer

• SAM.gov registration is required

Non-U.S. entities:

• May participate subject to applicable regulations and restrictions

• ARPA-H will prioritize work conducted in the United States

Ineligible entities include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as prime or sub performers, unless specifically approved

• Government entities and federal employees as performers

• Organizations with unmitigable organizational conflicts of interest

• Certain foreign entities identified under applicable federal statutes

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest proposals will likely include:

• Fully integrated multidisciplinary teams

• Existing expertise in neurotechnology and BCIs

• Strong preliminary data

• Demonstrated ability to execute complex hardware/software integration

• FDA and clinical strategy experience

• Real-world hearing restoration validation plans

• Commercialization pathways

• Human data collection capabilities

• Experience with wireless implantable systems

• AI/ML auditory decoding expertise

ARPA-H explicitly states that proposals should:

• Be innovative and feasible

• Be supported by preliminary evidence

• Address major technical risks

• Include clear mitigation strategies

• Demonstrate commercialization potential

• Consider end-user experience and accessibility

• Improve speech-in-noise outcomes

• Support real-world usability

Projects that are likely to be noncompetitive include:

• Incremental improvements to existing hearing aids

• Solutions addressing only one TA

• Programs lacking system integration capability

• Solutions requiring craniotomy or craniectomy for the final TA1 device

• Technologies without sufficient preliminary evidence

• Systems with cumbersome form factors

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include:

Technical restrictions:

• Proposals must address all TAs and all phases

• Final TA1 devices cannot require surgical skull access (e.g., craniotomy or craniectomy)

• Implanted batteries subdurally or deeper into the brain are out of scope

• Solutions cannot rely on cumbersome form factors

• Solutions functioning only in controlled environments may be deemed non-responsive

Administrative restrictions:

• Solution Summary submission is required before submitting a Full Proposal

• Submissions must be in English

• Submission must occur through the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal

• SAM.gov registration is required

Program restrictions:

• FFRDCs and Government entities are generally prohibited from participating as performers

• Current ARPA-H support contractors may be ineligible due to OCI restrictions

• Certain foreign entities are prohibited

Regulatory requirements:

• FDA engagement is expected

• IND/IDE approvals or equivalent permissions are required before Phase 3

• Human subject research approvals are required where applicable

The solicitation also notes that ARPA-H may impose publication restrictions for projects involving sensitive information.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This will likely require a substantial proposal effort.

The solicitation requires:

• A single integrated proposal

• Coverage of all three Technical Areas

• Coverage of all three phases

• Detailed technical milestones

• Regulatory planning

• Clinical planning

• Manufacturing planning

• Animal study plans

• Human data collection strategies

• System integration plans

• Commercialization considerations

• Cost proposals

• Extensive interdisciplinary teaming

Most teams will likely need:

• Multiple institutional partners

• Clinical collaborators

• Regulatory consultants

• Neurotechnology expertise

• AI/ML expertise

• Hardware and firmware engineering support

• Program integration leadership

Teams without existing partnerships and preliminary work may face compressed timelines before the:

• Solution Summaries due date: Monday, June 29, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

• Full Proposals due date: Friday, August 14th, 2026, 2:00 PM ET

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Go/no-go evaluation

• Teaming strategy and partner identification

• Technical narrative development

• System integration positioning

• ARPA-H proposal strategy

• Workplan and milestone development

• Commercialization positioning

• Regulatory strategy framing

• Competitive differentiation

• Budget development support

• Full proposal writing and coordination

• Submission management

For HEARING specifically, BW&CO can also help teams:

• Translate highly technical neurotechnology concepts into ARPA-H-ready narratives

• Align deliverables with program metrics

• Structure multidisciplinary proposals across all three TAs

• Position preliminary data effectively

• Build compelling transition and clinical translation strategies

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

CDMRP - Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP), administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is expected to release multiple funding opportunities supporting innovative, high-impact prostate cancer research with clinical relevance. The program is focused on eliminating death and suffering from prostate cancer through new therapies, improved clinical care, survivorship research, and better understanding of disease progression.

This is currently a pre-announcement. Funding opportunity announcements will be posted later on Grants.gov and will include official pre-application and application deadlines. At this time, the application deadline is not specified in the solicitation.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding amounts depend on the award mechanism.

• Data Science Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $1.4 million for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

• Early Investigator Research Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $630,000 for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

• Idea Development Award

  • Established Investigator Option:

    • Maximum allowable funding is $1.7M for total costs

    • Maximum period of performance is 3 years

  • New Investigator Option:

    • Maximum allowable funding is $2.1M for total costs

    • Maximum period of performance is 4 years

• Physician Research Award

  • Maximum allowable funding is $1.1M for total costs

  • Maximum period of performance is 4 years

The solicitation states that total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

The allowable use of funds depends on the award mechanism.

Data Science Award supports research that develops or uses quantitative and analytical approaches, processes, and/or systems to obtain knowledge and insight from large and/or complex sets of prostate cancer data in areas including:

• Analysis of clinically annotated datasets

• Analysis of “-omics” data

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning

• Bioinformatics

• Computational biology

• Digital pathology

• Epidemiology

• Medical imaging

Early Investigator Research Award supports prostate cancer research conducted by early-stage investigators under mentorship from experienced researchers.

Idea Development Award supports innovative, high-risk and high-gain approaches to prostate cancer research.

Physician Research Award supports mentored research experiences for physicians pursuing careers in prostate cancer research and clinical practice.

Several mechanisms allow clinical research and correlative studies associated with ongoing or completed clinical trials, but clinical trials themselves are not allowed under these awards.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Access to CDMRP-administered funding programs with national visibility

• Support for researcher career development and mentorship under the Early Investigator Research Award and Physician Research Award

• Flexibility for multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration under certain award mechanisms

• Opportunity to pursue high-risk, high-gain research concepts through the Idea Development Award

The solicitation also encourages, but does not require:

• Preliminary data for several award mechanisms

• Multidisciplinary projects

• Multi-institutional projects

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

This notice is a pre-announcement only.

The solicitation states that:

• Funding opportunity announcements will be posted later on Grants.gov

• Once released, the funding opportunity announcements will include pre-application and application deadlines

• The PCRP requires submission of a letter of intent prior to full application submission

• Before full application submission, the CDMRP requires submission of a pre-application through eBRAP prior to the pre-application deadline

The application deadline is not specified in the solicitation.

The timing for award decisions or funding distribution is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

The funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered through:

• Defense Health Agency Research and Development (DHA R&D)

• Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC)

• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

The funding opportunity is part of the FY26 Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism.

Data Science Award

• Independent investigators at all levels

Early Investigator Research Award

• Early-career investigators possessing a doctoral degree, or equivalent, with fewer than 3 years of postdoctoral research experience at the application submission deadline, excluding clinical residency or clinical fellowship training

Idea Development Award
Established Investigators:

• Independent investigators at all levels

New Investigators:

• Independent investigators that:

  • Have not previously received a PCRP Idea Development Award and/or Health Disparity Research Award

  • Either completed at least 3 years of postdoctoral training or fellowship or are within 10 years after completion of terminal degree, excluding residency or family medical leave

Physician Research Award

• Early-career clinician investigators that are either:

  • In the last year of an accredited medical residency or medical fellowship program

  • Within 5 years of initiating a faculty appointment, including instructor positions or equivalent

Additional personnel requirements apply for mentored mechanisms.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects are likely to be competitive if they:

• Address one or more of the PCRP’s overarching challenges

• Demonstrate clinical relevance and potential impact

• Propose innovative approaches to prostate cancer research

• Focus on improving outcomes for patients with lethal prostate cancer

• Advance survivorship, wellness, or clinical care

• Improve understanding of progression to lethal prostate cancer

The solicitation specifically emphasizes:

• Innovation and impact equally under the Idea Development Award

• High-risk and high-gain approaches

• Quantitative and analytical methods for large and complex prostate cancer datasets under the Data Science Award

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Applications cannot support clinical trials under all listed award mechanisms

• Data Science Award applications cannot support prospective recruitment of human subjects

• Several awards require submission of a letter of intent prior to full application submission

• Full applications must conform to the final funding opportunity announcements available on Grants.gov

• Certain mechanisms require mentorship and researcher development plans

• Physician Research Award applications strongly encourage protection of at least 20% of the PI’s time for prostate cancer research

The solicitation states that this announcement is only a pre-announcement and should not be construed as an obligation or promise by the government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify expected preparation time.

However, applicants should anticipate preparing:

• A pre-application through eBRAP

• A letter of intent

• A full application package

• Research development plans for mentored mechanisms

• Supporting documentation related to eligibility, mentorship, and project scope

Because official funding opportunity announcements and deadlines have not yet been released, applicants may benefit from beginning project planning early.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help companies and research teams:

• Evaluate which FY26 PCRP mechanism best aligns with their technology or research program

• Position projects around the program’s stated overarching challenges

• Develop commercialization and impact narratives

• Coordinate scientific, clinical, and subcontractor partners

• Manage proposal development, writing, compliance, and submission

• Prepare pre-applications, letters of intent, and full proposals

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

CDMRP - Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP), administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is expected to fund multiple award mechanisms supporting innovative, high-impact neurofibromatosis (NF) and schwannomatosis research. The program is specifically focused on improving understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life outcomes for people affected by NF and schwannomatosis, including Service Members, Veterans and their families.

Pre-Application due August 31st

Full Application due September 14th

How much funding would I receive?

The FY26 NFRP includes multiple anticipated award mechanisms with varying funding levels:

• Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award

  • Maximum allowable funding: $160,000 total costs

  • Maximum performance period: 2 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Maximum allowable funding: $525,000 total costs

  • Maximum performance period: 3 years

  • Applications using the Qualified Collaborator or NF Open Science Initiative options may request up to $575,000 total costs

• Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award

  • Maximum allowable funding: $2.4 million total costs

  • Maximum performance period: 4 years

• Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award

  • Maximum allowable funding: $1.2 million total costs

  • Maximum performance period: 4 years

• Synergistic Idea Award

  • Maximum allowable funding: $3.2 million total costs

  • Maximum performance period: 3 years

Total costs include both direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support innovative and impactful neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis research projects.

Potential project areas include:

• Schwannomatosis and NF2-related research

• Biomarker and endpoint validation

• Data science applications

• Pain and cognitive manifestation research

• Sleep-related NF research

• Genomics, epigenetics and systems biology

• Drug discovery and target identification

• Preclinical efficacy studies

• Nutritional and environmental modifiers of NF

• Health services research

Specific award mechanisms also support:

• Early-stage exploratory concepts

• Multi-investigator collaborative projects

• Early-career investigator development

• Multi-institutional mentoring academies

• Pilot research projects within academy structures

Clinical trials are not allowed under the listed award mechanisms.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Depending on the award mechanism, applicants may receive additional benefits such as:

• Access to collaborative research partnerships

• Participation in the NF Open Science Initiative

• Intensive mentoring and career development

• National networking opportunities

• Participation in a virtual NF research academy

• Access to NF Consumer Consultant Panels

• Multi-institutional collaboration opportunities

The Neurofibromatosis Research Academy mechanisms are specifically designed to support mentorship, networking and long-term investigator development in the NF field.

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

Pre-Application due August 31st

Full Application due September 14th

The program requires submission of a pre-application through eBRAP prior to full application submission.

Periods of performance vary by award mechanism:

• 2 years for Exploration-Hypothesis Development Awards

• 3 years for Investigator-Initiated Research Awards

• 4 years for Academy Leadership Awards

• 4 years for Academy Scholar Awards

• 3 years for Synergistic Idea Awards

The solicitation does not specify anticipated award start dates or funding disbursement timelines.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act through the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism.

Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award:

• Investigators at all career levels

• Includes postdoctoral fellows or equivalent

Investigator-Initiated Research Award:

• Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent

• Must commit a minimum of 10% effort throughout the award

Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award:

• Academy Director must be an established NF investigator at or above Associate Professor or equivalent

• Academy Deputy Director must also be at or above Associate Professor level and affiliated with a different institution

Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award:

• Scholars must be early-career investigators within 10 years of terminal degree or clinical fellowship

• Requires an eligible Career Guide who is an established NF investigator

Synergistic Idea Award:

• Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent

Additional eligibility requirements may be included in the final funding opportunity announcements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The NFRP is seeking projects that are:

• Innovative and high-impact

• Clinically relevant

• Focused on improving patient outcomes

• Addressing one or more stated Areas of Emphasis

• Advancing understanding, diagnosis or treatment of NF and schwannomatosis

Competitive applications are likely to include:

• Strong scientific rationale

• Significant translational potential

• Collaborative or multidisciplinary approaches

• Novel technologies or methodologies

• Preliminary and/or published data where required

Certain award mechanisms specifically encourage:

• High-risk, high-gain concepts

• Multi-investigator collaboration

• Data science approaches

• Open science participation

• Mentorship and workforce development in NF research

The solicitation also emphasizes research that could benefit Service Members, Veterans and the broader public.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Key restrictions include:

• Clinical trials are not allowed under the listed award mechanisms

• Several award mechanisms require preliminary and/or published data

• All applications require a pre-application submission through eBRAP before full application submission

• Multiple award mechanisms require submission of a letter of intent prior to full application submission

• Applications must conform to the final funding opportunity announcements posted on Grants.gov

The pre-announcement states that investigators should not construe the notice as an obligation or promise by the government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation timelines will vary significantly depending on the award mechanism.

Applicants pursuing:

• Multi-institutional collaborations

• Academy proposals

• Large-scale synergistic projects

• Open science options

should expect substantially longer preparation timelines due to coordination requirements, mentoring structures, collaborator commitments and supporting documentation.

Because all applications require pre-applications and several require letters of intent, applicants should begin planning before the official funding opportunity announcements are released.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants with:

• Opportunity assessment and award mechanism selection

• Research strategy positioning

• Commercialization and impact narrative development

• Proposal writing and editing

• Collaboration structuring

• Project management and submission coordination

• Budget development support

• Grants.gov and eBRAP submission support

• Reviewer-style proposal feedback

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA- E INSPIRING GENERATIONS OF NEW INNOVATORS TO IMPACTTECHNOLOGIES IN ENERGY 2026 (IGNIITE 2026)

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

Executive Summary:

The IGNIITE 2026 program from ARPA-E is a high-prestige, early-career funding opportunity designed to support transformational, high-risk energy technologies. It is not founder-friendly in structure (no teams, no co-PIs), but offers meaningful non-dilutive funding and strong ecosystem access.

You must first submit a Concept Paper by 9:30 AM ET, May 29, 2026.

If selected, you may be invited to submit a full application. With only ~$10M total funding and awards capped at $500K, this is a competitive but accessible entry point into ARPA-E for early-career innovators.

How much funding would I receive?

• Individual awards: up to $500,000

• Potential additional funding:

  • Up to $250,000 Director’s Award (at ARPA-E’s discretion)

• Total program funding: approximately $10 million

• Number of awards: Not specified (ARPA-E may issue one, multiple, or no awards)

What could I use the funding for?

Applicants are advised to assess whether their proposed technologies are aligned with the DOE’s current areas of interest. Those areas include, but are not limited to:

• Energy supply chain security (to include critical minerals)

• Advanced nuclear (to include fusion, fission)

• Geothermal

• Grid reliability and security

• American manufacturing competitiveness

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—this program includes structured ecosystem access:

• Participation in the IGNIITE Annual Program (two one-week sessions in Washington, D.C.)

• Training (e.g., proposal writing, commercialization, pitching)

• Direct engagement with:

  • ARPA-E Program Directors

  • Investors

  • Federal stakeholders

• Mentorship and networking opportunities

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

Key deadlines:

• Concept Paper questions deadline: 5 PM ET, May 19, 2026

• Concept Paper submission deadline: 9:30 AM ET, May 29, 2026

• Invite / Not Invite notifications: 5 PM ET, July 14, 2026

• Full application deadline: Not specified (TBD)

• Selection notifications: September 2026 (anticipated)

• Award start: December 2026 (anticipated)

Period of performance:

• December 2026 – December 2028

Where does this funding come from?

• Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E)

• Within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Authorized under federal statute (America COMPETES Act and subsequent amendments).

Who is eligible to apply?

This program is highly specific and restrictive:

Principal Investigator (PI) requirements

• Must be an early-career researcher

• PhD received within 8 years of the Concept Paper deadline

• Must be:

  • U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or green card applicant

• If at a university:

  • Must be a pre-tenure Assistant/Associate Professor

• Must self-direct the project (no co-PIs allowed)

Eligible organizations

• For-profit companies

• Universities

• Nonprofits

• DOE labs / FFRDCs

Additional constraints:

• Must apply as a standalone applicant (no teams or subrecipients)

• Must be U.S.-based with majority domestic ownership

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive projects will:

• Be transformational (not incremental)

• Have potential to be disruptive in the market

• Demonstrate clear technical risk with high upside

• Include hypothesis-driven R&D with measurable outcomes

ARPA-E prioritizes:

• Novel concepts that could create new technology “learning curves”

• Technologies with clear commercialization potential

• Strong technical justification and feasibility

Projects will be rejected if they:

• Are incremental improvements

• Lack scientific rigor

• Cannot scale or become disruptive

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No cost share required

• Must spend at least 5% on Technology Transfer & Outreach (TT&O)

• Work must generally be performed in the U.S.

• Limited or restricted:

  • Foreign participation (requires waiver)

  • Foreign travel

  • Major construction

Other constraints:

• Cannot submit more than one application per PI

• Must comply with strict federal reporting, disclosure, and security requirements

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Based on requirements:

Concept Paper (required first step)

Includes:

• Technical concept (4 pages)

• Personal qualification summary (2 pages)

• Summary slide

• Letter of support

• Transcript

Full Application (if invited)

Includes:

• 15-page technical volume

• Budget workbook

• Multiple federal forms and disclosures

• Biosketches and support documentation

Estimated effort:

• Concept Paper: 2–4 weeks

• Full Application: 6–10+ weeks

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you across the full process:

• Positioning your concept as “transformational” (not incremental)

• Translating technical ideas into ARPA-E-aligned narratives

• Structuring your Concept Paper for invite likelihood

• Building a clear commercialization and impact story

• Managing compliance with ARPA-E formatting and submission rules

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) Component Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS) Component Challenge is an open, rolling solicitation seeking dual-use technologies that reduce cost and improve performance across LUCAS subsystems. This is not for building a full aircraft—it is strictly for components that can integrate into existing or future LUCAS platforms.

The challenge window is open for one hundred twenty days from posting, with weekly reviews and rapid down-selects anticipated within thirty to forty-five days of submission. Companies that are ready to deliver testable prototypes quickly should apply as early as possible to maximize selection odds.

Deadline is June 24th, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k - $5m per award.

Desired Solution

The government seeks prototypes and concepts that reduce cost, increase performance, improve manufacturability, and strengthen mission adaptability across the LUCAS family. Components may target aircraft already fielded, upcoming variants, or platform-agnostic interfaces intended for future LUCAS systems.

These technology areas include:

a) Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning, perception, autonomy, and decision aids that enhance mission planning, predictive maintenance, and autonomous performance while reducing operator workload.

b) Mission Command Planner and Executor: Tools that translate commander intent into executable tasking for LUCAS platforms, enabling rapid re-tasking, synchronization, and secure mission execution.

c) Payload – Kinetic and Non-Kinetic: Modular payloads providing offensive, defensive, and sensing effects, emphasizing rapid interchangeability, safe integration, and interoperability across mission profiles.

d) Navigation Systems: Avionics and navigation suites resilient to degraded or GPSdenied environments, leveraging multi-sensor fusion, inertial navigation, and antijam/anti-spoofing technologies.

e) Alternative Energy: Onboard or distributed energy systems that extend endurance, reduce logistics burden, and enable sustained operations, including hybrid, fuel cell, or regenerative power options.

f) Engines: Power and propulsion units focused on reliability, maintainability, and energy efficiency, supporting rapid maintenance and multi-fuel adaptability.

g) Manufacturing Capabilities: Advanced production methods such as additive manufacturing and modular assembly that reduce cost, shorten lead times, and improve supply chain resilience.

h) Test and Evaluation Capabilities: Rapid, repeatable validation tools and instrumentation, including hardware-in-the-loop, automated test frameworks, and performance data analytics.

i) Integration Labs: Physical or virtual environments that accelerate interoperability testing, software-hardware integration, and government-industry co-development using standardized interfaces.

j) One-Way Attack Systems: Affordable, expendable loitering or single-use systems emphasizing safety, accuracy, and low-cost production for tactical effects.

k) Range-Extending Technologies: Communication relays, propulsion enhancements, or networked systems that expand operational reach, endurance, and mission duration. Together, these areas represent the spectrum of component and subsystem innovation needed to enhance LUCAS performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and enable scalable production across multiple mission sets.

l) Swarm & Collaborative Autonomy: Distributed sensing, mesh networking, cooperative tasking, and multi-vehicle behaviors.

m) Safety, Reliability & Self-Diagnostics: Pre-flight auto-check systems, onboard selfassessment tools, safe-to-arm mechanisms, and lightweight encryption modules.

n) Launch & Recovery Innovations: Low-cost launch systems, expeditionary recovery kits, modular or disposable launch rails, and ruggedized capture solutions.

o) Environmental Hardening & Weatherization: Corrosion protection, weatherproofing, low-temperature battery chemistry, and ruggedized housings.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes. Selected companies may receive:

• Direct collaboration with LUCAS manufacturer (Spektreworks) or integrator (Neany)

• Access to government-provided interfaces, labs, and test environments (post down-select)

• Opportunity for follow-on funding for testing or production

• Exposure to multiple government stakeholders reviewing submissions on a rolling basis

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

• Application window: open for one hundred twenty days from posting

• Submission reviews: weekly

• Down-select decisions: typically within thirty to forty-five days of submission

• Post-award expectation: solutions should be ready for demonstration within ninety days of award

Funding timing beyond this is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued through:

• One Nation Innovation (ONIX) Other Transaction Authority (OTA)

• Operated on behalf of government partners, with coordination from OUSD R&E

Who is eligible to apply?

The challenge is broadly open to:

• Small and nontraditional vendors

• Startups and early-stage companies

• Commercial dual-use developers

• International partners (subject to regulations)

No prior DoD experience is required.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive submissions will:

• Demonstrate clear cost reduction or cost-per-effect improvements

• Be ready for testing within ninety days of award

• Integrate easily with government systems and open interfaces

• Show manufacturability, scalability, and supply chain resilience

• Provide a credible delivery schedule and transition pathway

Evaluation prioritizes:

• Open architecture and interoperability

• Cost and total ownership impact

• Technical maturity and readiness

• Integration simplicity and safety

• Speed to delivery

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This challenge does not fund full LUCAS aircraft development—components only

• Work is expected to be unclassified, but may involve export control or CUI compliance

• CUI cannot be submitted through the platform

• Vendors are responsible for regulatory compliance

• Selected vendors may receive controlled government data post down-select

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires:

• A proposal of no more than 10 pages in 12-point Arial

• A separate cover page with company and contact details

Required content includes:

• Technical approach and cost reduction strategy

• Integration and testing plan

• Rough order of magnitude pricing

• Past performance

• Delivery schedule

Preparation time is not specified in the solicitation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Position your component against LUCAS evaluation criteria

• Translate your technology into a clear cost-reduction and integration narrative

• Align your proposal with OTA expectations and rapid prototyping goals

• Develop a compelling, compliant 10-page submission optimized for fast down-select

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield Energy Resiliency Microgrid Prototype & Lines of Effort (LOEs) Challenge through ONIX OTA Partnership

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

Executive Summary:

The USARMY – Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield Energy Resiliency Microgrid Prototype is a prototype-focused opportunity to design, build, and validate a solar-plus-storage microgrid supporting mission-critical operations. The Army is seeking solutions that can demonstrate real-world resiliency performance and produce a replication package for future deployments.

Applications close May 19, 2026 at 07:00 PM.

This is a fast-moving opportunity with a 30–45 day anticipated down-select, requiring concise (2–10 page) submissions and a clear, executable approach.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k - $5m per award.

AREAS OF INTEREST

LOE 1: Prototype / Program Management, Permitting, and Stakeholder Coordination

Provide program management and dedicated oversight to execute the Fort Stewart microgrid prototype, including end‑to‑end coordination of permitting and stakeholder actions required for successful deployment.

● Provide program management, schedule/risk governance, and coordination to execute the Fort Stewart microgrid prototype within the Government-directed timeline.

● Lead and track permitting actions for the solar farm and adjacent battery facility (BESS); coordinate documentation packages and approvals with installation stakeholders and authorities having jurisdiction, as directed.

● Maintain an integrated risk register and readiness gates for design, permitting, installation, commissioning, and testing; provide recurring status reporting and issue resolution as directed.

● Coordinate site access, safety planning, and installation coordination actions required to enable on‑site work and testing activities, as directed.

LOE 2: Prototype / Microgrid Design, Build, Integration, and Commissioning (Fort Stewart)

Execute the Fort Stewart solar-plus-storage microgrid prototype to validate installation energy resiliency under outage/degraded-grid conditions, while coordinating required permitting and stakeholder actions to enable successful deployment.

● Design and implement the solar‑plus‑storage microgrid architecture, including interconnection, controls, protection schemes, and operating modes necessary to support mission‑essential loads during outages/degraded grid conditions, as directed.

● Install, integrate, and commission the solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS), and deliver as‑built documentation and configuration baselines for the prototype system.

● Coordinate construction/installation sequencing with Government stakeholders to support access, safety, and continuity of installation operations, as directed.

● Prepare commissioning checklists and acceptance test procedures consistent with Government-directed requirements; document results and corrective actions through closeout.

LOE 3: Prototype / Performance Validation, Sustainment Readiness, and Replication Package (HAAF)

Validate prototype performance through representative testing, deliver sustainment readiness artifacts, and provide a replication kit to accelerate sequential deployment at Hunter Army Airfield.

● Execute a Government‑approved demonstration plan that includes at least one planned utility‑outage/islanding demonstration and one degraded‑grid scenario; document results, constraints, and recommended design/process changes.

● Establish baseline resiliency performance and report measurable deltas from testing (e.g., critical load support duration, transfer time to islanded operations, system availability/uptime, recovery time), with decision‑quality evidence suitable to inform sequential deployment.

● Deliver operator/maintainer training, safety procedures, sustainment recommendations, and turnover artifacts required for continued operations, as

directed.

● Deliver a microgrid replication kit to accelerate sequential deployment at Hunter Army Airfield, including process map, permitting playbook, reference

architecture, commissioning checklist, operator training package, and lessons‑learned delta list.

● Coordinate with the Government to define the mission-essential load set and target sustainment duration for demonstration events prior to execution, as directed.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—non-dilutive and strategic benefits include:

• Opportunity to deliver a first-of-its-kind microgrid at Fort Stewart

• Positioning for follow-on deployment at Hunter Army Airfield (approximately 1+ year out)

• Creation of a replicable implementation package for future Army installations

• Direct engagement with the U.S. Army and ONI through an ONIX OTA contracting pathway

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

• Application deadline: May 19, 2026 at 07:00 PM

• Down-select timeline: ONI anticipates 30–45 days from posting

• Project duration: Approximately 1–1.5 years for Fort Stewart execution

Timing for award and funding disbursement is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Army (Fort Stewart & Hunter Army Airfield)

• Contracting via ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI

Who is eligible to apply?

• U.S.-based industry (i.e., small businesses), academic, and nonprofit organizations

• Must register and submit via https://gocolosseum.org

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals will be evaluated across four weighted categories:

1. Technical Approach & Design (30%)

• Strong solar + battery integration design

• Clear outage/islanding capability

• Robust permitting and compliance strategy

2. Execution Capability & Schedule (25%)

• Realistic 1–1.5 year execution plan

• Defined staffing and resource allocation

• Credible cost and milestone structure

3. Deliverables & Outcomes (30%)

• Demonstrable performance metrics (e.g., load support duration, uptime)

• Complete replication package

• Strong sustainment readiness documentation

4. Past Performance & Organization Capability (15%)

• Relevant microgrid or energy resiliency experience

• Experience working on military or government installations

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This is a prototype-focused effort; recurring environmental compliance services are not intended unless explicitly directed

• Submission format is flexible, but proposals must include required elements (e.g., technical approach, schedule, costs, deliverables)

• Responses must be 2–10 pages maximum

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires a short response (2–10 pages) including technical, cost, and execution details.

Typical preparation effort will depend on readiness, but the required components include:

• Technical approach

• Schedule and milestones

• Cost estimate (ROM)

• Past performance

• Company information

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Translating your microgrid solution into a clear, evaluation-aligned proposal

• Structuring your response to directly match the scoring rubric (technical, execution, outcomes, past performance)

• Developing a credible ROM cost model and milestone plan

• Positioning your team’s experience for DoD evaluators and OTA pathways

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

AIR COMBAT COMMAND A2 & AIR FORCE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY (ACC/A2 & AF IC) COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS OPENING (CSO) SOLICITATION NUMBER: FA7037-26-S-C001

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

Executive Summary:

This is an Air Combat Command A2 & Air Force Intelligence Community (ACC/A2 & AF IC) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) seeking innovative commercial technologies to support intelligence, AI, cyber, and multi-domain operations.

Important: You cannot apply yet. This is an umbrella CSO with Calls, meaning proposals are only accepted when specific Calls are released. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted.

The CSO is open-ended and allows Calls to be issued indefinitely with annual updates.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k - $5m per award.

AREAS OF INTEREST

TOPIC 001: Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Decision Dominance

AI-Driven Predictive Intelligence Analysis

AF IC seeks solutions that leverage Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to move from a reactive to a predictive intelligence posture. Capabilities should include the autonomous analysis of multi-intelligence (multi-INT) data to anticipate adversary actions, identify emerging threats, and drastically reduce the time required to generate and disseminate tactical intelligence.

Human-Machine Teaming for Accelerated Sense-Making

To overcome information overload, AF IC seeks intuitive platforms that enable seamless collaboration between human analysts and AI agents. The Government is interested in solutions that augment human cognition, automate laborious tasks, and utilize advanced visualization to help analysts make sense of vast, complex datasets at machine speed.

Commercial Data Integration and Analysis

AF IC requires innovative methods and platforms to rapidly identify, vet, ingest, and integrate commercially available information and data streams into our intelligence workflows. This includes, but is not limited to, commercial satellite imagery, Radio Frequency (RF) sensing data, public records, and internet-of-things (IoT) data to enrich and add context to classified intelligence.

Information Operations and Counter-Disinformation

AF IC seeks solutions capable of monitoring the global information environment to detect, analyze, and track adversary propaganda and disinformation campaigns. Key capabilities include sentiment analysis, source attribution, and the generation of data-driven counternarratives to ensure information superiority.

TOPIC 002: All-Domain Command & Control

Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), Data Integration and Fusion

To realize the vision of AF IC, the JADC2 needs a robust "digital backbone" to fuse data from disparate sensors and platforms across all domains. The Government seeks solutions for a common data layer that can normalize, process, and share Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data in a secure, resilient, and cloud-native environment to create a common operating picture.

Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) Battle Management

AF IC is interested in advanced battle management tools that enable the planning, 6 coordination, and synchronized execution of multi-domain operations. Solutions should provide the Government with decision-making aids to understand the cross-domain impacts of kinetic and non-kinetic effects in a dynamic environment.

Digital Twin and Engineering for Mission Rehearsal, Tactics Development, and Training

AF IC seeks to create a high-fidelity, continuously updated digital twin of the battlespace. The primary purpose of this environment is to enable the testing of tactics, rapid development and validation of new Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs), and advanced mission rehearsal for aircrews, operators, and planners in complex, multidomain contingencies, thereby improving readiness while reducing risk.

TOPIC 003: Resilient Cyber and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Operations

Advanced Sensing and Data Processing at the Edge

As operations expand into contested, communication-denied environments, the Government requires solutions that enable the processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) of sensor data at the tactical edge. AF IC is interested in low Size, Weight, and Power (low-SWaP) hardware and software that can perform on-platform AI/ML inference to deliver time-sensitive intelligence directly to the warfighter.

Advanced Cyber Threat Intelligence

To proactively defend our networks, the Government seeks predictive analytic platforms that can identify emerging cyber threats, TTPs, and malware before they are used against government systems. Solutions should provide actionable, machine-readable threat intelligence that can be automatically ingested by government defensive cyber platforms.

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography and Secure Communications

AF IC requires a layered defense to detect, track, identify, and neutralize hostile Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) threats. The Government is soliciting for commercial solutions for all aspects of the counter sUAS mission, including passive and active sensors, command and control integration, and kinetic and non-kinetic effectors.

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Modernization

AF IC seeks to modernize government SIGINT capabilities with commercial technologies that leverage software-defined radios (SDR), advanced signal processing, and AI/ML for automated signal detection, classification, and geolocation across a congested and contested electromagnetic spectrum.

Cognitive Electronic Warfare (EW)

AF IC seeks to modernize our SIGINT capabilities and develop a cognitive EW capability that leverages AI/ML for automated signal detection, classification, and geolocation. The Government is interested in software-defined systems that can autonomously sense and dynamically respond to novel threats across a congested and contested electromagnetic spectrum.

TOPIC 004: Foundational Digital Infrastructure

Multi-Cloud Abstraction, Orchestration, and FinOps for C2E

The AF IC operates in a multi-cloud environment via the Intelligence Community's Commercial Cloud Enterprise (C2E) contract. The Government seeks a common abstraction layer or Cloud Management Platform (CMP) to provide a "single pane of glass" for managing, deploying, and securing applications across multiple classified cloud providers. Key capabilities include Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) portability, unified security governance, and a robust Financial Operations (FinOps) dashboard to optimize cloud spending across the enterprise.

TOPIC 005: Enterprise Wide Integration and Architecture Modernization

The ACC/A2 seeks innovative solutions to support the integration of data across disparate monitoring phenomenologies and modernization of hardware/software architectures. This topic includes:

• New solutions to integrate data access and discoverability across varying monitoring phenomenologies to lower detection thresholds and/or increase efficiency of current operations.

• Technologies to modernize hardware/software architectures or implement improved software design and accrediting processes to more flexibly meet mission needs.

TOPIC 006: Enterprise Asset and Lifecycle Management Improvements

The ACC/A2 seeks innovative solutions that can provide enterprise-wide asset management visibility as well as improve our lifecycle management capabilities. This topic includes:

• Increase accuracy of forecasting of requirements and scheduling of procurements through the use and exploitation of supply chain demand data

• Supply chain management, specifically: Automated systems to reduce/eliminate inefficiency, improve asset control, decrease touchpoints and minimize inventory

• Automated identification and reporting of components and systems with substandard reliability

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The CSO states potential for:

• Contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

• Follow-on increases in award value and scope as solutions mature

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

A deadline is to be released in the coming days. We’re planning to assist companies with meeting appropriate personnel and are beginning that work promptly.

Where does this funding come from?

• Air Combat Command A2 (ACC/A2)

• Air Force Intelligence Community (AF IC)

• Authorized under:

  • 10 U.S.C. 3458

  • R-DFARS 212.70

Who is eligible to apply?

For Step Two (full proposal), offerors must:

• Be registered in SAM.gov

• Be considered responsible under federal regulations

• Have a satisfactory performance record

• Be eligible under federal law

The solicitation references:

• Small businesses

• Nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 2302(9))

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the solicitation, competitive solutions will:

• Be innovative (new or new application of existing tech)

• Be commercial or commercializable

• Align directly with AF IC mission needs

• Be built for:

  • Cloud-native environments

  • AI-enabled workflows

  • Secure, scalable deployment

Strong proposals will also demonstrate:

• Integration with Zero Trust and ICAM

• Compatibility with DevSecOps and continuous ATO (cATO)

• Use of open architectures (SOSA / OMS)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes:

• Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted

• Do not submit proprietary, classified, or sensitive information in responses

• Must comply with:

  • Cybersecurity requirements (CMMC levels per Call)

  • SAM registration and UEI requirements

Other constraints:

• Government may award all, part, or none

• Government is not obligated to make any award

• Offerors bear all proposal preparation costs

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The structure implies:

• White Paper (2–5 pages) + Quad Chart for Step One

• Full proposal only if invited

Actual timelines will be defined in each Call.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you to:

• Monitor and identify relevant Calls as soon as they are released

• Shape your solution to align with:

  • AF IC priority topics

  • Zero Trust, DevSecOps, and open architecture requirements

• Develop:

  • High-impact white papers and quad charts

  • Full proposals for Step Two

• Position your company as a credible commercial partner to DoD/IC buyers

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) -Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) - RFP 26-01

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) is soliciting prototype solutions to address critical domestic supply chain vulnerabilities and manufacturing capability gaps across four priority areas. These efforts are funded under the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program using RDT&E appropriations and are tied to Congressional Interest.

Companies should move quickly if aligned—this is a targeted, single-award-per-topic opportunity with defined funding ceilings and strong Government interest in scaling domestic capacity.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding is structured as single awards per topic, each capped at the following levels:

• Topic 1: Secure Processor Development — Up to $8,300,000 (RDT&E)

• Topic 2: Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing — Up to $2,500,000 (RDT&E)

• Topic 3: Industrial Forge Quenching Capacity Improvement — Up to $2,500,000 (RDT&E)

• Topic 4: RF Contested Environments — Up to $4,400,000 (RDT&E)

The Government intends to make one award per topic, not exceeding the stated funding limitation.

RESEARCH TOPICS:

• Topic 1: Secure Processor Development

  The Government requires a prototype project to develop, mature, and scale the domestic production of advanced secure processors for defense applications. Modern defense systems operating at the tactical edge require high-performance computing (eg, AI/ML processing, sensor fusion) while maintaining an absolute Zero-Trust hardware posture. Current commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) processors are vulnerable to supply chain interdiction, side-channel attacks, and reverse engineering.

  • Technical Focus: Solutions should emphasize hardware roots of trust (RoS), secure boot mechanisms, inline memory encryption, and resistance to physical and electrical side-channel attacks. Proposals may include advanced 2.5D and 3D heterogeneous integration (HI) packaging, or the integration of secure processor chiplets (such as RISC-V architectures with integrated memory guards) into larger systems on a chip (SoC).

  • Funding Limitation: Up to $8,300,000 (RDT&E). The Government intends to make a single award no greater than the funding limitation. Teaming arrangements are acceptable and encouraged to meet complex supply chain requirements.

• Topic 2: Rare Earth Magnet Manufacturing

  The Government requires prototype solutions to establish or enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-performance rare earth permanent magnets, specifically Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) and Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo). These magnets are critical for defense electric drive systems, radar, missile guidance fins, and advanced actuators (e.g., F-35 and submarine platforms). Currently, foreign entities of concern control over 85% of the global magnet processing and production capacity.

  • Technical Focus: The project must advance a verifiable, secure "mine-to-magnet" supply chain completely bypassing foreign entities of concern. The project may use virgin material sources or recycled materials. Technical approaches should highlight advanced sintered manufacturing processes, heavy rare earth (HRE) separation capabilities (specifically isolating Dysprosium and Terbium), or the use of Grain Boundary Diffusion (GBD) technology to maximize high-temperature performance while reducing overall reliance on scarce HREs.

  • Funding Limitation: Up to $2,500,000 (RDT&E). The Government intends to make a single award no greater than the funding limitation. Teaming arrangements are acceptable and encouraged to meet complex supply chain requirements.

  • Economic Participation: To ensure a resilient domestic supply chain, the Government seeks solutions demonstrating shared financial investment and long-term commercial sustainment. In alignment with the IBAS mission to establish and diversify regional centers of excellence, the Government will favorably evaluate proposals that build or utilize robust industrial infrastructure, integrate localized supply chains, and develop specialized workforces for domestic magnet manufacturing. The highest evaluation preference will be given to proposed solutions that strategically locate operations within established or rapidly emerging U.S. automotive, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing corridors to leverage existing industrial synergies."

• Topic 3: Industrial Forge Quenching Capacity Improvement

  Heavy forging is a foundational requirement for major defense platforms, particularly within the Submarine Industrial Base (SIB), shipbuilding, and heavy armor. The Government requires a prototype project to design, upgrade, and validate improved industrial forge quenching capacity. Current domestic infrastructure is a major bottleneck, leading to extended lead times for ultra-large cast and forged components.

  • Technical Focus: Solutions must demonstrate the implementation of advanced quenching infrastructure (eg, large-scale water, oil, or polymer quench tanks). The technical approach should feature automated, sensor-driven temperature monitoring and controlled cooling rates to guarantee metallurgical consistency, prevent stress fractures in heavy steel/titanium alloys, and significantly increase throughput for Navy and Army platform components.

  • Funding Limitation: Up to $2,500,000 (RDT&E). The Government intends to make a single award no greater than the funding limitation. Teaming arrangements are acceptable and encouraged to meet complex supply chain requirements.

  • Economic Participation: To meet the IBAS strategic requirement for expanding geographically distinct heavy industrial infrastructure, the Government seeks proposals that drive direct economic participation and localized industrial impact. The highest evaluation preference will be given to proposed solutions that establish or expand operations within regions offering established heavy manufacturing ecosystems, high-capacity energy grids, and strategic logistical access to rapidly scale domestic infrastructure capabilities."

• Topic 4: RF Contested Environments

  The Department of War (DoW) requires domestic, trusted prototyping and low-rate initial production of advanced microelectronics capable of maintaining spectrum dominance in severely contested and congested electromagnetic environments.

  Currently, the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB) faces a critical gap in fielding ultra-wideband, low-latency RF signal processing components at the tactical edge. Near-peer adversaries have proliferated sophisticated Electronic Warfare (EW) systems designed to jam, spoof, or degrade DoW communications, radar, and precision-guided munitions. Existing silicon-based microelectronics lack the instantaneous bandwidth and dynamic range required to filter intentional interference and isolate signals of interest in real-time, posing a severe risk to Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) survivability.

  ·         Technical Focus: The solution must be centered on the design, development, and prototyping of advanced microelectronic architectures capable of maintaining spectrum dominance in highly contested and congested Radio Frequency (RF) environments. To counter sophisticated near-peer Electronic Warfare (EW) and jamming capabilities, the proposed solution must deliver ultra-wideband signal processing beyond the state of the practice at the tactical edge. This requires moving beyond traditional narrowband, high-latency digital conversion by integrating analog, mixed-signal, or photonic pre-processing directly on-chip. These advanced microelectronic components must demonstrate the high dynamic range necessary to simultaneously nullify high-power, frequency-hopping interference while isolating and preserving critical, low-power signals of interest in real-time without introducing processing lag.

  Furthermore, the technical focus mandates strict adherence to Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) optimization to ensure the resulting prototypes are viable for integration into constrained platforms such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), precision-guided munitions, and mobile Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) nodes. A critical execution requirement of this effort is the active utilization and maturation of the domestic supply chain, specifically leveraging the established optics, photonics, and RF microelectronics industrial base. Performers must explicitly demonstrate how their technical approach integrates specialized manufacturing, advanced prototyping, and research capabilities to deliver military-grade, environmentally hardened sub-systems (targeting Technology Readiness Level 5 or 6) that are ready for transition into Department of War (DoW) Programs of Record.

  • Funding Limitation: Up to $4,400,000 (RDT&E). The Government intends to make a single award no greater than the funding limitation. Teaming arrangements are acceptable and encouraged to meet complex supply chain requirements.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This program is structured around Government equity, meaning participation may include:

• Government Purpose Rights (GPR) to technical data and software

• Priority access or reserved production capacity

• Delivery of prototypes, tooling, or LRIP units

• Shared licensing or royalty-free use of developed IP

Additionally, projects are tied to Congressional Interest and may position companies for future defense production and transition opportunities.

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

A deadline is to be released in the coming days. We’re planning to assist companies with meeting appropriate personnel and are beginning that work promptly.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriations

• Managed under the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program

• Executed through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC)

These efforts are explicitly tied to national security priorities and Congressional Interest.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Members of the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) may submit solution papers

• Teaming arrangements are acceptable and encouraged

No additional eligibility criteria are specified in the solicitation.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive proposals will:

• Directly address critical supply chain vulnerabilities

• Demonstrate ability to scale domestic manufacturing capacity

• Align tightly with IBAS objectives

• Show regional industrial impact and infrastructure development

• Include shared financial investment and long-term sustainment plans (where applicable)

• Leverage or build localized supply chains and workforce development

Highest preference is given to projects that:

• Strengthen regional industrial hubs

• Integrate into existing U.S. automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing corridors

• Reduce reliance on foreign entities of concern

All topics are evaluated independently.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key requirements and constraints include:

• The Government expects equity commensurate with its investment

• Projects must align with IBAS statutory objectives

• Solutions must support domestic supply chain resilience

• Certain topics require fully domestic supply chains bypassing foreign entities of concern

• Deliverables may include data rights, IP access, and production commitments

Additional topic-specific technical constraints apply (e.g., SWaP-C requirements, secure architectures, metallurgical controls).

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the solicitation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Opportunity qualification and topic alignment strategy

• Structuring competitive Solution Papers

• Positioning your project for IBAS evaluation criteria

• Building teaming strategies and supply chain narratives

• Translating technical concepts into clear, fundable proposals

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

U.S. DOT SBIR Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Phase I

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. DOT SBIR FY26 Phase I Pre-Solicitation is now open and represents an early opportunity to align with upcoming federal R&D funding across transportation, AI, safety, and infrastructure.

The pre-solicitation is open through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, which is the key near-term deadline to engage, ask questions, and position your solution.

While this is not the formal application window, companies that act now—by refining their concept, engaging in Q&A, and aligning to specific topics—will be significantly better positioned for the estimated solicitation period: June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Phase I funding is up to $200,000 for 6 months.

RESEARCH TOPICS:

• 26-FH1: Edge AI-V2X Integrated Practical Solutions for Congestion Prevention and Mitigation

  This topic seeks an integrated system combining AI, edge/cloud computing, and V2X communication to detect, predict, and mitigate traffic congestion in real time across multiple intersections or regions. The solution should ingest diverse traffic data, generate location-specific operational guidance (e.g., speed, lane changes, detours), and securely deliver it to vehicles, infrastructure, and agencies. A key focus is on balancing workloads between edge and cloud systems while ensuring low latency, scalability, and secure communications.

• 26-FH2: Automated Mobile Catch-basin Inspection System

  FHWA is looking for a vehicle-mounted, multi-sensor inspection system that can assess catch-basin conditions (e.g., water, sediment, debris) without removing grates or requiring manual inspection. The system should use sensors (optical, lidar, radar, etc.) and AI to interpret basin conditions while in motion, improving safety and efficiency for DOTs managing large, distributed infrastructure networks.

• 26-FR1: Mobile High-Power Emergency BESS De-energizer System for Rail Vehicle Propulsion

  This topic calls for a mobile system capable of safely discharging high-voltage lithium-ion battery systems (BESS) in rail vehicles after accidents or during maintenance. The system must handle at least 400 kW of stored energy, include robust safety features, and be operable by trained personnel. It should support multiple discharge methods (resistive, regenerative, or hybrid) and integrate with emergency response and rail maintenance workflows.

• 26-FT1: Person-Centered, Carefree, Complete Trip Planning - Powered by AI

  FTA seeks an AI-powered trip planning tool that supports the entire “Complete Trip,” from deciding to use transit through navigation and adaptation during travel. The system should integrate multimodal transportation data, personalize recommendations based on user preferences, and ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. The goal is to make transit a seamless, intuitive option compared to other modes.

• 26-OS1: Predictive Safety Analytics for Commercial Transport Modernization

  This topic focuses on developing predictive analytics tools that use AI and integrated data sources to proactively identify safety risks in commercial transportation. A core component is a “Trusted Intermediary” framework that securely combines private industry data with public datasets while preserving privacy. The system should generate actionable, explainable insights to improve safety outcomes and resource allocation.

• 26-OS2: Freight Corridor Predictive Intelligence

  This topic seeks an AI-enabled system that predicts freight bottlenecks and supply chain disruptions using multimodal data, edge analytics, and federated learning. The solution should provide real-time insights and decision-support tools for public and private stakeholders, including dashboards and alerts. It aims to improve corridor efficiency, resilience, and coordination across transportation systems.

• 26-PH1: Increase End-of-Life Battery Safety and Recovery of Rare Earth Minerals

  PHMSA is looking for a safe, fast, and cost-effective method to remove residual energy from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, reducing explosion risk during transport. The solution should enable safer shipping and improve the economics of recovering critical minerals, with potential to support regulatory changes and broader commercialization.

• 26-PH2: Thermal Indicator Coatings for Hazardous Materials Packaging Safety

  This topic seeks a thermochromic coating for hazardous materials packaging that visibly changes color when internal temperatures reach dangerous levels. The coating should be durable, low-cost, and compatible with various packaging materials, providing first responders and operators with a clear, intuitive warning signal during transport or emergencies.

• 26-PH3: Self-repairing Hazardous Materials Packaging

  PHMSA is interested in self-repairing materials or coatings that can automatically fix damage (e.g., cracks, corrosion, punctures) in hazardous materials packaging. The solution must meet existing regulatory standards and improve safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness across bulk and non-bulk packaging applications.

• 26-PH4: Improved Response to Lithium-ion Battery Fires

  This topic calls for a low-cost, easy-to-deploy solution to suppress lithium-ion battery fires quickly and prevent reignition. The system should work across different battery types and scenarios, integrate with emergency response workflows, and be scalable for widespread use by first responders, shippers, and operators.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Not explicitly specified, but the document indicates:

• Opportunities to work with federal agencies and transportation operators

• Potential pilot deployments with state/local partners

• Path to Phase II funding for prototype development and validation

• Early positioning in priority areas like AI, safety, and infrastructure modernization

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

Key dates provided:

• Pre-solicitation open through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Pre-solicitation Q&A period: April 29, 2026 – May 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Estimated solicitation period: June 3, 2026 – July 7, 2026

Funding timing after submission is not specified in the provided materials.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) SBIR program, including:

• Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

• Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

• Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

• Office of the Secretary (OST)

• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Who is eligible to apply?

• For-profit small businesses

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the topic descriptions:

• Companies building real, testable systems (not just concepts)

• Teams that integrate:

  • AI + real-world data

  • Hardware + software systems

  • Existing infrastructure (e.g., V2X, sensors, rail systems)

• Proposals that demonstrate:

  • Clear Phase I feasibility approach

  • Path to Phase II deployment

  • Partnerships with agencies or industry stakeholders

• Solutions that address:

  • Safety, reliability, and scalability

  • Real-world operating constraints (latency, environment, compliance)

  • Human usability and adoption

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Examples from the topics include:

• Must integrate with existing infrastructure and systems

• Must meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements

• Some topics require industry partnerships (e.g., rail stakeholders)

• Certain exclusions apply (e.g., radioactive materials excluded in PHMSA 26-PH3)

• Solutions must be practical, scalable, and deployable

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Given the timeline:

• You effectively have until July 7, 2026 (estimated) to prepare for submission once the solicitation opens

• Early preparation during the pre-solicitation period (through May 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET) is strongly implied

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Select the right topic across FHWA, FRA, FTA, OST, and PHMSA

• Translate your product into a Phase I-ready technical concept

• Build a clear commercialization and Phase II pathway

• Develop a competitive SBIR proposal aligned to DOT expectations

• Use the pre-solicitation window to refine positioning and de-risk your application

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Department of Education - SBIR/STTR Opportunities (IA, IB, and DT2)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Department of Education (ED), through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), is offering three SBIR funding tracks in 2026: Phase IA, Phase IB, and Direct to Phase II. These programs fund education technology companies at different stages—from early prototype to full-scale commercialization.

• Phase IA: Build a brand-new product (early-stage)

• Phase IB: Improve an existing product (mid-stage)

• Direct to Phase II: Scale a proven innovation (late-stage)

All three tracks are competitive and mutually exclusive (you cannot submit the same or similar proposal across tracks).

Application deadline: June 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Phase IA and IB, and June 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) for Direct to Phase II.

How much funding would I receive?

• Phase IA: $250,000 for 9 months

• Phase IB: $250,000 for 9 months

• Direct to Phase II: $1,000,000 for 2 years

What could I use the funding for?

Across all three tracks, funding supports:

• Research and development (R&D)

• Product development

• Pilot testing with users

• Data collection and analysis

• Personnel and subcontractors

Key differences:

• Phase IA: Build a new prototype from scratch

• Phase IB: Develop a new component integrated into an existing product

• Direct to Phase II:Scale and commercialize an existing evidence-based innovation

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Phase IA and IB awardees can apply for $1,000,000 Phase II funding the following year

• All tracks provide federal validation and commercialization support

• Direct to Phase II provides immediate access to $1M scale funding without Phase I

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

Application timeline:

• White Papers per Program: Continuous, after the posting of Q&As (Preferred)

• Full proposals: By invitation only

Process:

1. Submit White Paper

2. Government evaluates for viability

3. If selected → invited to submit full proposal

4. If selected → negotiation → award

Award timing:
Not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Department of Education (ED)

• Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

Who is eligible to apply?

• For-profit small businesses

Track-specific requirements:

• Phase IA: Little or no prior product development

• Phase IB: Must have an existing functioning prototype or product

• Direct to Phase II: Must work with an existing evidence-based innovation developed by a university or nonprofit and include the original researcher on the team

What companies and projects are likely to win?

• Phase IA: Novel, high-risk ideas with strong potential impact

• Phase IB: Companies with working products and a clear, innovative upgrade

• Direct to Phase II: Teams with strong research evidence and a credible plan to scale

Across all tracks:

• Clear problem-solution fit

• Strong research and technical approach

• Path to commercialization

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Cannot submit the same or similar proposal across Phase IA, IB, or Direct to Phase II

• Phase IA: Must be a new, independent product

• Phase IB: New component must be distinct and not a continuation

• Direct to Phase II:

  • Innovation must be originally developed by academic or nonprofit researchers

  • Cannot already be widely deployed at scale

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Phase IA / IB: Typically 4–8 weeks

• Direct to Phase II: Typically 6–10+ weeks

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Identify the right track (IA vs IB vs Direct to Phase II)

• Position your company and product for competitiveness

• Develop full technical, research, and commercialization narratives

• Build compliant budgets and submission packages

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

DOI & IARPA - EMERGING TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR (ETA) PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENTDOI-ETA-FY26-30

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

Executive Summary:

The Emerging Technology Accelerator (ETA) Program Announcement (DOI-ETA-FY26-30) is a multi-program IARPA funding vehicle supporting high-risk, high-payoff R&D across multiple active programs (e.g., ARCADE, COSMIC, DECIPHER, LocUS). Awards are made as Prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTs) through a competitive, white paper–first process.

There is no fixed submission deadline — White Papers per Program: Continuous, after the posting of Q&As (Preferred).

This is a rolling opportunity, but programs can close once sufficient white papers are received. That creates real urgency: if you are aligned, you should apply as soon as possible before a program is re-labeled “Not Active.”

How much funding would I receive?

Not specified in the solicitation.

• The Government will make multiple Prototype OT awards

• Funding depends on:

  • Quality of proposals

  • Availability of funds

• Awards may be:

  • Partial (only parts of proposals funded)

  • Incremental or phased

No award size ranges or total program value are provided.

Research Topics:

• 1. ARCADE – ARTIFICIAL REASONING FOR CIRCUIT AUTOMATION AND DESIGN ENGINEERING (FY26) - ACTIVE

  ARCADE transforms and accelerates electrical circuit design within the Intelligence Community (IC) by leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop an intelligent, comprehensive AI-knowledge assistant that extracts key information from vast technical documentation and enables engineers to perform quick, intuitive queries to meet the speed of mission.

  The technical information ingested by ARCADE will include text, datasheets, diagrams, schematics, tables, and graphs. ARCADE extracts crucial details about electrical components, their specifications and interfaces to compile them into a comprehensive searchable knowledge platform.

  Going beyond a simple search engine, ARCADE aims to suggest and recommend optimal components based on design requirements, constraints, and performance parameters as specified through user-defined prompts. This capability enables engineers to perform swift, targeted queries, dramatically reducing the time it takes to find, compare, and select suitable parts. It also aims to help identify optimal components and potential alternatives more efficiently by providing comparison tables and explanations for why specific components were selected, effectively saving engineers from manually sifting through thousands of documents. Ultimately, ARCADE will lead to faster, more accurate, and more robust circuit designs, ensuring Government missions can be deployed with unprecedented speed and reliability.

• 2. COSMIC – COMMERCIAL OBSERVATION FOR SPATIO-TEMPORAL MONITORING FOR INDICATIONS OF CHANGE (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The aim of the Commercial Observation for Spatio-temporal Monitoring for Indications of Change (COSMIC) program is to formulate a methodology to leverage commercial remote sensing technologies and open source geolocated information to generate pseudo-persistent data (PPD). This will be done by combining and translating complex and novel data, such as nonnadir imagery and non-Red,Green, Blue (RGB) spectral bands, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer vision-based methodologies into a layered, temporal geospatial model understandable by commercial agentic AI systems. COSMIC will enable the development of an agentic AI analytic system trained by commercial vendors and equipped to answer intelligence questions by bridging the gap between the Intelligence Community (IC) data characteristics and the simpler solutions offered by commercial vendors.

  COSMIC will foster routine updating and modelling of baseline geospatial information in areas through multi-source, persistent surveillance. New sensors will fluidly be incorporated into the generation of layered geospatial models as constellations and sources change over time. In addition to improving the temporal resolution of layered geospatial models, COSMIC also aims to reduce resource demands by streamlining the derivation of actionable intelligence from these models. By integrating commercial remote sensing data with existing geospatial information, the program aims to create a harmonized and up-to-date representation of the physical world that can be used by agentic processes to answer questions relevant to the IC.

• 3. DECIPHER - (FY26) - ACTIVE

  Analysts often struggle to understand specialized language (e.g., slang, jargon, technical terminology) in various situations where dictionary definitions are not readily available, such as:

  • Non-English research articles with novel technical concepts and terms

  • Communications using slang

  • Undefined acronyms used within limited contexts

  • Web forum posts using coded language to mask illicit activities

  In these and similar contexts, analysts dedicate significant effort to triaging content pertinent to their domain of interest and understanding the meaning of unknown or novel specialized terms used within that domain. Adding to this challenge, language can change quickly, and adversaries can rapidly adapt their language to evade detection.

  The Decipher program’s goal is to create capabilities to detect and define specialized language in diverse, multilingual text collections. In Decipher, “specialized language” refers to single or multiword expressions that are difficult to disambiguate (e.g., acronyms, terminology with multiple meanings), are used to deliberately obfuscate interpretation (e.g., coded language), or for which accurate translations or explanations are not readily available (e.g., emergent jargon or slang) to typical non-expert users. Decipher will flag and extract candidate specialized terms in a document or corpus and then will provide candidate plain language translation and annotation of specialized terms, including jargon, slang, and acronyms. The program will also develop technology to annotate text with relevant social and contextual factors, capturing nuanced meaning, as well as to detect concept drift by monitoring use of terminology as it evolves over time.

• 4. LocUS – LOCATION USING SOUND (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The LocUS program aims to create technology that automatically and accurately geolocates multimedia content by maximally leveraging audio and visual information. LocUS will improve the geolocation capabilities of the Intelligence Community (IC) considerably beyond imageryonly methods and thereby increase the volume of content that can be accurately geolocated. This program will increase analysts’ ability to rapidly and accurately determine where a video, image, or audio clip was collected in the absence of accurate metadata indicating location. Applications for national security include human trafficking interdiction, hostage recovery, localization of malign actors using social media or confiscated devices, and other intelligence and law enforcement use cases.

• 5. MOVES – MOVEMENT OBSERVATION AND VIDEO-BASED EVALUATION SYSTEM (FY26) - ACTIVE

  The intelligence community (IC) would benefit from the ability to diagnose, from open-source data, medical conditions in individuals and populations. This ability would enable, e.g., monitoring of the spread of health threats (disease, chemical accidents or attacks, environmental toxins, etc.) and other medical intelligence analyses. The MOVES program aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this long-term goal by addressing a subset of the challenges associated with generalized diagnosis from video.

  The MOVES program will focus on diagnoses of neurological conditions that typically affect people’s movement and demonstrate that it is feasible to diagnose such conditions from challenging input video that may:

  • Be taken from non-ideal angles

  • Include subjects wearing a wide variety of clothing styles

  • Show partially obstructed subjects

  The program requirements are selected to ensure a path to rapid adoption and trust in the algorithms’ performance by medical professionals. Key challenges include the nature of the videos as described above, especially finding movements that are diagnostic of conditions, differentiating between similar symptoms of different disorders, and providing enough information to the medical professionals about how the diagnosis was made so that they can verify the diagnosis and build confidence in the algorithm performance.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes:

• Potential follow-on production Contract or OT if prototype is successful

• Direct engagement with IARPA and Intelligence Community stakeholders

• Access to Government-furnished data (program-dependent)

• Independent Test & Evaluation (T&E) feedback throughout development

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

Application timeline:

• White Papers per Program: Continuous, after the posting of Q&As (Preferred)

• Full proposals: By invitation only

Process:

1. Submit White Paper

2. Government evaluates for viability

3. If selected → invited to submit full proposal

4. If selected → negotiation → award

Award timing:
Not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Department of the Interior (DOI), Interior Business Center (IBC)

• In partnership with IARPA (Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity)

Authority:

• Issued under 50 U.S.C. § 3024(m)(6) for Prototype OT agreements

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible:

• All responsible sources capable of meeting requirements

• U.S.-based entities (prime must be U.S.)

• Teams including:

  • Small businesses

  • Non-traditional defense contractors (NDCs)

  • Non-profits

Foreign participation:

• Allowed only as part of a U.S.-based team

Not eligible:

• Government agencies

• FFRDCs

• UARCs

• Government-affiliated organizations with privileged access

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on evaluation criteria, winning proposals will:

• Demonstrate innovative, high-risk/high-payoff technical approaches

• Clearly align with specific program objectives

• Show feasible execution plans with defined milestones

• Include strong technical teams and capabilities

• Address technical risks with mitigation strategies

• Offer IP terms that allow Government transition

The Government prioritizes:

• Scientific merit

• Relevance to IARPA mission

• Resource realism

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes — several important ones:

Submission restrictions

• One program per white paper

• Must follow strict formatting and page limits

Funding restrictions

• No facility construction

• No commercialization costs

Technical restrictions

• Classified proposals are not accepted

IP & data

• Government requires sufficient rights for transition

• Must disclose IP ownership and restrictions

Compliance requirements

• NSPM-33 research security disclosures required

• Potential foreign influence review and mitigation

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Requirements include:

• White Paper (up to ~8 pages technical content)

• If invited:

  • Full technical proposal (≤15 pages)

  • Detailed cost proposal

  • Multiple compliance attachments

This is a moderate-to-high effort application, especially at full proposal stage.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Program selection (which ETA program to target)

• White paper strategy and positioning

• Technical narrative development aligned to IARPA evaluation criteria

• Full proposal development (if invited)

• IP, compliance, and structure alignment

• End-to-end submission management

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H - SBIR/STTR Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

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

Executive Summary:

This is the ARPA-H SBIR/STTR Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for high-impact healthcare technologies across seven topic areas. It uses a two step application process (Solution Summary → Technical Presentation) and supports Phase I, Direct-to-Phase II, and Fast Track awards.

There is strong urgency to prepare early, but note:

• The Solution Summary Due: July 10, 2026 (11:59PM ET)

• The solicitation is currently a draft and not yet accepting applications

Because ARPA-H uses a gated, competitive process with strict technical novelty requirements, companies should begin positioning immediately—especially given topic-specific windows and evolving amendments.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on phase and topic. Typical amounts are:

• Phase I: up to $600,000

• Phase II: up to $3,500,000

Some topics specify:

• ~$600k (Phase I) and $3.5M (Phase II) (Topics 1–4, 7)

• $3.5M (Phase II only) (Topics 5–6)

All awards are issued as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts with milestone-based payments

Research Topics:

• ARPA-H 01 - Development of an annual test to inform women about their future fertility

  The purpose of this topic is to discover new biomarkers that provide women with actionable data for fertility planning.  Results from this work will help inform the program manager regarding the feasibility of future programs focused on enhancing natural fertility before the need of IVF and guiding the development of women’s health monitoring and improvement tools. This work will develop a diagnostic test that can assess fertility status and generate an estimated timeline for the onset of infertility. This topic seeks to develop a test that is affordable, suitable for at least annual use, and provides user-friendly results for patients and care teams to support childbearing decisions.   

• ARPA-H 02 - Versatile Bioadhesives

  The purpose of this topic is to develop surgical glues with antimicrobial properties to combat infections due to surgery. In addition, the novel multifunctional surgical glue will also have desired properties such as controllable reversibility and degradability and be tissue/organ agnostic to stop bleeding with unknown sources. Overall, successful completion of this SBIR project will not only support the clinical implementation of bioprinted organs but also provide novel solutions to tackle unmet clinical needs in managing surgical leaks and infections and reduce overall medical costs.   

• ARPA-H 03 - Universal Platform for Living Adaptive Toxin-removal (UNI-PLAT)

  The purpose of this topic area is to catalyze the development of a universal, “plug-and-play” synthetic biology platform that enables next-generation microbial chassis capable of performing a broad array of programmable functions. While this solicitation primarily uses toxin removal as a proof-of-concept in relation to chronic disease management, the platform is intended to be adaptable to a range of challenges across industries such as environmental remediation, biomanufacturing, agriculture, holistic medicine, and therapeutic discovery. The broader goal is to create a stable, reliable, and easily reprogrammable microbial platform that demonstrates potential for cross-sector impact beyond the initial use case. 

• ARPA-H 04 - Breaking Ground: The First Curative, Non-Invasive, Long-Lasting Therapy for Endometriosis

  The purpose of this topic aims to advance progress in the endometriosis field by identifying and commercializing non-invasive therapeutics that address the root cause of the disease. Proposers are expected to develop a first-of-its-kind, non-invasive therapy capable of reducing the size of endometriosis lesions, deactivating endometriosis tissue, and/or preventing regrowth thereby ideally achieving curative outcomes. Additionally, proposers need to showcase a solution that has precise, targeted specificity, ensuring the treatment accurately locates and addresses endometriosis lesions without causing adverse effects elsewhere in the body.

• ARPA-H 05 - ARPA-H Lineage Topic

  The purpose of this topic supports the advancement, commercialization, and translation of technologies that originated from ARPA-H funded efforts. It is intended to help small businesses and startups develop viable products based on these technologies. ARPA-H’s goal is to give small businesses an off-ramp to finish developing their technology/product, explore secondary or interim applications of the technology, and time to achieve self-sufficiency.

• ARPA-H 06 - Rapid Comprehensive Diagnostic Test for Multi-System Autoimmune Disease

  The overall purpose of this topic is to spur the development of novel, rapid diagnostic assays for multi-system autoimmune disease, which represents an unmet healthcare need. Moreover, in its ideal embodiment this diagnostic test might allow typical primary care physicians to diagnose and predict tissue-specific autoimmune disease manifestations, thereby streamlining referral of the patient to a specialist. This goal is made more feasible by recent technological developments incility to detect tissue-specific signatures of immune-mediated stress by assessing circulating cells and/or tissue-specific molecular products.  

• ARPA-H 07 - Virtual Human Brain for the Development of Neurosurgical Robotics

  The overall purpose of this topic aims to take a first step toward AI-assisted intracranial microsurgery, which will ameliorate patient outcomes as described in point 5 above, by creating a high-resolution, physically and anatomically accurate virtual human brain.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes. ARPA-H provides hands-on commercialization support, including:

• Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program (strategic guidance on IP, regulatory, market strategy)

• Regulatory and reimbursement support

• Customer discovery and stakeholder introductions

• I-Corps program participation (optional)

• Potential Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding

Support is not guaranteed and is provided at ARPA-H’s discretion

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

Key Dates

• Solution Summary Due: July 10, 2026 (11:59PM ET)

• Technical Presentation (if invited): September 9, 2026 (11:59PM ET)

Process Timeline

• Stage 1: Submit Solution Summary (4–6 pages)

• Stage 2: If invited → Technical Presentation + full materials

• ARPA-H response:

  • ~90 days after topic close for Stage 1 decision

  • ~30 days after presentation for final decision

• Awards targeted within ~180 days of topic closing

Funding Timing

• Payments are quarterly milestone-based, not upfront

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Under the SBIR/STTR program, authorized by the U.S. Small Business Act

• Within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The program is designed to fund transformational health technologies with commercialization potential

Who is eligible to apply?

Core Eligibility

You must be a Small Business Concern (SBC) that:

• Has ≤500 employees

• Is majority U.S.-owned

• Performs work in the United States

SBIR Requirements

• PI >50% employed by small business

• Work share:

  • Phase I: ≥66% by small business

  • Phase II: ≥50% by small business

STTR Requirements

• Must include a research institution partner

• Work share:

  • ≥40% small business

  • ≥30% research institution

Additional Requirements

• SAM.gov registration

• SBA Company Registry

• Foreign affiliation disclosures

• Required certifications at submission

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H is explicitly looking for:

• Non-incremental, breakthrough technologies

• Solutions with clear technical novelty and feasibility

• Teams with:

  • Proven ability to execute

  • Commercialization capability

• Projects that:

  • Address major unmet health needs

  • Have a credible path to market and impact

  • Can reach a commercial inflection point

Strong proposals demonstrate:

• Clear technical milestones and risk mitigation

• Evidence-backed claims

• A viable commercialization plan

Incremental or purely academic work is unlikely to be competitive

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No incremental R&D—must be transformative

• No Phase III proposals

• Must follow topic-specific eligibility (phase/type)

• Strict foreign affiliation disclosure and national security review

• Funding may be denied for:

  • Security risks

  • Undisclosed foreign relationships

• Proposal cap: max 6 submissions per fiscal year across HHS

Other constraints:

• Must submit through ARPA-H Solutions site only

• No email or paper submissions accepted

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Typical effort:

• Stage 1 (Solution Summary):

  • 4–6 pages

  • ~1–3 weeks for a prepared team

• Stage 2 (if invited):

  • Full technical package + presentation

  • ~3–6+ weeks

Additional prep time may be required for:

• Registrations (SAM can take >14 business days)

• Certifications and compliance documentation

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support across the full lifecycle:

• Topic selection and win strategy positioning

• Translating your technology into ARPA-H-aligned narratives

• Writing:

  • Solution Summary

  • Technical presentation materials

• Building commercialization strategy aligned to ARPA-H expectations

• Preparing for technical Q&A and evaluation criteria

• Managing compliance and submission requirements

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I Topics

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

Executive Summary:

NASA is accepting proposals for its FY26–27 SBIR/STTR Phase I programs under Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) 80NSSC26R0003. The deadline to apply is May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET.

This is a short application window and a highly structured opportunity. NASA will not evaluate late or incomplete submissions, and companies are limited to no more than two proposal packages.

The program funds early-stage R&D aligned with NASA’s defined technical needs across space systems, aeronautics, materials, energy, planetary science, and in-space infrastructure. Each proposal must target a single subtopic, and NASA will not move proposals between topics—fit matters.

For Phase I:

• Maximum funding: $225,000

• Project duration:

  • SBIR: up to six (6) months

  • STTR: up to thirteen (13) months

All submissions must be completed through NASA’s ProSAMS system, including all required forms, technical proposal components, and endorsements.

Companies that successfully complete Phase I may be invited to submit for Phase II follow-on funding, with additional development support and commercialization pathways.

This is a tightly scoped, compliance-heavy opportunity with defined technical gaps. If your technology aligns with a subtopic, you should move quickly to prepare a compliant submission before the May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

• Up to $225,000 per Phase I award

• Optional Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): up to $6,500 (if requested)

Research Topics:

• CARITL.1.S26A: Development of Hydrazine-Compatible Elastomeric Materials for Long-Duration Spaceflight (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a replacement elastomer material that can withstand long-term hydrazine exposure and spaceflight conditions for NASA propulsion systems.

• EXPAND.1.S26A: Flight Demonstrations of Commercial In-Space Logistics, Robotic Manipulation, and Automation Systems for Future Space Operations (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks commercial in-space logistics, robotic manipulation, and automation systems that can be flight-demonstrated for future space operations.

• EVA.1.S26A: Advanced Spacesuit Architectures, Technologies, and Designs for Mars Exploration (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced spacesuit architectures and enabling technologies tailored to the demands of Mars exploration.

• GO.1.S26A: ASCENT Thruster Pre-heat Optimization (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies to improve or optimize pre-heat performance for ASCENT thrusters.

• LWS.1.S26A: Mars Solar Array Technology (MSAT) Innovations (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks innovations in solar array technology that improve power generation for Mars missions.

• LIVEP.1.S26A: Energy Storage for Long-Duration Missions (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks energy storage technologies that can support long-duration lunar, planetary, or deep-space missions.

• LIVEP.2.S26A: Mars and Lunar Power Transfer Technology Development (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks power transfer technologies that can distribute energy across Mars and lunar surface systems.

• INSTALG.1.S26A: In Situ Instruments and Instrument Components for Lunar and Planetary Science (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks in situ science instruments and instrument components for lunar and planetary missions.

• INSTALG.2.S26A: Suborbital Instruments and Sensor Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks instruments and sensor systems suitable for suborbital science platforms and observations.

• COSMO.1.S26A: High Performance Detector Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks high-performance detector technologies for advanced space science and observation missions.

• SPWX.1.S26A: Advanced Data-Driven Applications for Space Weather Research-to-Operations-to-Research (R2O2R) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced data-driven tools that improve the transition of space weather capabilities between research and operations.

• ORBECON.1.S26A: Catalyzing High-Throughput In-Space Production of Semiconductors and Quantum Materials (CHIPS-QM) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that enable scalable in-space production of semiconductors and quantum materials.

• AERO.1.S26B: Health Management and Sensing Technologies for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Systems (SBIR)

  This call seeks proposals in both for Electric/Hybrid Sustainable Designs as well as Sustainable Aviation Fuel Systems.

• AERO.2.S26B: Quiet Performance-Aircraft Propulsion Noise (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that reduce or better characterize aircraft propulsion noise while maintaining performance.

• AERO.3.S26B: Advanced Thermal Management for High-Efficiency Engine Cycles (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced thermal management approaches for next-generation high-efficiency aircraft engine cycles.

• AERO.4.S26B: Flight Test Measurement Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks improved measurement technologies for collecting high-quality data during flight testing.

• AERO.5.S26B: Improved Material Discovery through Leveraging Novel Modeling and Experimental Approaches (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks faster and better material discovery methods using new modeling and experimental approaches.

• AERO.6.S26B: Wind Tunnel Test Measurement Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks measurement technologies that improve data collection and analysis in wind tunnel testing.

• AERO.7.S26B: Airspace Operations and Safety (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that improve the safety, efficiency, and management of airspace operations.

• AERO.8.S26B: Fuel to Electric Conversion (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that support the transition from fuel-based aircraft systems to electric architectures.

• GO.2.S26B: Development of cost-effective 3D printing of SOA Hall thruster magnetic circuits (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks cost-effective 3D printing methods for state-of-the-art Hall thruster magnetic circuits.

• GO.3.S26B: Advanced Momentum Management and Propellant less Control Technologies for Solar Sail Spacecraft (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced momentum management and propellant-less control technologies for solar sail spacecraft.

• ENABLE.1.S26B: Laser Welding System and Integrated Real-Time Nondestructive Inspection (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a laser welding system paired with real-time nondestructive inspection capabilities.

• ENABLE.2.S26B: High Performance Onboard Computing (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks high-performance onboard computing technologies for future NASA missions.

• EXPAND.2.S26B: Orbital Debris Tracking (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that improve detection, tracking, and awareness of orbital debris.

• EXPAND.3.S26B: Autonomous Onboard Health Management for Small Spacecraft and Distributed Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks autonomous onboard health management technologies for small spacecraft and distributed space systems.

• EVA.2.S26B: Mars Exploration Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suit (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies and designs for EVA suits that support human Mars exploration.

• SURFMOB.1.S26B: Advanced Human Lunar Surface Mobility Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced mobility technologies that improve how humans move and operate on the lunar surface.

• LAND.1.S26B: Real-time Characterization of Regolith Stability during Planetary Descent & Landing (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that can characterize regolith stability in real time during planetary descent and landing.

• LAND.2.S26B: Development and Modeling of Waterproofing Coatings or Surface Treatments for Reusable Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks waterproofing coatings or surface treatments for reusable thermal protection systems, along with supporting modeling.

• LAND.3.S26B: Low Cost Domestic Source for Blended Carbon and Phenolic Felt Batting or Yarn (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks a low-cost domestic source for blended carbon and phenolic felt batting or yarn used in thermal protection applications.

• LWS.2.S26B: Softgoods Habitats Employing Layered or Trapped Unrefined Regolith Shielding (SHELTURS) (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks softgoods habitat concepts that use layered or trapped unrefined regolith for shielding.

• LIVEI.1.S26B: Surface Sustainability and Logistics: Dust Mitigation (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks dust mitigation technologies that support sustainable surface operations and logistics.

• INSTALG.3.S26B: Large-Scale Computing and Computational AI (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks large-scale computing and computational AI capabilities for NASA science and mission applications.

• INSTALG.4.S26B: Detectors and Integrated Electronics (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks detector technologies and integrated electronics for science instruments.

• INSTALG.5.S26B: Remote-Sensing Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks remote-sensing technologies for planetary, Earth, or space science observations.

• COMNAV.1.S26B: Flight Dynamics and Navigation Technologies (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks flight dynamics and navigation technologies for future mission planning and operations.

• COMNAV.2.S26B: Lunar 3GPP Capability Development (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks development of lunar communication capabilities based on 3GPP standards.

• COSMO.2.S26B: Cryogenic Systems for Instruments (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks cryogenic systems that enable high-performance scientific instruments.

• COSMO.3.S26B: AI for Rapid Development of Space Precision Components (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks AI-enabled methods to accelerate the development of precision space components.

• COSMO.4.S26B: Instrument Technologies, Free-Form Optics, and Stray-Light Suppression (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks instrument technologies including free-form optics and stray-light suppression methods.

• COSMO.5.S26B: Advanced Observatory Technologies: Mirrors, Structures, Systems, Fabrication and Metrology (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced observatory technologies spanning mirrors, structures, systems, fabrication, and metrology.

• SPWX.2.S26B: Sensors and Instrumentation for Space Environment Measurement (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks sensors and instrumentation for measuring the space environment.

• INSITU.1.S26B: Fault Management Technologies for Autonomous Systems (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks fault management technologies that improve the resilience of autonomous systems.

• INSITU.2.S26B: Sample Handling, Processing, and Control for In-Situ Lunar and Planetary Science Instruments (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks sample handling, processing, and control technologies for in situ lunar and planetary science instruments.

• INSITU.3.S26B: Robotic Mobility, Manipulation, and Sampling (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks robotic mobility, manipulation, and sampling technologies for planetary exploration.

• INSITU.4.S26B: Variable Gravity Sample Preparation and Analysis (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies for sample preparation and analysis across variable gravity environments.

• INSITU.5.S26B: Contamination Control and Planetary Protection (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks contamination control and planetary protection technologies for science missions.

• INSITU.6.S26B: Plant Research Technologies for Space (SBIR)

  This subtopic seeks plant research technologies that support space biology and future exploration missions.

• AERO.9.T26B: Full-Scale (Passenger/Cargo) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Interdisciplinary Investigations (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks full-scale or scalable test and analysis capabilities for advanced air mobility and eVTOL vehicles across aerodynamics, propulsion, flight dynamics, controls, and acoustics.

• AERO.10.T26B: Hybrid Powertrain Technologies (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks hybrid powertrain technologies for next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.

• GO.4.T26B: Modernization of CFD Tools for Advanced Propulsion Applications (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks modernization of CFD tools to better support advanced propulsion applications.

• GO.5.T26B: Very Low Earth Orbits (VLEO) Control Surfaces (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks control surface technologies that enable spacecraft operations in very low Earth orbit.

• LIVEI.2.T26B: Bulk Regolith Manipulation and Site Preparation (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies for bulk regolith movement and site preparation on planetary surfaces.

• INSTALG.6.T26B: Quantum Computing (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks quantum computing capabilities relevant to NASA science and mission needs.

• COSMO.6.T26B: Fundamental Physics Test Apparatus (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks apparatus and enabling technologies for conducting fundamental physics experiments in space.

• SPWX.3.T26B: Quantum Sensing Components for Space Environment Measurements (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks quantum sensing components for measuring the space environment with improved capability or sensitivity.

• INSITU.7.T26B: Combustion and Fluids Experiments (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks technologies that enable combustion and fluids experiments for NASA research applications.

• ORBECON.2.T26B: Biotechnology Applications from Space for Earth (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks biotechnology applications developed from space-based research that can deliver value on Earth.

• ORBECON.3.T26B: Advanced Materials Manufacturing Applications from Space for Earth (STTR)

  This subtopic seeks advanced materials manufacturing applications derived from space that can be translated to Earth markets.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Eligibility to apply for Phase II follow-on funding if awarded Phase I

• Direct alignment with NASA mission needs and technology gaps

• Potential pathway to NASA procurement or integration

• Access to Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding (if requested)

Additional commercialization or partnership benefits are not explicitly specified in the solicitation.

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

• Solicitation issued: April 21, 2026

• Help Desk guaranteed response deadline: May 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

• Application deadline: May 21, 2026, by 5:00 PM ET

Submission details:

• Must be submitted via ProSAMS

• Late submissions will not be evaluated

Funding start dates and award timelines are not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Funding is provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

• Program: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

• Solicitation: BAA 80NSSC26R0003

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is governed by SBIR/STTR program rules (referenced in the BAA).

From this appendix:

• Applicants must be small businesses

• Must submit through ProSAMS

• Must comply with all registration and certification requirements

Detailed eligibility criteria (e.g., ownership structure, size standards) are not specified in this appendix and are referenced in the broader BAA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NASA is looking for proposals that:

• Directly address a specific subtopic need

• Demonstrate a clear technical innovation

• Align with NASA’s identified technology gaps

Key success factors:

• Strong alignment to subtopic scope

• Clear technical feasibility

• Well-defined research plan

• Compliance with all submission requirements

Evaluation criteria are defined in an evaluation rubric (Attachment 26A.1 / 26B.1) but detailed scoring factors are not specified in the provided text.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Maximum of two (2) proposals per company

• Each proposal must target only one subtopic

• Submitting similar proposals to multiple subtopics may result in rejection of all

• No paper submissions — electronic only via ProSAMS

• Password-protected PDFs are not allowed

• Proposals exceeding:

  • $225,000

  • Page limits (15 pages technical)

  • Duration limits
    may be rejected

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the solicitation.

However, based on requirements:

• Full technical proposal (up to 15 pages)

• Budget and certifications

• Supporting documentation (letters, forms, etc.)

• ProSAMS registration and submission

Preparation time will depend on readiness but should account for:

• Technical writing

• Compliance checks

• System submission steps

NASA explicitly recommends starting early due to upload and endorsement requirements.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Subtopic selection and fit validation

• Proposal strategy aligned to NASA evaluation criteria

• Full proposal writing (technical + commercialization)

• Compliance review against ProSAMS requirements

• Budget development and TABA strategy

• Submission readiness and final packaging

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

Arcane Thunder 27 (AT 27)

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

Executive Summary:

This is an RFI (Request for Information), not a funding opportunity, but it is a critical gateway to Army experimentation and potential follow-on contracting. The U.S. Army is seeking cutting-edge technologies for Arcane Thunder 27 (AT27), a major multi-domain experimentation campaign.

If selected, your technology may be invited to participate in field demonstrations and exercises with operational units. This is a high-visibility pathway to engage directly with the Warfighter and DoD stakeholders.

Submission deadline: 22 May 2026 : 22:59 CDT.
Missing this deadline means waiting for future cycles—there is no guarantee of a re-open.

How much funding would I receive?

This RFI does not include funding, but funding would shortly follow.

What could I use the funding for?

AI-Enabled Command & Control

• Edge-deployed AI for decision support, wargaming, and risk analysis

• Automated synchronization across units and systems

• AI models that operate in degraded or denied environments

Cyber, Electronic Warfare & Information Operations

• RF, cyber, and information effects (detect, disrupt, deceive)

• AI-driven emitter identification and behavior modeling

• Integrated cyber/EW payloads across platforms

Multi-Domain Sensing & Targeting

• Sensor fusion across RF, EO/IR, SAR, and other modalities

• Real-time targeting and geolocation (TDOA/FDOA/DF)

• Adaptive sensor tasking and AI-enabled targeting

Resilient Communications & Networking

• Low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) communications

• Self-healing mesh networks across air, ground, and space

• Cross-domain data transfer (unclassified to higher classification)

Autonomy, Robotics & Swarming

• Multi-platform control with single operator

• Adaptive swarm behavior based on mission and threat

• Autonomous detection, tracking, and targeting

Additive Manufacturing & Edge Modularity

• Field-ready 3D printing for parts and payloads

• Modular, plug-and-play payload architectures

• In-theater reconfiguration and resupply

Operational Simulation & Decision Tools

• Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) environments

• Digital twins and mission rehearsal tools

• End-to-end visualization of sensor-to-shooter workflows

Supporting Capability Areas

• Counter-UAS systems

• Space-based communications and sensing

• Defensive cyber operations

• Signature reduction (RF, visual, EMS)

• Threat replication and red-teaming tools

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes—this opportunity is about access and validation, not capital:

• Invitation to Army-led field experiments and demonstrations

• Direct engagement with:

  • Warfighters

  • DoD R&D organizations

  • Combatant Commands and other agencies

• Real-world testing in contested, denied, and austere environments

• Opportunity for follow-on contracting actions

• Visibility into how your product performs in multi-domain operations

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

Submission deadline: 22 May 2026 : 22:59 CDT.

Key milestones:

• NLT 30 September 2026: Down-select notifications

• Late 2026: Planning conferences and interviews

• Early 2027: Final planning and risk reduction

• Apr – Jun 2027: Field exercises (CONUS and OCONUS)

• Funding timeline: Not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

• Not applicable.

• Issued by the U.S. Army DEVCOM C5ISR Center for experimentation purposes.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Industry

• Academia

• Individuals

• Laboratories

Must:

• Submit via Vulcan-SOF

• Provide a Scout Card + Technology Quad Chart

• Keep all submissions unclassified

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Selections favor technologies that are:

• Relevant to current military missions

• Technically mature and deployable

• Adaptable across multiple use cases

• Aligned to multi-domain operations

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Do NOT submit proposals — only Scout Cards

• No classified information allowed

• Must disclose ITAR/EAR/OFAC restrictions

• Data generated becomes U.S. Government property

• Must use required formats or risk rejection

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Expect to prepare:

• Scout Card (per technology)

• Quad Chart

• Technical specs (SWaP, power, spectrum, etc.)

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support across all phases of this CSO:

• Refine your positioning against Army priority areas

• Translate your tech into a high-impact Scout Card

• Ensure compliance with submission and formatting rules

• Increase likelihood of selection for demonstration

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) - Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) - HTC71126SCSO1

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

Executive Summary:

The United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) (Solicitation Number: HTC71126SCSO1) is a continuously open funding pathway for companies developing commercial technologies that support global mobility, logistics, IT, and cybersecurity missions. Unlike traditional grants, this is a flexible acquisition vehicle that can lead directly to contracts or Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

This opportunity is continuously open until 1 February 2036 , with new Areas of Interest (AoIs) released on a rolling basis—some with dedicated funding and defined submission windows. If your solution aligns with USTRANSCOM’s mission, you can submit at any time, but Specific AoIs may have limited windows and should be monitored closely on SAM.gov.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding typically ranges from $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

1. AoI-901: Information Technology (IT) and Cybersecurity Solutions:

USTRANSCOM seeks IT and cybersecurity solutions that provide unique capabilities or more efficient approaches not currently in use by USTRANSCOM. These solutions should modernize enterprise systems, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen security posture while meeting stringent security standards to support global integrated mobility operations.

Representative examples include:

• Cloud-based IT services and architecture

• Cybersecurity defense and threat detection systems

• Transportation management systems

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications

1.1. Security and Compliance Requirements:

All IT solutions must address: compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 252.204-7012 for unclassified systems, adherence to National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (32 CFR Part 117) for classified systems, implementation of Risk Management Framework processes, support for Authority to Operate requirements, and incident reporting capabilities per USTRANSCOM requirements.

1.2. Technical Data and Software Rights:

Offerors must identify any intellectual property, data rights restrictions, and licensing requirements associated with their proposed solutions. Submissions should clearly outline how technical data and software rights will be managed to ensure compatibility with USTRANSCOM systems and compliance with applicable regulations.

2. AoI-902: Transportation and Logistics Optimization:

USTRANSCOM seeks solutions that optimize transportation and logistics operations, improve supply chain resilience, and enhance global distribution capabilities. Submissions should offer unique approaches or efficiencies not currently utilized by USTRANSCOM to address operational challenges, visibility, and scalability in support of the global mobility mission.

Representative examples include:

• Supply chain resilience and risk management

• Real-time tracking and visibility platforms

• Predictive analytics for logistics decision support

• Automated transportation and cargo handling systems

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Access to FAR-based contracts or OT Agreements for Prototype Projects

• Ability to work directly with USTRANSCOM on mission-critical challenges

• Streamlined acquisition under DFARS Subpart 212.70

• Potential for multiple awards or follow-on opportunities

No additional non-monetary benefits are explicitly specified beyond contracting pathways.

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

• CSO open period: continuously open until 1 February 2036

• General AoIs:

  • Submissions accepted at any time

  • No guaranteed response timeline

• Specific AoIs:

  • Posted on SAM.gov with defined submission windows

  • Timelines vary by AoI

Process timeline (not fixed):

1. Phase 1 – Solution Brief submission

2. Phase 2 – Presentation/Pitch (if invited)

3. Phase 3 – Full Proposal (if invited)

4. Award decision

Timing for award decisions and funding is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), part of the Department of War (DoW) .

Awards are executed under:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12 contracts

• 10 U.S.C. 4022 Other Transaction (OT) authority

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements explicitly include:

• Must provide commercial products, technologies, or services

• Must be a registered entity in SAM.gov to receive an award

What companies and projects are likely to win?

USTRANSCOM evaluates submissions based on:

• Alignment to mission needs

• Technical feasibility

• Innovation and uniqueness

• Milestone schedule realism

• Prior experience delivering similar solutions

• Affordability and return on investment

Projects most likely to advance:

• Demonstrate working capability (not conceptual only)

• Provide clear value over existing systems

• Show credible delivery plans and pricing

• Align directly with AoIs such as IT/cybersecurity or logistics optimization

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Strict submission format requirements (e.g., Scout Card + video for General AoIs)

• Video must be ≤ 5 minutes and demonstrate working capability

• Non-compliant submissions will not be evaluated

• Submission costs are not reimbursed unless explicitly stated

• Must comply with:

  • DFARS cybersecurity requirements

  • National Industrial Security Program (for classified systems)

  • Risk Management Framework and Authority to Operate processes

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not explicitly specified, but based on requirements:

• Phase 1 includes:

  • Scout Card submission

  • 5-minute demo video OR up to 6-page white paper (for Specific AoIs)

Preparation time will vary depending on:

• Readiness of a working prototype

• Ability to produce a demonstration video

• Pricing and delivery estimates

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support across all phases of this CSO:

• Identify the right AoIs and timing strategy

• Develop high-impact Solution Briefs and demo narratives

• Structure submissions to align with evaluation criteria

• Prepare Phase 2 pitches and Phase 3 proposals

• Ensure compliance with format, pricing, and technical requirements

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.

xTech|Phantum Competition (ARM26BX01-NP003)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army is seeking small businesses developing quantum sensors and photonics technologies through the xTech|Phantum Competition. This is a gated pathway to SBIR funding—only competition winners can submit a Phase I proposal. Companies can earn prize money, engage directly with the Department of War, and position themselves for follow-on SBIR funding.

White paper submission deadline: May 6, 2026

How much funding would I receive?

• Phase I SBIR:

  • Up to $300,000

  • 6-month period of performance

• Prize money:

  • Not specified in the solicitation

What could I use the funding for?

Phase I funding is for feasibility and concept development, including:

• Demonstrating technical advantage over existing solutions

• Developing concept plans aligned with Army modernization priorities

• Providing supporting technical literature and performance data

• Building a commercialization strategy (defense and commercial markets)

• Creating a technology development roadmap

• Delivering a concept demonstration at the end of Phase I

Technology focus areas include:

• Quantum sensors and quantum clocks for non-GPS PNT

• Quantum RF sensors

• Quantum electromagnetic sensors

• Photonics for communications and edge processing

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Direct engagement with the Department of War (DoW)

• Feedback from Army stakeholders to accelerate technology development

• Entry into the Army’s Science & Technology ecosystem

• Eligibility to submit a Phase I SBIR proposal (only if selected as a winner)

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

• White paper submission deadline: May 6, 2026

• xTech|Phantum competition selection timeline: Not specified

• Phase I SBIR award timing: Not specified

• Phase I performance period: 6 months

Where does this funding come from?

• Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT))

• U.S. Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation (DAMI-ST)

• Delivered via the xTech|Phantum Competition and Army SBIR program

Who is eligible to apply?

• Must participate in the xTech|Phantum competition

• Only competition winners are eligible to submit a Phase I SBIR proposal

Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in the provided document.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Army is prioritizing companies developing:

• Quantum technologies enabling non-GPS positioning, navigation, and timing

• Quantum RF sensors with improved sensitivity, bandwidth, and SWaP

• Electromagnetic sensors detecting low-power or non-RF signals

• Photonics systems for secure, high-speed communications and edge computing

Strong applications will:

• Demonstrate clear technical feasibility and differentiation

• Show dual-use commercial potential

• Align directly with Army modernization priorities

• Provide credible pathways to prototype and field deployment

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Only xTech|Phantum competition winners can submit a Phase I SBIR proposal

• Proposals from non-participants or non-winners will not be evaluated

• CMMC requirement: Level 1

Other restrictions (e.g., cost share, ownership constraints) are not specified.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Not specified in the solicitation

• Application requires submission of a white paper by May 6, 2026

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support across both stages of this opportunity:

• xTech white paper strategy and drafting

• Positioning your technology against Army priorities

• Translating commercial tech into defense use cases

• Preparing a competitive Phase I SBIR proposal (if selected)

• Building commercialization and transition plans aligned with Army expectations

Additional Resources

Review solicitation here.