Farseer: Quantum Sensing for ISR - HQ0034-20-9-DIU

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking mature quantum sensing and timing technologies through its Farseer program to rapidly transition commercial quantum capabilities into operational Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications for the Department of War (DoW). The program focuses on four Lines of Effort (LoEs): magnetometers, gravimeters, portable clocks, and enabling component technologies. Solutions must demonstrate prototype readiness, a clear transition path to operational deployment, and a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. Vendors may submit one solution brief per LoE and may apply to multiple LoEs. Responses are due by 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. Companies with mature quantum technologies that can be demonstrated in operational environments within three to nine months of award should strongly consider applying.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts but typically awards from DIU range from $500,000 to about $5 million.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support prototype projects related to:

• Quantum magnetometers for ISR applications.

• Scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers.

• Portable quantum clocks for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), resilient communications, and coherent sensor networks.

• Component technologies that reduce Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) or improve manufacturability of quantum sensing and timing systems.

• Prototyping, manufacturing, integration, field testing, ruggedization, and operational demonstrations of qualifying technologies.

• Agile development activities and iterative technology insertions throughout the program lifecycle.

Lines of Efforts (LoE):

LoE 1: Magnetometers

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype magnetometers for strategic ISR needs. Magnetometers detecting signals above 100 Hz are of potential interest, with solutions expected to operate in specific frequency ranges that are relevant to targeted DoW and commercial applications.

LoE 2: Gravimeters

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers for warfighter needs suitable for static, low-dynamics (e.g., maritime), or high-dynamics (e.g., airborne) contexts. Representative operational metrics are provided in Tables 2-4 based on potential applications in each context. Submissions should specify expected sensor performance in targeted DoW and commercial applications. Example commercial applications include mineral surveying, oil & gas field monitoring, and detection of sink holes or underground voids.

LoE 3: Portable Clocks

The DoW seeks commercial solutions that progress prototyping, manufacturing, integration, and field testing of portable clocks for warfighter needs that achieve the operational metrics given in Table 3. Submissions may propose solutions focused on (a) scaling clock manufacturing, or (b) integration of existing prototypes into new and legacy platforms. Platforms of relevance include Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities, resilient communications, as well as coherent sensor network applications. For the latter category of submissions, solutions may optionally focus on ruggedization of existing prototypes to military specifications and hardware/software interfaces that enable fusion of portable clock outputs with existing timing infrastructure on DoW platforms. System integration submitters can assume tactical clock RF outputs of 10 MHz, 100 MHz and 1 PPS, with the SWaP metrics indicated in Table 5.

LoE 4: Component Technologies

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to reduce the SWaP and improve the manufacturability of the current generation of quantum platforms described in LoEs 1-3 or less mature but relevant quantum sensors for ISR applications such as Rydberg electric field sensors. Maturation of components such as chip-scale lasers, micro-optics, photonic integrated circuits, cryogenics, and vapor cells that are necessary to enable operational utility of quantum sensors and clocks.

Compelling solutions will have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Clear insertion pathway to quantum sensor or clock technical solutions, which may occur in mid-course development spirals. 

• Modular and broad applicability to multiple types of quantum platforms.

• Production that can scale to mature manufacturing/microfabrication processes involving trusted manufacturers/foundries, if they are not already mature.

• Contributes to quantum supply chain robustness.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to demonstrate technology in operational military environments.

• Participation in a multi-phase program that includes functional and operational demonstrations.

• Potential integration with Department of War mission partners.

• Eligibility for award through an Other Transaction (OT) agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Potential direct award of follow-on production contracts or transactions without further competition upon successful completion of a prototype effort.

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

Application deadline: 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.

The solicitation follows a three-phase process:

1. Solution Brief submission.

2. Pitch session for selected companies.

3. Full proposal submission for companies invited to continue.

DIU states it will strive to notify companies within approximately 30 days if it is interested in learning more through a pitch. The solicitation does not specify award dates, contracting timelines, or funding disbursement dates. Prototype periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is offered by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on behalf of the Department of War through the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. Any resulting agreements will be awarded under Other Transactions Authority (OTA) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. vendors.

• International vendors.

• Vendors applying independently or collaboratively.

• Vendors that currently have or previously had contracts with DIU.

• Traditional defense contractors.

• Nontraditional defense contractors.

• Nonprofit research institutions, where otherwise eligible under OTA requirements.

• Companies proposing solutions with a minimum current TRL of 4.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that:

• Solutions below TRL 4 are not eligible.

• Projects with periods of performance longer than 24 months are not eligible.

• Respondents must be eligible to receive an award under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Companies that are suspended, debarred, prohibited by law, or otherwise determined ineligible for federal award may not receive an agreement.

No additional eligibility exclusions are explicitly specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria and desired solution attributes, competitive projects are likely to demonstrate:

• Mature prototypes ready for operational testing within three to nine months after award.

• Clear transition pathways to operational deployment within two to three years.

• Improvements in sensitivity and SWaP beyond current state-of-the-art solutions.

• Strong technical merit and feasibility.

• Open Systems Architecture and Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) alignment where applicable.

• Evidence of manufacturability, scalability, and supply chain robustness.

• Previous laboratory, field, defense, or commercial testing results.

• Dual-use commercial market potential.

• Clear insertion pathways into military ISR applications.

• Unique, innovative, or underutilized technologies relevant to the stated mission needs.How competitive will this solicitation be?

ONR plans to fund approximately five to six awards, indicating a limited number of available selections.

The solicitation does not specify the expected number of applicants, historical success rates, or anticipated competition levels.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation is expected to be competitive.

DIU states that it routinely receives more solution briefs than it has resources to award and that only a select group of submissions will be invited to pitch. Solution briefs are evaluated on relevance to the Area of Interest, technical merit, feasibility, innovation, and company viability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Vendors may submit no more than one solution brief per Line of Effort.

• Solutions must have a minimum current TRL of 4.

• Periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.

• Solution briefs must be submitted through the DIU website.

• Late submissions will not be reviewed.

• Submissions must be unclassified.

• Respondents must be eligible for award under OTA authority.

• Technical data with military applications may require export approvals or licenses.

• Companies must register in SAM prior to award.

• Any awarded agreement will require compliance with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requests a solution brief that is approximately:

• Five written pages or fewer, or

• Fifteen slides or fewer.

Applicants must provide technical, business, prototype readiness, transition readiness, ruggedness, and commercialization information. The solicitation does not estimate preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine the most appropriate Line of Effort.

• Assess alignment with DIU evaluation criteria.

• Position your technology around prototype readiness, transition readiness, and dual-use value.

• Develop a compliant solution brief and supporting materials.

• Prepare for DIU pitch sessions.

• Structure technical narratives around operational military outcomes and commercialization potential.

• Support proposal development if invited to Phase 3.

Review the solicitation here.

FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research Announcement for Office of Naval Research

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

Executive Summary:

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking applied research projects that advance communications and networking technologies for distributed maritime operations and the Naval Tactical Grid. This opportunity is focused on technologies that improve connectivity, resilience, throughput, and mission-critical information exchange across naval, joint, and coalition forces operating in challenging environments.

ONR is particularly interested in projects related to advanced communications systems, networking technologies, low-probability-of-detection communications, distributed network control, and predictive network performance algorithms. The agency plans to fund approximately five to six awards.

Although white papers are not required, they are strongly encouraged and provide an opportunity to receive feedback before submitting a full proposal. To ensure full consideration, white papers should be submitted no later than July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

ONR plans to fund five (5) to six (6) individual awards valued at $250,000 to $500,000 per year using research funds. Lower-cost and higher-cost proposals will also be considered.

The period of performance may be one, two, or three years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended for applied research projects that develop and mature communications and networking technologies for Naval operations. ONR identified the following focus areas:

• Development of long-range VHF-band data links using compact 4x4 MIMO systems based on 5G/COTS technologies and sub-MHz frequency channelization.

• Novel design and prototyping of compact electronically steered apertures for frequencies above Ka-band.

• Innovative approaches for low probability-of-detection communications against advanced electronic threats.

• Advanced techniques for distributed network control, synchronization, and scheduling.

• New algorithms for predicting network behavior, network performance, or emerging operational requirements that can be translated into traffic engineering policies.

ONR also states that it is receptive to innovative communications and networking concepts that fall outside these focus areas if they are important to Navy and Marine Corps communications and networking needs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Offerors that submit white papers may receive Government feedback indicating whether the proposed technology appears to be of “particular value” to the Department of the Navy. This feedback is intended to help organizations assess the likelihood of funding.

ONR may also suggest modifications to project scope, budget, tasks, or applications to better align proposals with available funding and Navy priorities.

Organizations identified as offering technologies of particular value may be invited to provide an oral presentation to further discuss their approach and impact.

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

Key dates include:

• Recommended White Paper Submission Date: July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time

• Notification of White Paper Valuation: August 14, 2026

• Oral Presentations: September 10, 2026

• Notification of Selection: Full Proposals: October 5, 2026

• Recommended Full Proposal Submission: November 16, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time

• Awards: April 15, 2027

The solicitation states that white papers should be submitted no later than July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time to ensure full and timely consideration.

Funding decisions should be made by October 5, 2026, and selected projects have an estimated award date of April 15, 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is offered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) under BAA Call Number N0001426SBC11, titled FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research. It is issued under the Navy and Marine Corps Long Range Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001.

The effort supports the Navy’s Information Warfare vision and communications and networking research priorities.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a standalone eligibility section within this announcement. Offerors are directed to submit white papers and proposals in accordance with the parent Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001 or its successor.

The announcement explicitly references participation by:

• Small businesses.

• Other-than-small businesses (large businesses).

• Non-profit organizations.

• Educational institutions.

Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in this announcement.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Not specified in this announcement. Offerors should review the parent Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001 or its successor for any eligibility restrictions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated program objectives, ONR is seeking projects that directly advance communications and networking capabilities for Naval operations and distributed maritime operations. Competitive projects are likely to demonstrate:

• Strong technical innovation.

• Clear relevance to Navy and Marine Corps missions.

• Measurable operational performance improvements.

• Practical concepts of operation.

• Demonstrated plans for operational evaluation.

• Clear research goals and benchmarks.

• Alignment with Gold Standard Science requirements.

Projects aligned with one or more of the five identified focus areas may be particularly responsive to the solicitation.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

ONR plans to fund approximately five to six awards, indicating a limited number of available selections.

The solicitation does not specify the expected number of applicants, historical success rates, or anticipated competition levels.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Important requirements include:

• White papers should not exceed five single-sided pages, excluding the cover page, references, and principal investigator resume.

• White papers must use 12-point Times New Roman font and margins of at least one inch.

• White papers must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal.

• White papers must include a rough order of magnitude cost estimate.

• White papers must address Gold Standard Science requirements.

• Principal investigator resumes are limited to one page.

• Other-than-small businesses, including large businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, must submit a subcontracting plan with their research proposal.

The solicitation also requires compliance with Gold Standard Science policies under Executive Order 14303.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time.

Applicants choosing to submit a white paper must prepare a technical concept, naval relevance discussion, operational concept, operational utility assessment plan, research goals and benchmarks, Gold Standard Science discussion, rough order of magnitude budget estimate, and principal investigator resume.

Organizations invited to continue will also need to prepare a full proposal in accordance with the requirements of N0001425SB001 or its successor.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Assess alignment with ONR’s Communications and Networking priorities.

• Develop a competitive white paper that clearly demonstrates Naval relevance and technical innovation.

• Refine project scope, milestones, benchmarks, and transition strategy.

• Prepare full proposal technical and cost volumes.

• Strengthen positioning for oral presentations and ONR discussions.

• Ensure compliance with submission requirements and deadlines.

Review the solicitation here.

NIH & NIAID | RADIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (PDS)

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

Executive Summary:

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking a single organization capable of providing comprehensive product development support for radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures (MCMs) and biodosimetry technologies. The awardee will support the development of products intended to achieve FDA approval, licensure, or clearance through a series of government-funded task orders. This opportunity is designed for organizations with broad product development capabilities spanning animal models, efficacy testing, nonclinical development, manufacturing, quality systems, and Phase I clinical studies. The proposal deadline is August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Local Time. NIAID has explicitly stated that this deadline will not be extended.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation is structured as a single Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Contract minimum: $2,500

• Contract maximum: $135,000,000

• One IDIQ contract is expected to be awarded.

The solicitation does not specify the value of individual task orders. Most sample task orders included in the solicitation list estimated costs as "TBD."

What could I use the funding for?

Funding will support product development activities related to radiological or nuclear medical countermeasures and biodosimetry technologies. The contractor must be capable of supporting activities across five task areas:

• Task Area A: Administrative and Technical Support

• Task Area B: Animal Model and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Development and Efficacy Testing of Candidate MCMs

• Task Area C: Non-Clinical Studies supporting IND, NDA, and BLA submissions

• Task Area D: Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Support

• Task Area E: Phase I Clinical Safety Studies and Support

Examples of supported activities include:

• Animal model development

• Efficacy testing in rodent and large animal models

• Biodosimetry support

• Pharmacology and toxicology studies

• Manufacturing and formulation development

• Quality assurance activities

• Phase I clinical safety studies

• Regulatory support toward FDA approval, licensure, or clearance

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation does not specify any non-financial benefits such as mentorship, commercialization support, technical assistance, networking programs, or investor introductions.

However, the contractor will work directly with NIAID through government-directed task orders and support the development of medical countermeasures intended for FDA approval, licensure, or clearance.

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

Key dates include:

• Solicitation issued: June 2, 2026

• Recommended deadline for questions: July 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST

• Proposal deadline: August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Local Time (Unchanged)

• Contract period of performance: July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2034

The solicitation does not specify an anticipated award date.

Work and funding will be provided through task orders issued under the IDIQ contract after award.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a specific eligibility section limiting applicants by company type.

The solicitation states that one IDIQ contract will be awarded to an organization capable of providing comprehensive product development services and notes that products may originate from industry, academia, and government agencies.

Offerors must:

• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award.

• Demonstrate the facilities, expertise, personnel, and capabilities necessary to perform all required task areas.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not explicitly identify categories of organizations that are ineligible to apply.

However, organizations that cannot demonstrate the required technical capabilities, facilities, staffing, regulatory compliance, and ability to perform across the required task areas may not be competitive. The solicitation also requires SAM registration prior to award.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation strongly favors organizations capable of operating as a full-service product development partner for NIAID.

Competitive offerors will likely demonstrate:

• Experience developing radiological or nuclear medical countermeasures

• GLP-compliant animal efficacy testing capabilities

• Large-animal research capabilities

• Biodosimetry support capabilities

• Nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology expertise

• Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing capabilities

• Regulatory support experience for INDs, NDAs, BLAs, and FDA submissions

• Phase I clinical research capabilities

• Ability to execute work across all five task areas through internal resources and/or integrated subcontractor teams

The solicitation states that the contractor must be capable of carrying out task orders in each of the five task areas identified in the Statement of Work.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This solicitation is likely to be highly competitive.

Reasons include:

• Only one IDIQ contract is anticipated.

• Maximum contract ceiling of $135,000,000.

• Requirement to support all five technical task areas.

• Significant infrastructure, regulatory, manufacturing, animal research, and clinical capabilities are required.

The solicitation does not state the expected number of proposals or anticipated success rate.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Examples include:

• Offerors must comply with extensive human subjects, animal welfare, clinical trial, data reporting, and information security requirements.

• NIH-funded clinical trials must be registered and reported through ClinicalTrials.gov.

• Contract funds may not be used for abortion activities, human embryo research, or gene-editing technologies in human embryos.

• Contract funds may not be used for needle exchange programs.

• Contract funds may not be used to disseminate false or deliberately misleading information.

• Certain direct costs may require prior approval, including foreign travel, consultant fees, subcontracts, and other specified costs.

Proposal restrictions include:

• Technical proposal page limit is 250 pages inclusive of attachments, as clarified by Amendment 1.

• CVs may not exceed 3 pages.

• Pages exceeding the limitation will not be considered.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

However, the proposal requires:

• Detailed technical responses

• Responses to task-order scenarios

• Cost proposals

• Regulatory and compliance documentation

• Staffing and organizational information

• Potential subcontracting plans

• Capability demonstrations across five major technical areas

Given the complexity and breadth of the requirements, applicants should plan for a substantial proposal development effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help organizations:

• Assess fit before investing in proposal development

• Interpret the solicitation requirements

• Build a compliant proposal strategy

• Coordinate technical, management, and cost volume development

• Manage subcontractor contributions

• Develop win themes aligned with NIAID priorities

• Review proposals for compliance with page limits, formatting requirements, and evaluation criteria

• Support final submission preparation

Review the solicitation here.

ARPA-H REST (Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time) Program

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking ambitious teams to develop the next generation of sleep technologies through the Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time (REST) program.

The program aims to redefine sleep as a measurable and controllable biological system by funding technologies that can objectively measure sleep quality at home, diagnose poor sleep (with a primary emphasis on insomnia), and deliver personalized, real-time interventions throughout the night.

REST is structured around two technical areas:

• Technical Area 1 (TA1): Measure & Diagnose

• Technical Area 2 (TA2): Control & Treat

ARPA-H is specifically looking for interdisciplinary teams that combine expertise across areas such as sleep medicine, neuroscience, AI/ML, biosensing, wearable technologies, neuromodulation, clinical research, and regulatory strategy.

A Solution Summary is required before a team can be invited to submit a full proposal.

Application deadline: August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, award ranges, total program funding, or the number of awards anticipated, but typical ARPA-H awards range anywhere from $5 million to $50 million.

ARPA-H states that awards may be made through Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may be used to develop technologies within one or both of the following Technical Areas.

Technical Area 1 (TA1): Measure & Diagnose

• Consumer-grade in-home sleep monitoring systems

• Wearable or nearable sleep sensing technologies

• Sleep microstructure measurement technologies

• Mechanistic insomnia subtype classification systems

• In-home diagnostic systems

• Personalized sleep-related health risk prediction tools

• Human factors and usability validation

• Integration with broader REST program resources

Technical Area 2 (TA2): Control & Treat

• Closed-loop sleep intervention systems

• Noninvasive neuromodulation technologies

• Real-time physiological monitoring and feedback systems

• Adaptive treatment algorithms

• Personalized sleep intervention technologies

• Human subjects research

• Safety and tolerability validation

• Regulatory and commercialization planning

Examples of technologies referenced in the solicitation include:

• Wearable EEG

• Smartwatches

• Rings

• In/under-mattress sensors

• WiFi signal analysis

• Haptics

• Acoustics

• Transcranial electrical stimulation

• Focused ultrasound

• Targeted nerve stimulation

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to shared REST program resources

• Access to large-scale harmonized sleep datasets as they become available

• Participation in program-wide benchmarking efforts

• Support from a Research Integrator focused on interoperability and transition planning

• Independent verification and validation support

• Opportunities to collaborate with other REST performers

The solicitation also anticipates support for future clinical translation and commercialization activities.

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

Key dates currently identified in the solicitation are:

• Solicitation released: June 16, 2026

• Proposers' Day: July 13, 2026

• Solution Summary Deadline: August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET

• Full Proposal: By invitation only following Solution Summary review

• Full Proposal Due Date: Not specified in the solicitation

Important notes:

• Submission of a Solution Summary is mandatory.

• Only selected Solution Summaries will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.

• Submission of a Solution Summary does not guarantee invitation to submit a Full Proposal.

• Award timing is not specified in the solicitation.

Program duration:

• 66 months (5.5 years)

• Phase 1: Months 1–24

• Phase 2: Months 25–42

• Phase 3: Months 43–66

The Solution Summary deadline is August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) through the Proactive Health Office (PHO).

Program:

• Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time (REST)

Solicitation Number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-159

Award Instrument:

• Other Transaction (OT)

Who is eligible to apply?

ARPA-H states it is primarily interested in proposals from:

• Commercial performers

• Academic institutions

• Non-profit organizations

Additional requirements include:

• Work must be conducted in the United States

• Active SAM.gov registration is required

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required

Restrictions include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are generally not permitted to participate as prime or sub-performers except under limited exceptions

• Government entities, including federal employees, are generally not permitted to respond

• ARPA-H will not make awards to entities organized under the laws of a covered foreign country per 42 U.S.C. 290c(n)(1)(D)

Non-domestic performers are encouraged to collaborate with a domestic entity.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the solicitation, competitive proposals are likely to:

• Focus on insomnia as a primary use case

• Deliver objective, physiological measurement of sleep quality

• Demonstrate clinically meaningful home-based performance

• Combine multiple technical disciplines

• Incorporate AI/ML approaches

• Include strong commercialization pathways

• Demonstrate integration with the broader REST ecosystem

• Provide clear plans for data sharing, benchmarking, and interoperability

• Show a credible path toward clinical translation

ARPA-H specifically encourages teams spanning:

• Sleep medicine

• Neuroscience

• Psychiatry

• Biomedical engineering

• Wearable and in-home biosensing

• Signal processing

• Machine learning

• Neuromodulation

• Clinical trials

• Regulatory science

For TA1, proposals should also include a credible industry cost-share strategy as technologies mature toward commercialization.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Out-of-scope TA1 activities include:

• General wellness tracking only

• Sleep hygiene tools only

• Conventional sleep scoring without a credible path to diagnosis, mechanistic characterization, or health-relevant prediction

Out-of-scope TA2 activities include:

• Pharmacologic treatment-only approaches

• Non-personalized interventions

• Systems that do not use objective physiological measurements to adapt treatment

For both Technical Areas:

• Standalone infrastructure efforts without direct contribution to REST research objectives are out of scope

Additional requirements include:

• Human subjects research approvals

• Participation in program coordination activities

• Benchmarking and integration activities

• Compliance with research security reviews

• Compliance with negotiated intellectual property and data rights requirements

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The required Solution Summary is limited to:

• Maximum 6 pages for a single Technical Area

• Maximum 8 pages for proposals covering both Technical Areas

Required content includes:

• Technical Area selection

• Technical approach

• Team qualifications

• Key risks and mitigations

• Rough order of magnitude budget

• Preliminary cost-share strategy for TA1 applicants

Because REST emphasizes interdisciplinary teams, commercialization planning, human subjects considerations, regulatory strategy, and technical integration, applicants should expect substantial coordination and preparation effort.

The solicitation does not estimate preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Opportunity qualification

• Teaming strategy

• Technical narrative development

• Solution Summary preparation

• Commercialization strategy development

• Cost-share strategy development for TA1 applicants

• Proposal management

• Full Proposal preparation if invited

• Pitch preparation and coaching

• Reviewer-style compliance reviews

Review the solicitation here.

Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) | Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics(RESHAPE) 2.0 | Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) Number: CS-26-1301

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

Executive Summary:

The Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics (RESHAPE) 2.0 initiative is a major Department of Defense effort to build a U.S.-owned, domestic advanced packaging ecosystem for secure microelectronics manufacturing. The Government intends to fund multiple prototype projects that expand U.S. capabilities in advanced substrates, 2.5D and 3D packaging, fan-out packaging, RF packaging, advanced assembly, testing, and related manufacturing technologies.

This is a large-scale funding opportunity with an estimated total initiative value of $1,250,000,000 and an expected 4 to 10 awards. The Government is seeking projects that strengthen domestic supply chains, reshore advanced microelectronics manufacturing capabilities, and support Department of Defense programs.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central. Questions will not be accepted after 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that the total estimated value for this initiative is $1,250,000,000.00, subject to the availability of funds. The Government intends to award multiple (estimated 4 to 10) Fixed-Price Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).

The solicitation does not specify individual award sizes. The Government reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the proposed elements.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended for prototype projects that improve U.S. advanced packaging capability and capacity for defense-related microelectronics. Projects may address one or more of the following technical elements:

• Advanced Substrates

• 3D Packaging

• Fan-Out Packaging

• 2.5D Packaging

• Radio Frequency Packaging

• Design Enablement

• Department of War Multi-Chip Module Prototypes

• Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) Processes

• Advanced Assembly

• Advanced Test and Failure Analysis

The initiative supports development of domestic capabilities for advanced system integration, secure packaging, heterogeneous integration, manufacturing infrastructure, prototyping, testing, and related technologies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Eligibility for a prototype OTA rather than a FAR-based contract.

• Potential follow-on production opportunities under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f) if the prototype project is successfully completed.

• Opportunity to participate in a national effort to establish a domestic advanced packaging ecosystem supporting Department of Defense programs and supply chain resilience.

The solicitation explicitly states that follow-on production is not guaranteed.

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

Key dates include:

• Solicitation issued: 15 June 2026

• Questions accepted until: 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central

• White Papers due date: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central

The solicitation uses a two-step process consisting of:

1. White Paper submission.

2. Full Proposal submission by invitation. The due date for full proposals will be provided in the Government's invitation.

Funding is expected to be provided through milestone-based payments upon successful completion and Government acceptance of agreed deliverables.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be made or when funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is being issued by Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Arsenal (ACC-RIA) on behalf of the Combat Capabilities Development Command – Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) in support of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program (10 U.S.C. § 4817).

Funding supports the Department of Defense objective to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, and address supply chain vulnerabilities in advanced microelectronics packaging.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be members with an executed Cornerstone Consortium Management Agreement.

• Have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

• Have favorable status in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

Foreign participation, access, and transfers are restricted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis when determined to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

To satisfy OTA statutory requirements, projects must meet at least one condition described in 10 U.S.C. § 4022, including participation by a nontraditional defense contractor, participation by qualifying small businesses, qualifying cost share, or exceptional circumstances approved by the Government.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation favors projects that:

• Establish or expand domestic advanced packaging capabilities.

• Strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce foreign dependencies.

• Deliver measurable Government return on investment through financial, technical, or supply-chain benefits.

• Support Department of War Programs of Record.

• Demonstrate commercially viable business models and sustainable operations.

• Provide functional prototypes with clear transition pathways.

• Leverage prior Department of War and Department of Commerce investments.

• Strengthen domestic workforce, manufacturing infrastructure, and technical capability.

Priority is specifically encouraged for responses that include delivery of functional prototypes capable of transitioning to Department of War Programs of Record.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• All manufacturing and development work must be performed within the United States.

• Foreign participation is restricted and subject to Government approval.

• Participation in non-U.S. research programs is restricted without Government concurrence.

• Export-controlled information restrictions apply.

• NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements apply.

• Controlled Unclassified Information requirements apply.

• The Government will seek Unlimited Rights or, at minimum, Government Purpose Rights for work performed under the project.

• The security classification level is UNCLASSIFIED, although CUI requirements may apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This opportunity will likely require a significant application effort.

The solicitation requires detailed technical, manufacturing, supply chain, financial, workforce, infrastructure, ROI, commercialization, and milestone planning information. White papers are limited to 10 pages, and invited full proposals are limited to 15 pages plus appendices and supporting materials.

Applicants responding to multiple technical elements must prepare separate responses for each element.

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies by:

• Assessing fit against the solicitation requirements.

• Identifying the strongest technical element(s) for submission.

• Developing the white paper strategy and narrative.

• Building milestone-based project plans.

• Preparing commercialization, ROI, and supply chain impact sections.

• Developing cost-share and investment positioning.

• Drafting and managing proposal submissions.

• Supporting consortium participation and OTA strategy.

MTEC Pre-Announcement: Multi-Topic Request for Proposals: Military Medical Prototype Advancement

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

Executive Summary:

The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) has released a pre-announcement for an upcoming "Multi-Topic Request for Proposals: Military Medical Prototype Advancement." This opportunity is expected to fund military-relevant medical prototype technologies, medical techniques, knowledge products, devices, drugs, and biologics across 14 focus areas spanning prevention, infectious disease, trauma care, pain management, musculoskeletal health, and operational medicine.

This is a pre-announcement, not the final solicitation. The Request for Project Proposals (RPP) has not yet been released, and many key details—including funding amounts by topic, number of awards, deadlines, and proposal requirements—will be provided in the upcoming RPP. Companies interested in any of the 14 focus areas should begin evaluating fit and preparing for submission now because the competition is expected to be highly competitive and will use a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process.

Application deadline: Not specified in the pre-announcement.

How much funding would I receive?

The funding amount for each Focus Area has not been specified and will be described in the upcoming Request for Project Proposals. Funding availability is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for each program.

For informational purposes, MTEC states that the average size of MTEC awards for the initial Period of Performance is approximately:

• $2.0M–$3.5M

• Over a 2–3 year Period of Performance

These figures are historical averages and are not guaranteed award amounts for this opportunity.

What could I use the funding for?

Each proposal must address only one Focus Area.

Proposed solutions may include:

• Medical techniques

• Knowledge products

• Medical devices

• Drugs

• Biologics

Military relevance is a key requirement.

Focus Areas:

• Focus Area 1: Policies and practices for cross-cutting prevention

  The aim of this focus area is to develop and evaluate non-training interventions/activities that address risk and protective factors for harmful behaviors. Priority risk/protective factors to address include: morale, fairness, work-life balance, passive leadership, toxic leadership, and workplace hostility.

• Focus Area 2: Fostering Service member physical fitness through integrated primary prevention

  The aim of this focus area is to develop interventions or trainings to combat the key contributors to obesity and physical inactivity. This focus area encourages offerors to consider resource/environmental constraints and social and psychological barriers present for warfighters when developing solutions.

• Focus Area 3: Identify and reduce barriers to help-seeking

  The aim of this focus area is to identify and develop solutions against key drivers of help-seeking. Solutions should prioritize high-impact resources/services and Service member populations at elevated risk for harmful behaviors.

• Focus Area 4: Prophylactic Solutions to Prevent Battlefield and Complex Traumatic Wound Infections in Austere or Contested Environments

  The aim of this focus area is thedevelopment of solutions to prevent or delay wound infections (bacterial, fungal, and/or antimicrobial-resistant) following battlefield and complex traumatic wounds, including in austere or contested environments, for use at the point of injury and in prolonged care environments (Roles 1 and 2), without negatively impacting wound healing. High-priority pathogens include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and invasive fungal infections.

• Focus Area 5: Pathogen Agnostic Countermeasures for the Treatment of Sepsis Caused by Wound Infection

  The aim of this focus area is the development of products, including immune modulators, novel drugs, immunotherapeutics, and other pathogen-agnostic and/or host-directed approaches, to treat sepsis following battlefield and complex traumatic wounds (excluding burn wounds), including in austere or contested environments.

• Focus Area 6: Knowledge Product Solutions for the Prevention of Infection in Traumatic Penetrating Wounds

  The aim of this focus area is the development of knowledge product solutions to optimize clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of infection in traumatic penetrating wounds.

• Focus Area 7: Bacterial Diarrhea Prevention

  The aim of this focus area is the development of solutions to prevent bacterial diarrhea resulting from high-priority pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Shigella) in operational settings.

• Focus Area 8: Dengue Fever Prevention and/or Treatment Solutions

  The aim of this focus area is the development of prophylactic drugs and vaccines, to prevent all four serotypes of Dengue Fever.

• Focus Area 9: Prevention and Treatment of Emerging Infectious Diseases

  The aim of this focus area is on developing pathogen-agnostic and/or broad-spectrum solutions for prevention or treatment of Lassa fever virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), and various hantaviruses, which are high-consequence pathogens that pose distinct risks to the deployed Joint Force.

• Focus Area 10: Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment

  The aim of this focus area is the development of solutions for musculoskeletal injury interventions for the pre-hospital environment. Specifically, this focus area seeks (1) therapeutic interventions to accelerate recovery from musculoskeletal injury or (2) solutions for the preservation of musculoskeletal health.

• Focus Area 11: Operational Suitability of Existing Pain Treatments

  The aim of this focus area is for solutions that inform risk/benefit decisions and create evidence-based recommendations for the Joint Trauma System (JTS) to refine and optimize existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols.

• Focus Area 12: Repurposing and Novel Delivery of Approved Compounds

  The aim of this focus area is to accelerate the development of safer, opioid-sparing analgesics by leveraging the FDA's 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for repurposed drugs delivered via novel administration methods. The desired end-state is a candidate drug/device combination ready to enter Phase I clinical trials.

• Focus Area 13: Development of Novel Non-Addictive Analgesics

  The aim of this focus area is to advance the preclinical development of a novel, non-addictive analgesic compound with a mechanism of action suitable for treating acute, combat-related trauma. The desired end-state is a promising lead candidate with a data package sufficient to justify further investment in IND-enabling studies.

• Focus Area 14: Advanced Anesthesia and Procedural Pain Solutions

  The aim of this focus area is to develop and demonstrate a prototype system or therapeutic for the management of anesthesia and procedural pain in austere environments (Role 1 and 2). The goal is to produce a solution that reduces the cognitive burden on providers and can be used by non-specialists.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Potential award of one or more follow-on tasks based on successful project performance and milestone progression. Any follow-on work is expected to be awarded non-competitively to the original project awardee(s).

• Access to MTEC member teaming resources and member profiles to identify collaborators, innovators, service providers, and MTEC M-Corps subject matter experts.

• Potential access to MTEC's consortium network and relationships with the Defense Health Agency and other government agencies.

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

The application deadline is not specified in the pre-announcement.

The solicitation will use a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process:

Stage 1:

• Current MTEC members will submit Enhanced White Papers using a mandatory format provided in the forthcoming RPP.

Stage 2:

• Selected offerors will be invited to submit a full cost proposal and may be required to submit additional documentation or supplemental information.

The timing of funding availability has not been specified and will be described in the upcoming RPP.

Application deadline: Not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is being released through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC). MTEC supports the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Health Agency (DHA), DHA Research and Engineering Directorate, and other government agencies.

MTEC operates under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), Agreement No. W81XWH-15-9-0001, with the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA).

Who is eligible to apply?

The pre-announcement states that current MTEC members will be invited to submit Enhanced White Papers during Stage 1.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Proposed projects must fit MTEC's prototype definition.

• Proposed projects must not be exploratory in nature and must have a foundation of preliminary data.

• A minimum KRL/TRL of 3 at the time of proposal submission is required to meet the prototype definition.

• Proposed solutions must not have been submitted to MTEC under previous RPPs within the past 2 years.

Any additional eligibility requirements have not yet been specified and will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

MTEC states that selection will be based on:

• Technical merit

• Programmatic considerations, including portfolio composition

• Availability of funds

Selection will be highly competitive.

Projects that appear most aligned with the pre-announcement are those that:

• Directly address one and only one Focus Area

• Demonstrate military relevance

• Meet the prototype definition

• Have supporting preliminary data

• Meet the minimum KRL/TRL requirements

• Address clearly identified Department of Defense medical needs

These alignment factors are explicitly described in the pre-announcement.

The detailed evaluation criteria have not yet been specified and will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes.

• Each proposal must address only one Focus Area. Projects that do not align with only one Focus Area may not be considered for funding.

• Proposed projects should not be exploratory in nature and require preliminary data.

• A minimum KRL/TRL of 3 is required at proposal submission to meet the prototype definition.

• Proposed solutions submitted to MTEC within the previous 2 years may not be resubmitted.

• Additional topic-specific requirements may be established in the forthcoming RPP.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The pre-announcement does not specify the expected preparation time.

Because the opportunity uses a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process and requires prototype-stage technologies with supporting preliminary data, applicants should begin preparation before the full RPP is released. The specific submission requirements will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit against the 14 Focus Areas.

• Determine whether your technology satisfies MTEC's prototype requirements and minimum KRL/TRL expectations.

• Develop the Enhanced White Paper strategy.

• Build a compelling military relevance narrative.

• Identify teaming opportunities where additional capabilities are needed.

• Prepare the Stage 1 Enhanced White Paper and any invited Stage 2 proposal materials.

Review solicitation here.

NASA - Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is accepting applications for the Robotically Manipulated Payload Challenge, the fifth challenge in the NASA TechLeap Prize series. The program is designed to advance technologies that support in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) by funding payloads that can be manipulated, installed, reconfigured, or activated by a robotic arm in low Earth orbit.

NASA plans to select up to three winners, each with the opportunity to receive up to $500,000 in prize funding across three phases. In addition, NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.

The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Applicants must complete registration by July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

How much funding would I receive?

NASA will select up to three winners.

Each winner may receive up to $500,000 in total prize funding across three phases:

• Phase 1: $200,000

• Phase 2: Additional $200,000

• Phase 3: Additional $100,000

Funding is awarded as a prize competition rather than a grant.

What could I use the funding for?

According to the challenge FAQ, prize funds are distributed directly to winners and may be used however the winner sees fit, provided eligibility requirements continue to be met throughout all phases.

Applicants are permitted to include any cost categories they believe support payload development, including contingencies for risk mitigation.

NASA states that budgets should exclude flight test costs because NASA intends to provide the flight opportunity separately.

Example application areas identified by NASA include:

• Robotic inspection

• Structural assembly

• Sensor deployment

• Material processing

• Modular systems that can be swapped, upgraded, or reconfigured in orbit

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Benefits include:

• Support from NASA subject matter experts during payload development.

• Technical engagement to ensure compatibility with the Fly Foundational Robots (FFR) mission.

• Site visit feedback from field judges during later phases.

• NASA intends to offer Phase 3 winners a flight test aboard a hosted orbital spacecraft at no additional cost.

• Opportunity to demonstrate hardware in orbit using the FFR robotic platform.

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

Key deadlines:

• Challenge launch: May 20, 2026

• Virtual information session: June 18, 2026

• Registration deadline: July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Application deadline: August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET

• Phase 1 winners announced: September 2026

Phase schedule:

Phase 1 – Application Period

• Applications submitted and evaluated

• Up to three winners receive $200,000

Phase 2 – Final Design and Initial Build

• September 2026 through December 2026

• Winners finalize designs and begin payload construction

• Eligible for an additional $200,000

Phase 3 – Complete Build for Integration

• December 2026 through May 2027

• Winners complete payloads and prepare for flight integration

• Eligible for an additional $100,000

• NASA intends to offer a flight test opportunity at no additional cost

The application deadline is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Where does this funding come from?

The challenge is sponsored by NASA through the Flight Opportunities program as part of the NASA TechLeap Prize series.

The challenge supports NASA’s objectives in In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years of age or older.

• U.S.-incorporated organizations with a primary place of business in the United States.

• Teams led by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is 18 years of age or older.

• For-profit organizations.

• Nonprofit organizations.

• Universities and academic organizations that meet eligibility requirements.

Additional eligibility requirements apply.

Foreign nationals may participate on teams under specific conditions described in the challenge rules.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the published evaluation criteria, the strongest applications will:

• Address a clearly defined ISAM capability gap.

• Make robotic manipulation central to the payload’s value proposition.

• Demonstrate a meaningful advancement in in-space servicing, assembly, or manufacturing.

• Define measurable success metrics for an on-orbit demonstration.

• Present a technically sound design compatible with FFR mission requirements.

• Demonstrate strong systems engineering practices.

• Provide a credible path to flight readiness within the competition timeline.

• Identify risks and present realistic mitigation strategies.

• Show the team has the experience, resources, and project management capabilities required to deliver a flight-ready payload.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Applicants may submit only one application as the lead applicant.

• Applicants cannot receive U.S. government funding twice for the same scope of work.

• Organizations already receiving government funding to develop a similar flight-ready payload may be ineligible.

• Federal entities and federal employees acting within the scope of employment are not eligible for awards.

• Employees of NASA, Luminary Labs, Motiv Space Systems, Rocket Lab Corporation, their affiliates, and certain related individuals are not eligible.

• Participants must maintain at least $250,000 in liability insurance coverage or otherwise demonstrate financial responsibility for that amount.

• Applications must be submitted in English.

• Organizations must maintain a primary place of business in the United States.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The challenge uses a competitive application process requiring:

• Technical payload concept development

• Systems engineering planning

• Budget preparation

• Risk assessment

• Flight-readiness planning

• A video pitch

• Written application responses

Because applicants must demonstrate technical feasibility, mission compatibility, project execution capability, and clear ISAM impact, most teams should expect a substantial preparation effort. The solicitation does not specify an estimated application preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Evaluate whether your payload concept aligns with NASA’s stated scoring criteria.

• Identify and articulate the ISAM capability gap your technology addresses.

• Develop compelling success metrics tied directly to evaluation criteria.

• Strengthen project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Review technical narratives for consistency with NASA requirements.

• Maximize competitiveness before submission.

Review solicitation here.

Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army’s Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C) is seeking commercial Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (EW&C) capabilities through the Rapid Electromagnetic Warfare & Signals Intelligence (REWSI) Call for Solutions under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The Army intends to establish one or more commercial contracts and may also award prototype Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) to rapidly acquire and field electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) capabilities.

This opportunity is designed for companies with mature commercial technologies or post-prototype capabilities that can help the Army sense, locate, attack, protect, and manage spectrum-dependent systems in denied, degraded, intermittent connectivity, or limited bandwidth (DDIL) environments.

Solution Brief Due Date/Time: 22 April 2027 1600 EST. Solution briefs received after this date and time will not be considered.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, contract ceilings, minimum awards, maximum awards, or funding ranges.

Offerors are required to provide a notional pricing structure, including unit pricing, quantity discounts, and sustainment pricing, but no government funding amount is stated.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support the production, sustainment, and associated services for EW&C capabilities aligned with the Army’s EMSO requirements.

Solutions should address one or more of the following areas:

• Electromagnetic Attack (EA)

• Electromagnetic Surveillance (ES) / Support

• Electromagnetic Protection (EP) / Protect

• Common Services supporting open architecture integration and data exchange standards

The Army is interested in capabilities that are:

• Resilient

• Adaptable

• Modular

• Scalable

• AI/ML-enabled

• Rapidly Deployable

• Secure

• Interoperable with Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architectures

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to a streamlined acquisition pathway intended to accelerate delivery of capabilities to Army units.

• Consideration for one or more commercial contracts, including potential IDIQ awards.

• Consideration for prototype OTA awards for solutions requiring additional maturation.

• If not immediately selected, solutions may be retained in a government library for up to 12 months for future consideration.

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

The selection process consists of three stages:

1. Solution Brief Submission

2. Pitch Session / Vendor Technical Demonstration (PS/VTD)

3. Proposal Submission

Solution Brief Due Date/Time: 22 April 2027 1600 EST. Solution briefs received after this date and time will not be considered.

Additional timeline details:

• The Call will remain open for no more than 12 months from the original posting.

• Reviews may occur on an ongoing basis as submissions are received.

• There is no specified timeline for awards. Evaluation of submissions will continue throughout the open period.

The solicitation does not specify when funding, contracts, or OTA awards would be issued following selection.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is sponsored by:

• Capability Program Executive Intelligence and Spectrum Warfare (CPE ISW)

• Project Manager Electromagnetic Warfare & Collection (PM EW&C)

The contracting activity is:

• Army Contracting Command – Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)

The solicitation is being issued under the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation invites submissions from parties with innovative solutions that address the EW&C requirements described in the Call.

The Government is specifically seeking:

• Commercially available EW&C capabilities

• Mature commercial solutions

• Post-prototype capabilities

• Solutions that may require additional development

• Fully commercialized and currently fielded technologies

The solicitation does not specify company size restrictions, small business requirements, geographic restrictions, ownership requirements, or other eligibility categories.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, the strongest applicants will likely be companies that can demonstrate:

• Clear alignment with Army EMSO objectives.

• Solutions addressing EA, ES, EP, or Common Services requirements.

• Mature, technically credible capabilities with demonstrated performance potential.

• Open architecture approaches that support MOSA, SOSA, APIs, and NGC2 integration.

• AI/ML-enabled capabilities that improve sensing, geolocation, targeting, and decision-making.

• Demonstrated production capacity, sustainment planning, training support, and scalability.

• Strong operational readiness supported by testing, pilot programs, previous fieldings, or work with government entities.

The Government states that vendor selection will be based on:

• Relevance to EMSO requirements

• Maturity of the offering

• Demonstrated ability to produce and sustain capabilities

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Solution Briefs must clearly demonstrate relevance to EMSO requirements or they will not be considered.

• Solution Briefs are limited to a maximum of ten (10) pages or slides, excluding the coversheet or title page.

• Solution Briefs must be written in English.

• The period of performance for any Solution Brief or proposal should generally be no greater than twelve (12) months.

• Solution Briefs received after 22 April 2027 1600 EST will not be considered.

• Vendors must register on the VULCAN platform to submit solution briefs or proposals.

• Submitted materials may be reviewed by support contractors and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) personnel operating under nondisclosure requirements.

The solicitation does not specify cost-share requirements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requires a Solution Brief of up to ten pages or slides addressing:

• Capability description

• Technical alignment

• Technical maturity or TRL

• Company experience and past performance

• Production and sustainment approach

• Pricing structure

The solicitation does not specify an expected proposal preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Go/no-go assessment against the Army’s EMSO evaluation criteria

• Solution Brief development and narrative drafting

• Positioning around EMSO technical objectives, MOSA, SOSA, NGC2, and AI/ML requirements

• Pricing strategy development and ROM presentation

• Pitch Session and Vendor Technical Demonstration preparation

• Proposal and Statement of Work support for companies invited to Step 3

Review solicitation here.

Targeting RNA in Disease with Novel Technologies (TRDNT) Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The NIH Targeting RNA in Disease with Novel Technologies (TRDNT) Challenge is seeking novel technologies that target endogenous RNA to address diseases driven by RNA dysfunction or difficult-to-drug protein targets. Unlike traditional grant programs, this is a prize competition that rewards promising concepts and technologies through multiple phases.

Phase I is focused on planning and proposal development. Applicants must describe a novel RNA-targeting technology, explain the health need it addresses, and provide a roadmap for developing the technology into a prototype in future phases.

The application deadline is July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Companies and research teams developing innovative RNA-targeting approaches should evaluate this opportunity quickly, as Phase I winners may be well-positioned for anticipated future prize phases totaling up to $13.1 million.

How much funding would I receive?

Phase I (Currently Open)

• Up to $20,000 per winner

• Up to 25 winners

• Total Phase I prize pool: up to $500,000

Future Phases (Anticipated)

Phase II: Prototype Development and Use Case Demonstration

• Interim Milestone Prize: Up to $120,000 per winner

• Up to 25 winners

• Final Submission Prize: Up to $320,000 per winner

• Up to 15 winners

Phase III: Final Iteration and Technology Dissemination

• Winner Prize: Up to $525,000 per winner

• Up to 8 winners

• Runner-Up Prize: Up to $200,000 per winner

• Up to 3 winners

NIH states that the announcement of Phases II and III is discretionary and contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.

What could I use the funding for?

Phase I funding supports development of a proposal for a novel RNA-targeting technology.

Applicants must submit:

• A description of the technology

• The significant health need it addresses

• An early-stage technical concept

• A development plan for future prototype creation

• A proposed use case demonstrating future therapeutic potential

The challenge is focused on technologies that target endogenous RNA in disease and may include:

• RNA-RNA binding protein (RBP) interaction technologies

• Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) targeting approaches

• RNA-protein interaction discovery platforms

• RNA-targeting small molecule screening technologies

• Technologies that modify aberrant RNA structures

Submissions are not limited to these examples but must align with the challenge goal.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to prize funding, participants may receive:

• Validation from NIH subject matter experts

• Visibility within the RNA therapeutics ecosystem

• Potential eligibility to participate in future challenge phases

• An opportunity to contribute technologies intended for broad scientific use

NIH also encourages winners to pursue future NIH funding opportunities, although no future funding is guaranteed.

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

Phase I Timeline

• Challenge Launch: January 30, 2026

• Submission Open: May 30, 2026

• Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

• Judging: July–August 2026

• Winners Announced: August 2026

Anticipated Future Phases

Phase II

• Launch: August 2026

• Interim Milestone Submission: November 2026–January 2027

• Interim Winners Announced: March 2027

• Final Submission: June–July 2027

• Final Winners Announced: October 2027

Phase III

• Launch: November 2027

• Submission Window: August–October 2028

• Winners Announced: January 2029

All future phase timelines are anticipated and subject to NIH discretion.

Where does this funding come from?

This challenge is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund through the NIH Venture Program.

The program is administered through the NIH Office of the Director and is intended to support innovative technologies that address priorities shared across multiple NIH Institutes and Centers.

The challenge is conducted under the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, as amended.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible participants include:

• Individuals

• Teams of individuals

• Startups

• Small businesses

• Mid-size businesses

• Large businesses

• Nonprofit organizations

• Academic institutions

• Independent research institutions

To be eligible for a prize:

• Individuals must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents

• Private entities must be incorporated in the United States and maintain a primary place of business in the United States

• Participants must be at least 18 years old

Federal employees acting within the scope of their employment are not eligible.

Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents may participate on eligible teams but are not eligible to receive prize money.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NIH states that highly competitive submissions will:

• Target endogenous RNA to treat disease

• Address unmet medical needs

• Demonstrate relevance across multiple diseases

• Present innovative and novel approaches

• Avoid well-established and widely utilized technologies

• Provide sufficient technical detail to support future prototyping

• Demonstrate a realistic development plan

• Identify potential development risks and mitigation strategies

• Show that the team possesses, or can quickly obtain, the expertise required for execution

Phase I judging emphasizes:

• Potential clinical impact (30%)

• Novelty of the proposed solution (30%)

• Likelihood that the team can successfully develop the technology (30%)

• Completeness of the submission (10%)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Only technologies targeting endogenous RNA are considered competitive.

• Standard RNA therapeutic programs are not the focus unless they specifically target endogenous RNA in a manner aligned with challenge goals.

• Federal contractors may not use federal contract funds to support submissions.

• Participants using federal grant, cooperative agreement, or OT award funding must comply with applicable federal requirements.

• NIH receives a royalty-free, nonexclusive worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and publicly display submissions.

• Participants retain their intellectual property rights.

• Winning technologies are expected to be made publicly available to the scientific community in future phases.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Applicants should expect a moderate preparation effort.

Phase I requires:

• A Title and Executive Summary

• A written proposal of up to 10 pages

• A development roadmap

• Technical concept documentation

• Discussion of expertise, resources, and potential development challenges

• References

For teams with an existing RNA-targeting technology concept, preparation may primarily involve organizing technical and commercialization plans. For earlier-stage concepts, additional time may be required to develop a credible prototype development strategy.

The solicitation does not specify an expected preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants by:

• Assessing alignment with NIH's RNA-targeting objectives

• Positioning the technology against the evaluation criteria

• Developing a compelling clinical impact narrative

• Strengthening technical concept documentation

• Building a clear prototype development roadmap

• Identifying and addressing reviewer concerns

• Preparing submission materials for compliance with challenge requirements

• Managing the overall application process from kickoff through submission

Review solicitation here.

ARPA-H | BRAIN REPAIR OF ANY INJURED NEURAL STRUCTURE | BRAINS | HEALTH SCIENCE FUTURES | ARPA-H-SOL-26-148

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H’s Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) program is seeking breakthrough approaches to regenerate and replace damaged brain tissue in regions outside the neocortex and spinal cord. The goal is to develop technologies that can generate region-specific precursor brain tissue and demonstrate surgical engraftment into damaged brain regions, laying the groundwork for future therapies that restore lost neurological function.

This opportunity is designed for ambitious teams pursuing transformative—not incremental—approaches to brain repair. ARPA-H specifically seeks technologies that could enable replacement of damaged tissue in brain regions such as the hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, substantia nigra, brainstem, and cerebellum. Proposals focused on the neocortex or spinal cord will not be reviewed.

There are two application cycles. The first application deadline is July 9th, 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time for Solution Summaries. The second application deadline is January 7th, 2027, 5:00 PM Eastern Time for Solution Summaries.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H anticipates:

• Phase I awards of $500,000 per team per Technical Area (TA)

• The possibility of an additional $500,000 per team per TA for Phase II

The solicitation also states that ARPA-H intends to negotiate multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements with selected performers.

The total number of awards is not specified.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support projects addressing one or both of the following Technical Areas:

TA1: Defining and generating precursor tissue for any brain region

• Characterization of natural precursor tissue

• Identification of cellular and extracellular components

• Generation of human iPSC-derived precursor cells

• Development and validation of precursor tissue generation methods

TA2: Optimizing surgical engraftment of precursor tissue

• Development of transplantation methods

• Demonstration of graft survival and vascularization

• Demonstration of tissue maturation, structure, and connectivity in animal models

Projects must address all milestones and metrics associated with either one Technical Area or both.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation states that selected performers may receive:

• Funding through an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement structure.

• Direct engagement with ARPA-H program leadership through:

  • Monthly technical status reporting

  • Monthly meetings with the ARPA-H Program Manager

  • Potential site visits and technical reviews by ARPA-H personnel throughout performance.

No other additional benefits are specified.

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

BRAINS has two intake groups. Applicants must first submit a Solution Summary and, if encouraged by ARPA-H, may then submit a Full Proposal.

Intake Group 1

• Solution Summaries Due: July 9th, 2026, 5:00 PM

• Full Proposals Due: August 6th, 2026, 5:00 PM

Intake Group 2

• Solution Summaries Due: January 7th, 2027, 5:00 PM

• Full Proposals Due: February 6th, 2027, 5:00 PM

Program structure:

• 18-month project duration

• Two 9-month phases

• Down-select at the end of Phase I based on milestone achievement.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be made or when funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The federal agency listed in the solicitation is ARPA-H.

Program title:
Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS).

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government’s needs may submit a proposal. Eligible organizations include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other than small businesses (large businesses)

ARPA-H states that early career investigators are preferred.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Active SAM.gov registration.

• Work conducted in the United States is prioritized.

• Non-U.S. entities may participate subject to applicable restrictions.

Ineligible entities include:

• Organizations currently providing contracted support services to ARPA-H where an unmitigable OCI exists.

• FFRDCs and Government entities acting as prime or sub-performers, except under limited circumstances described in the solicitation.

• Covered foreign entities and other restricted organizations identified in the solicitation.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, ARPA-H is looking for projects that are:

• Innovative, feasible, and technically strong.

• Led by teams with demonstrated expertise and relevant experience.

• Capable of transforming biomedicine and addressing unmet medical needs.

• Positioned for future research, commercial, and/or clinical impact.

• Pursuing revolutionary approaches rather than incremental improvements.

The solicitation specifically states that ARPA-H seeks approaches that will generate precursor tissue capable of restoring function in damaged brain regions and demonstrate successful engraftment in preclinical models.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

The solicitation specifically excludes proposals that:

• Offer incremental improvements to the current state-of-the-art.

• Use human embryos.

• Use human fetal tissue.

• Do not address the objectives of the BRAINS Exploratory Topic.

Additional restrictions include:

• Proposals addressing the neocortex or spinal cord will not be reviewed.

• Cell-based and state-of-the-art organoid approaches will not be considered.

• Research must comply with applicable HHS stem cell policies and regulations.

• HHS funds may not be used for dangerous gain-of-function research.

• Various research security, foreign participation, and organizational conflict-of-interest requirements apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application process requires:

Step 1

• A mandatory Solution Summary submission limited to three pages (excluding permitted attachments).

Step 2

• A Full Proposal if encouraged by ARPA-H. The Full Proposal includes:

  • Technical and Management Proposal

  • Cost Proposal

  • Administrative and Policy Requirements Submission

  • Supporting schedules, milestones, and compliance documentation.

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time required to develop an application.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants by:

• Assessing fit with BRAINS technical objectives and evaluation criteria.

• Developing the Solution Summary.

• Building the technical narrative, milestones, and commercialization positioning.

• Structuring budgets and proposal volumes.

• Coordinating subcontractors and proposal compliance.

• Managing submission through the ARPA-H process.

Review solicitation here.

xTech|Kinetic Reach Competition - SBIR Topic ARM26BX03-DP007

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

TBD

Objective:

The U.S. Army is seeking innovative force sustainment solutions from eligible small businesses across the U.S. through the xTech Kinetic Reach competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Department of War (DoW), earn prize money and submit a Direct to Phase II Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal.

The U.S. Army FUZE xTech Program, in partnership with the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) is executing the xTech|Kinetic Reach competition as part of the G-TEAD Accelerated Capability Event (ACE) series. xTech|Kinetic Reach addresses the growing uncrewed aerial system (UAS) threat by identifying high-potential solutions and accelerating transition through funding and integration into live USAREUR-AF-led exercises. Integrating into a USAREUR-AF-led exercise is critical to: (1) validate capabilities under operationally realistic conditions, (2) inform acquisition and integration decisions, and (3) address near-term gaps in autonomous ground operations and effects delivery in contested environments.

The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoW.

Description:

​​xTech|Kinetic Reach is a focused open-topic competition designed to identify cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. In largescale combat operations, U.S. Army forces must sustain dispersed, continuously moving formations while operating inside highly contested environments characterized by persistent observation, long range fires, electromagnetic interference, degraded mobility corridors, and severely constrained logistics. Current sustainment and recovery methods rely heavily on manned systems that are increasingly vulnerable, slow to adapt, and unable to meet the demands of operations conducted near or within the Autonomous Zone. The Army requires a suite of interoperable, autonomous or minimally manned capabilities - spanning ground and air distribution, power generation, forward arming and refueling, and vehicle recovery - that can operate with minimal oversight, low signatures, reduced logistical burden, and seamless command and control (C2) integration. These capabilities must sustain tempo, reduce soldier exposure, and ensure survivability and mission continuity across the entire sustainment and recovery enterprise in high-threat, GPS and communications degraded environments where traditional methods are no longer feasible or survivable.

The Army is seeking to evaluate capabilities that demonstrate performance in one of six (6) capability areas, and meet the following criteria for its capability area:

Topic 1: Uncrewed Ground Payload Transportation

Topic 2: Autonomous container Handling/Movement System

Topic 3: Future Power Generation

Topic 4: Autonomous UAV/UGV Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) System

Topic 5: Uncrewed Aerial Payload Transportation

Topic 6: Uncrewed, Automated, Ground Recovery System

Full competition details including details on these 6 topic areas of interest can be found in Appendix A section of the xTech|Kinetic Reach competition RFI here: https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/.

xTech|Kinetic Reach is a focused open-topic competition designed to identify cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. In largescale combat operations, U.S. Army forces must sustain dispersed, continuously moving formations while operating inside highly contested environments characterized by persistent observation, long range fires, electromagnetic interference, degraded mobility corridors, and severely constrained logistics. Current sustainment and recovery methods rely heavily on manned systems that are increasingly vulnerable, slow to adapt, and unable to meet the demands of operations conducted near or within the Autonomous Zone. The Army requires a suite of interoperable, autonomous or minimally manned capabilities - spanning ground and air distribution, power generation, forward arming and refueling, and vehicle recovery - that can operate with minimal oversight, low signatures, reduced logistical burden, and seamless command and control (C2) integration. These capabilities must sustain tempo, reduce soldier exposure, and ensure survivability and mission continuity across the entire sustainment and recovery enterprise in high-threat, GPS and communications degraded environments where traditional methods are no longer feasible or survivable.

The Army is seeking to evaluate capabilities that demonstrate performance in one of six (6) capability areas, and meet the following criteria for its capability area:

Topic 1: Uncrewed Ground Payload Transportation

Topic 2: Autonomous container Handling/Movement System

Topic 3: Future Power Generation

Topic 4: Autonomous UAV/UGV Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) System

Topic 5: Uncrewed Aerial Payload Transportation

Topic 6: Uncrewed, Automated, Ground Recovery System

Full competition details including details on these 6 topic areas of interest can be found in Appendix A section of the xTech|Kinetic Reach competition RFI here: https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/.

The U.S. Army intends to award up to $1,500,000 in cash prizes throughout the competition. Up to 15 finalists will be selected at the conclusion of the Part 1 evaluation period and will be provided the opportunity to participate in the Part 2 live Soldier exercise, anticipated to occur in November 2026. Finalists who attend the Soldier exercise will receive a cash prize of $25,000, following the event. Finalists who also participate and have their technology integrated in the exercise will receive an additional $25,000, following the event. Following completion of the exercise, up to five (5) final winners will be selected to receive an additional cash prize of $150,000 each. Final winners may be considered for potential follow-on agreements and contracting opportunities. Part 2 winners that qualify as U.S. Small Businesses will have the opportunity to submit a Direct to Phase II Army SBIR proposal worth up to $2,000,000.

PHASE I

This topic is accepting Direct-to-Phase II submissions with a cost limit of $2,000,000 and a period of performance of 12-18 months. Only winners of the xTech|Kinetic Reach competition are permitted to submit a proposal for this topic.  In order for proposers to submit a DP2 proposal, they must provide the justification documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described above has been met and describes the potential military and/or commercial applications. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results.

PHASE II

Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for testing and experimentation with end Users in a realistic field environment. Feedback from testing and experimentation will be provided directly to Small Businesses to iterate rapidly on recommended modifications or improvements for Army operational use. In addition, companies will work with Army partners to develop a draft technology transition and commercialization plan for DoW and commercial markets.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 8/9 and produce prototypes to support scaling and fielding of the technology with the Army and pursue commercialization pathways.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

xTech|Inversion Competition - SBIR Topic ARM26BX03-NP006

Funding Amount:

Est. $300,000

Deadline to Apply:

June 30th, 2026

Description:

​​The U.S. Army is seeking information from eligible small businesses across the U.S. to identify and advance commercialization pathways for a curated portfolio of high-potential Army Intellectual Property (IP) sets through the xTech|Inversion competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Department of War (DoW), earn prize money, and submit a Phase I Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal.  

​The Army FUZE xTech Program is partnering with the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army (DUSA) and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA R&T) to deliver the xTech|Inversion competition. The Army recognizes the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest in the DoW. 

​The xTech|Inversion competition will consist of three parts:  

1. ​Call for concept white papers; 

2. ​Finals pitch event; and 

3. ​Opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal.

​The competition will award up to $1,000,000 in cash prizes throughout the competition to selected participants. Up 12 finalists will receive a cash prize of $20,000 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW experts in August 2026 at Fed Supernova in Austin, TX. The Army intends to select up five final winners to receive an additional cash prize of $152,000 each. Final winners may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000. Phase I Army SBIR proposals will be considered under the topics within the competition Request for Proposal (RFP) for proof-of-concept demonstrations that are not to exceed six months in duration. Additional details on prize structure can be found in Section VII of the competition RFI.  

​The xTech|Inversion competition is conducted in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4025, which authorizes the use of prize competitions to stimulate innovation and identify promising technologies for national security applications.  Any subsequent Army SBIR opportunity will be conducted separately under 15 U.S.C. § 638 and applicable Army SBIR procedures. All final winners will be eligible to submit for a Phase I Army SBIR proposal under the provisions and requirements of 15 U.S.C. § 638.  

​While the DoW authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTech|Inversion competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoW or United States Government (USG) organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation. Finalists of the prize competition may be invited to submit a separate proposal for further development of their proposed technology solution based on the needs of the Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly.  No license to any U.S. Government-owned IP is granted by virtue of participation in or winning the prize competition.  

​All xTech|Inversion competition submissions are treated as privileged information, and contents may be disclosed to employees of the U.S. government, governments of allied nations, designated support contractors at the U.S. government’s discretion for the purpose of evaluation, program support, potential inclusion in Army or DoW marketplaces, and potential follow-on opportunities.  

​The Army FUZE xTech Program intends to provide feedback from evaluators to participants during each part of the competition. The purpose of providing this feedback is to help accelerate the transition of the technology to an Army end-user by providing insight into the best applications for the technology, suggestions for product improvement for Army use and recommended next steps for development. However, the Government is not required to respond to questions or inquiries regarding this feedback. 

​Problem Statement 

​The xTech|Inversion competition seeks white paper submissions from eligible U.S. small businesses proposing commercialization strategies, technical feasibility approaches, and transition pathway for Army intellectual property aligned to one of the 16 available IP sets: 

• ​IP Set 1: Fibers Loaded with a Zirconium (IV) Hydroxide to Capture/Degrade Toxic Chemicals 

• ​IP Set 2: MXene Catalyst for Chemical Detox 

• ​IP Set 3: Hazardous Chemical Detoxification Using MOF beads 

• ​IP Set 4: Advanced Sealing Interface Surveillance Technology 

• ​IP Set 5: Spatial Calibration for Accurate Long-Distance Measurement Using Infrared Cameras 

• ​IP Set 6: Precise Wide Area Ionosphere Correction Solution for Multi-Spectrum Alternative Sources of Space-Based PNT Signals 

• ​IP Set 7: Pleated Filtration Apparatus Having a Filter Membrane 

• ​IP Set 8: Non-Contact Power Meter Independent of Placement of Field Sensors Around the Cable 

• ​IP Set 9: Production of High Energy-Dense Liquid Hydrocarbon from Low Energy-Dense Aqueous Solutions of Oxygen Containing Organic Compound(s) 

• ​IP Set 10: Deformable Array of Semiconductor Devices 

• ​IP Set 11: Dual Coil Inductive Energy Generator 

• ​IP Set 12: Voltage Step-Up Converter Circuits for Low Input Voltages 

• ​IP Set 13: Autonomous UV and Brush Apparatus for Well Fouling Prevention (Wellbot) 

• ​IP Set 14: Photocatalytic Water Treatment 

• ​IP Set 15: High-Performance Cold Mix Asphalt System 

• ​IP Set 16: Rapidly Deployable Over Decking Systems

​Detailed descriptions for each IP set are available in Appendix A of the competition RFI. 

​Only one submission per IP set, per eligible entity is permitted; if submitting an application to more than one IP set, the technology solution must be different.  

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Development of Directed Energy Systems for Space-Based Applications - SBIR Topic DAF26BX03-DV505

Funding Amount:

Est. $3,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

SpaceWERX, in partnership with Space System Command (SSC) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), are seeking innovative solutions to enable the development of directed energy systems for dual-use applications in space. These systems can include High Energy Laser (HEL) systems or particle accelerators (neutral or charged particle beams). This effort aims to bridge the gap between terrestrial directed energy capabilities and the unique requirements of the space environment to provide a multi-mission, dual-use architecture. The goal is to close key capability gaps such as space-qualification, power and thermal management, beam control, and pointing accuracy for space-based systems capable of transferring high energy flux to targets of interest needed to support the Space Force’s future architecture.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

This project is a strategic partnership between AFRL and SSC to develop space-based directed energy systems. Directed energy systems pose many promising dual-use applications including but not limited to space-based defensive capabilities such as non-kinetic missile defense, space-based power beaming, lunar prospecting, target identification, or debris remediation. For certain applications such as remote power transfer, high energy laser systems can bridge a critical capability gap involving the "power-mass" penalty of traditional orbital platforms, where rigid solar arrays and battery density limit mission longevity and payload capacity. Addressing this now is essential due to the rapid proliferation of distributed constellations that require agile, modular energy solutions to maintain a responsive space architecture. Failure to solve these constraints will lead to the continued deployment of static, short-lived systems unable to adapt to evolving orbital mission requirements or emerging commercial energy demands. Other directed energy capabilities such as particle beam technology offers unique advantages such as active orbital probe inspection or deep space prospecting.

The desired end state is a compact, space-qualified directed energy architecture that increases the current state of the art in power output, beam quality and control providing reliable power-transfer capabilities while meeting strict low-SWaP (size, weight, and power) configurations. Achieving this will enable a more resilient space architecture that integrates novel thermal protection, advanced control algorithms for increased pointing accuracy, and radiation resiliency to survive extreme orbital conditions. These improvements should result in a measurable increase in mission capability with the program ultimately targeting the transition of these technologies toward TRL 6 prototypes in preparation for an on-orbit flight demonstration.

PHASE I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential U.S. Air Force (USAF) and/or USSF stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the U.S. Department of Air Force (DAF) customer and end-user. The feasibility study should have:

1. Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the USAF and/or USSF need(s).

2. Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.

3. Describe if and how the solution can be used by other U.S. Department of War (DoW) or Governmental customers.

PHASE II

The proposed solutions should develop and demonstrate innovative technologies to support space-based directed energy systems. Solutions should provide capabilities such as high-efficiency laser sources and/or compact particle accelerator technologies designed for multi-mission utility, ranging from orbital power transfer to material prospecting. The objective of the Phase II effort is to develop, mature, and demonstrate via ground based demonstration for eventual on-orbit demonstration. Phase II solutions should focus on the hardware integration of the directed energy system and include solutions for areas of technical concern such as power/thermal management, high precision pointing, and adaptive control for precision beam-pointing. Offerors are expected to present a complete end-to-end architecture that demonstrates the system's ability to maintain power density over extended ranges in a simulated space environment. Performers should transition from laboratory-scale breadboards to high-fidelity engineering models that reflect the form factor and mass constraints of a standard, commercially available spacecraft bus.

Proposed solutions should include the integration of technologies that address current hurdles to space-based operations such as:

- High-efficiency systems with low mass-to-power ratio that leverages radiation-tolerant design architectures

- Novel solutions for achieving pointing accuracies needed for long range engagement such as non-mechanical beam steering to minimize jitter

- Advanced thermal & power management

The prototype should undergo rigorous validation to demonstrate readiness for future orbital deployment. Successful Phase II efforts will include:

- Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) Testing

- Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) testing to demonstrate pointing and tracking against simulated orbital targets

- Launch environment simulation and testing representative of standard launch profiles.

A credible development timeline must include major milestones for design reviews, subsystem validation, and integrated testing. Completion of Phase II provides the technical foundation for potential follow-on on-orbit demonstrations, though it does not imply a guaranteed transition to a Program of Record. Final deliverables should include a ground-based demonstration, comprehensive test data, and a refined manufacturing plan for scalable production.

Proposed schedules may account for how follow-on awards, such as a Phase III, in a rapid timeframe could be used to mature the capabilities needed to achieve an on-orbit demonstration. Proposed solutions should include quarterly program management reviews at the sponsoring organization facility and include ground testing demonstrations as part of the proposed work plan.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Proposed technologies must demonstrate feasibility by the end of Phase II through rigorous modeling, benchtop testing, and/or subcomponent validation in relevant conditions. Phase II performers are expected to show measurable progress toward subsystem integration, with a clearly defined pathway to full system demonstration. Top-performing solutions that advance during the initial period of performance may be eligible for follow-on awards leading to on-orbit demonstrations coordinated with the sponsoring organization. Any competitive follow-on efforts will focus on advancing technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7, with priority given to architectures demonstrating the greatest technical maturity, feasibility, and alignment with DoW operational needs. Solutions should consider dual-use pathways such as providing space-based power transfer solutions to the commercial market.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Safe Falling and Failing For Humanoid Robots - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV019

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Integrated System Mitigates Fall Damage to Humanoid Robots and Ensures Operational Recovery with Minimized Performance Degradation

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

Within the sector of humanoid robotics, there has been significant progress in technological maturity, opening their applicability to Air Force operations, such as maintenance activities, hazardous environment exploration, and assistance with physically demanding tasks. Humanoid robots have the capability to access areas and support operations traditionally done by human personnel, focusing on tasks that have posed significant challenges for their repetitive or strenuous nature. Noting that these tasks are often adjacent to those which are more suited to the adaptability of human personnel, promoting safe and effective human-robot collaboration environments allows for improved performance through careful consideration of workspace design and task allocation to minimize potential hazards.Establishing effective coordination of humanoid robots within environments where they are to perform near human personnel on complex tasks remains a hurdle to developing control strategies that ensure improvements in personnel safety and overall productivity. Of significant note is the inherent instability and susceptibility to falling of humanoid robots, which pose a significant challenge to their widespread deployment. Despite the fact that falls can lead to costly repairs, operational downtime, and even complete robot failure, current fall mitigation strategies are often limited in their effectiveness and can significantly hinder robot agility and performance.This project seeks to develop a comprehensive safe falling system that allows humanoid robots to autonomously detect imminent falls, react in real-time to minimize impact forces, and recover gracefully. This system should include software algorithms for fall detection and recovery strategies, and/or hardware considerations for mitigating damage and ensuring safe landing. The system should be robust enough to handle falls from various heights and orientations, while remaining lightweight and minimally intrusive to the robot's design and performance during regular operation. Additionally, the system should be adaptable for different humanoid applications and specifications.

PHASE I

This is a Direct-to-Phase II initiative. Companies must demonstrate, from the outset, a prototype system capable of detecting falls in a simulated environment. This includes presenting algorithms for fall detection and preliminary strategies for impact mitigation. Demonstrate an understanding of the integration challenges and potential solutions for incorporating the system onto a physical humanoid robot platform. Provide a clear plan for testing and validation of the proposed system.

PHASE II

Develop a functional prototype integrated onto an existing humanoid robot platform. Demonstrate the system's effectiveness in real-world fall scenarios, showcasing its ability to detect falls, activate mitigation strategies, and minimize damage. Quantify the system's performance in terms of impact reduction, recovery time, and overall robustness. Refine the system based on testing results, optimizing for performance, reliability, and adaptability to different humanoid platforms. The expected TRL from Phase II is TRL 7 or 8.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

If Phase II is successful, Phase III will focus on transitioning the technology to a production-ready state. This includes further refinement of the system, rigorous testing and validation in diverse operational environments, and development of user-friendly interfaces for system configuration and monitoring. Explore potential applications in various sectors. Integrate the safe falling system into commercially available humanoid robots. This technology has the potential to significantly improve the robustness and reliability of humanoid robots, accelerating their adoption across a wide range of applications.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Humanoid Robotic Fleet Management - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV020

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

To Effectively and Efficiently Coordinate Multiple Humanoid and Industrial Robots for Complex Tasks in Dynamic Industrial Environments

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

Within Air Force depots for aircraft maintenance and sustainment, there are many workloads that present significant challenges for human personnel due to reasons including high physical demand, repetitive tasks, and unfriendly environmental conditions. In the endeavor of optimizing manufacturing and sustainment operations, robots have increasingly been integrated, serving to separate human personnel from potentially hazardous activities and creating opportunities for process improvement. The robots that have been determined to be most versatile in industrial settings as support to human personnel are those designed to operate similarly, in a humanoid manner.As the potential of humanoid robots for widespread deployment in various applications is growing in accordance with their increasing sophistication and capability, so is the cruciality of managing and coordinating large fleets of these robots effectively for the maximization of their utility and the assurance to complete tasks successfully. While implementing a fleet management system allows for the dynamic allocation of robots to specific maintenance tasks based on real-time demand and priority, resource utilization optimization, and aircraft downtime minimization, current robot management systems often lack the scalability, flexibility, and robustness required for complex, real-world deployments involving humanoid robots beyond material handling operational scenarios. Current research emphasizes the integration of advanced sensing capabilities, such as computer vision and tactile feedback, into humanoid robots to enable them to perform intricate maintenance tasks, such as component inspection and repair, with increasing autonomy and precision to support a shift in robot fleet management towards decentralized control architectures that allow humanoid robots to adapt to changing task priorities and collaborate more effectively with human personnel. This project seeks to develop a humanoid fleet management system that provides a centralized platform for monitoring, controlling, and coordinating the activities of multiple robots across a variety of manufacturing and sustainment operations. The system should enable autonomous task allocation based on robot capabilities and availability, optimize resource utilization, allow real-time monitoring and control, facilitate seamless communication between robots and human operators, and adapt to dynamic changes in the operational environment. The system should be scalable to fleets of varying sizes and adaptable to different humanoids, other robot platforms, and operational scenarios.

PHASE I

This is a Direct-to-Phase II initiative. Companies must demonstrate, from the outset, (1) a prototype system capable of basic fleet monitoring for mobile and non-mobile platforms, task assignment, and adaptive autonomous robot control in a simulated environment. (2) An understanding of the challenges associated with managing and coordinating humanoid robot fleets and propose innovative solutions for addressing these challenges. (3) Proven experience deploying autonomous systems performing manufacturing and sustainment activities beyond material handling. Provide a clear plan for scaling the system to larger fleets and more complex operational scenarios.

PHASE II

Develop a functional prototype of the humanoid fleet management system and demonstrate its performance on a physical fleet of robots including humanoid, non-humanoid mobile, and non-mobile industrial robotics platforms. Evaluate the system's effectiveness in coordinating the robots to perform a range of collaborative tasks in a real-world environment, showcasing its ability to adapt to dynamic conditions and optimize resource utilization. Quantify the performance improvements achieved through fleet management compared to individual robot operation. Refine the system based on experimental results, focusing on scalability, robustness, and user-friendliness. The expected TRL from Phase II is TRL 7 or 8.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

If Phase II is successful, Phase III will focus on transitioning the fleet management system to a commercially viable product. This includes further development and refinement of the system, rigorous testing and validation in diverse operational environments, and integration with existing robotic platforms and control systems. Explore potential applications in various sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and inspection. Develop partnerships with robotics manufacturers to integrate the fleet management system into their product offerings, paving the way for widespread adoption of humanoid robot fleets across a range of industries.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Nickel Molybdenum Hard Chrome Alternative - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV021

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

The objective of this topic is to advance the development and validation of a nickel molybdenum plating alternative to traditional hard chrome plating, specifically targeting aerospace applications such as landing gear actuators. This Phase D2P2 effort aims to address the critical need for eliminating hexavalent chromium usage by 2030 in Army facilities and phasing out chrome plating in Navy facilities by 2039. The research will focus on thorough fatigue testing and performance evaluation of the newly developed Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating chemistry. By achieving these goals, the initiative will support broader DoW modernization priorities in advanced materials and manufacturing, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and enhancing operational readiness.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

The "Nickel Molybdenum Hard Chrome Alternative" topic under AFWERX aims to advance an innovative solution for replacing hexavalent chromium use in aerospace applications, such as landing gear actuators. Hexavalent chromium is known for its adverse health and environmental impacts, and the Department of War (DoW) faces regulatory mandates to eliminate its usage. The U.S. Army is tasked with phasing out hexavalent chromium by 2030, and similar efforts are underway in Navy facilities with a target elimination date of 2039.

The focus of this project is to develop and validate the Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating chemistry as an alternative to traditional hard chrome plating. Initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at the project start is estimated to be TRL 4, indicative of technology validated in a lab environment. The anticipated target TRL at the completion of Phase II is TRL 7-8, demonstrating system prototype demonstration in an operational environment.

Desired outcomes include the identification, development, and validation of a robust alternative plating process that meets performance criteria for fatigue resistance, durability, and corrosion resistance in aerospace components. Additionally, the solution should support DoW modernization priorities in advanced materials and manufacturing while complying with environmental regulations and enhancing operational readiness.

The required efforts will be divided into specific phases:

Phase I: This phase will conduct full-scale fatigue testing, performance evaluation, and validate the plating process under simulated operational conditions. Deliverables will include comprehensive performance reports, validation of scalability (installing a dem/val tank), and a transition plan detailing how the process will be integrated into existing manufacturing protocols.

The minimum deliverables for the project will include:

Validated Maxterial 

H-max formulation

Fatigue and performance test data

Operational readiness assessment

Compliance analysis with existing DoW policies

Transition plan

By end of topic D2P2 completion, the anticipated benefits are to provide the DoW with a viable, environmentally safe alternative to hard chrome plating used in the aerospace industry, significantly reducing health hazards, and ensuring compliance with future regulations while enhancing durability and performance of critical aerospace components.

PHASE I

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made. To qualify, applicant(s) must demonstrate feasibility through prior efforts. Required documentation includes performance data, fatigue testing results, environmental compliance assessments, and validation reports of Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating's durability and corrosion resistance, supporting an alternative to traditional hard chrome plating.

PHASE II

The Phase II effort will develop and validate the Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating alternative to hard chrome, targeting TRL 7-8. Key goals include full-scale fatigue testing, performance validation, environmental compliance, and operational readiness. Successful outcomes are comprehensive performance reports, validated scalability, and a transition plan for integration into existing manufacturing protocols.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

The Phase III effort will advance the Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating to TRL 9, transitioning into full-scale manufacturing for aerospace and commercial applications. This includes landing gear actuators and automotive parts, ensuring environmental compliance. Expect additional Air Force integration and broader DoW and commercial sector adoption, enhancing durability, performance, and safety while meeting regulatory mandates.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

A4MT - Weapons Trailer Hydraulic Heating - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV022

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The Air Force seeks to enhance the operational reliability and readiness of the MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer in cold-weather environments by addressing performance degradation of hydraulic systems under extreme conditions. Current mitigation measures have proven insufficient, resulting in delayed weapons loading, increased equipment downtime, increased manpower hours, and added maintenance burden. These limitations directly impact sortie generation timelines, particularly for missions requiring rapid response and sustained readiness in arctic and contested environments.The objective of this D2P2 effort is to prototype, test, and validate a heating capability that ensures hydraulic systems maintain consistent performance in low-temperature environments. By focusing on accelerated development at this phase, the Air Force intends to leverage demonstrated feasibility and commercial technologies to rapidly transition into integrated testing and qualification. The desired outcome is an adaptable, mission-ready capability that improves sortie generation, extends equipment service life, and reduces operator risk without increasing logistical burden.This D2P2 effort emphasizes speed-to-field and risk reduction by building on work already accomplished in earlier analyses and market investigations. The immediate goal is to deliver a solution capable of maintaining operational continuity for weapons handling and loading operations in austere or extreme climates. Success in this phase will enable flexibility for future adaptation, scaling, and integration across additional weapons handling platforms and mission sets.

Description:

The MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer is a critical Air Force system used to transport, load, and service munitions across bomber and nuclear platforms. Its performance directly supports sortie generation timelines and mission readiness. In cold-weather environments, however, the trailer’s hydraulic systems suffer from degraded performance due to thickened hydraulic fluid, stressed seals, and overburdened pumps. This results in delayed weapons loading, increased downtime, and higher maintenance costs.Interim solutions, such as reservoir heaters and external “boogie skirt” heating, have been fielded but are not effective in sustaining hydraulic performance across the full system. This operational gap creates a risk to munitions handling and sortie generation for AFGSC, and other commands operating in austere or arctic conditions.This challenge presents a clear opportunity to develop an improved thermal management capability for the MHU-196 that ensures reliable operation in extreme environments. The desired outcome is a validated, mission-ready system that maintains hydraulic performance in cold weather, reduces maintenance burden, and extends trailer service life. Such a solution will directly improve sortie generation rates, increase operational resilience, and reduce risks to operators and equipment. Leveraging commercial innovations in heating and insulation technologies, this effort can provide a rapid, low-risk pathway to fielding an effective solution.The project begins at an estimated TRL 4–5, with feasibility already established through earlier analysis, market research, and evaluation of interim heating methods. The goal at the end of Phase II is to achieve TRL 7–8 by developing, integrating, and demonstrating a prototype in relevant operational environments, with a clear roadmap for certification and production. Required efforts will include design and fabrication of a prototype heating system, laboratory and field testing in cold-weather conditions, assessment of compliance with nuclear and Air Force standards, and evaluation of logistics, maintainability, and lifecycle cost.The minimum acceptable deliverables for Phase II are a fully integrated prototype demonstrated on an MHU-196 trailer, a test and evaluation report documenting laboratory and field performance, a certification roadmap aligned with nuclear and Air Force requirements, and a transition plan detailing options for scaling and fleet-wide implementation. Advancing this capability through a Direct to Phase II effort ensures accelerated development and transition, closing a validated operational gap and enhancing readiness for critical munitions operations in contested and extreme environments.

PHASE I

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for this D2P2 topic, feasibility is demonstrated through a prior "Phase I-type" effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Documentation establishes a clear understanding of the operational problem, validates solution feasibility, and provides evidence that the proposed approach is mature enough to proceed directly into prototyping under Phase II.The operational problem has been validated. The MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer experiences significant degradation in cold-weather environments, delaying sortie generation and increasing maintenance burden. Hydraulic fluid thickens, seals and pumps are stressed, and downtime increases in sub-zero conditions. Interim measures, including Zerostart reservoir heaters and external “boogie skirt” heating, have been employed but do not maintain hydraulic fluid temperature across the full system. This persistent gap is documented through field reports and supporting analysis.Phase I-type feasibility work has already been completed. Technical reviews and market research identified heat trace with integrated insulation as the most promising approach to sustain system performance across the trailer. Commercial vendor data, engineering evaluations, and comparative analysis of performance characteristics—including thermal efficiency, durability, and scalability—demonstrate that mature technologies exist and can be adapted to meet Air Force requirements, while providing sustainment and lifecycle cost benefits for reduced maintenance and manpower. Feasibility documentation includes operational problem statements, third-party and government analysis, vendor specifications, and measurements from comparable use cases. This body of work confirms an initial entry point of TRL 4–5, with a clear path to advance to TRL 7–8 by the end of Phase II through prototype development, integration, and demonstration in relevant operational environments.The prior analysis and validation efforts fulfill the objectives of a Phase I effort by defining the problem, demonstrating technical feasibility, and identifying viable solution pathways. With technical risk reduced, this D2P2 effort can focus directly on prototyping, environmental testing, certification, and preparation for transition to operational use.

PHASE II

Phase II will design, integrate, and demonstrate a heating capability for the MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer to ensure reliable operation in cold-weather environments. The desired outcome is a prototype that sustains hydraulic performance in sub-zero conditions, improving sortie generation, reducing downtime, and lowering maintenance risks. The effort will advance the system from TRL 4–5 to TRL 7–8 by the end of Phase II.The Period of Performance includes prototype design, fabrication, and integration into the MHU-196 trailer. Functional requirements include maintaining hydraulic fluid viscosity within operating parameters, enabling cold-weather startup within defined timelines, and sustaining performance across the full hydraulic circuit. The system must be energy-efficient, durable, and compatible with existing trailers without adding logistical burden.Testing will consist of laboratory validation, environmental chamber evaluation, and field demonstrations in cold-weather environments. Success will be measured by the ability to maintain hydraulic fluid temperatures in the target range (down to -25°F), reduce cold-start times versus current procedures, and confirm that no adverse impacts occur on trailer reliability or maintainability. Compliance with Air Force safety standards and a defined nuclear certification pathway will also be required.Use cases include munitions loading in arctic climates, dispersed operations under Agile Combat Employment, and nuclear sortie generation for AFGSC. Success will be defined by seamless integration into the existing fleet, improved operational resilience, and reduced sustainment burden.Minimum deliverables are: a prototype heating system integrated and demonstrated on an MHU-196; a test and evaluation report covering lab, field, and compliance results; a certification and transition roadmap; and a plan for scaling across the fleet.By the end of Phase II, the Air Force will have a validated capability to close the cold-weather performance gap for the MHU-196, strengthening readiness and ensuring reliable munitions handling in extreme environments.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Phase III will transition the MHU-196 Weapons Hydraulic Trailer heating capability into full operational use, with an expected entry point of TRL 7–8 at the conclusion of Phase II. Efforts will focus on final qualification, nuclear certification, and scaling integration across the MHU-196 fleet to ensure reliable cold- weather performance for munitions handling operations. Military applications include supporting AFGSC bomber and nuclear sortie generation, where hydraulic trailer reliability directly impacts alert posture and mission timelines. The system also applies to PACAF and USAFE operations in arctic climates, supporting Agile Combat Employment and dispersed operations, and to AETC training environments, ensuring Airmen gain proficiency on equipment consistent with operational systems. Commercial applications extend to industries reliant on hydraulic systems in cold environments, including airport/aerospace ground support equipment, construction, mining, oil and gas, logistics, and emergency/disaster response trailers. These sectors face similar cold-weather challenges, and a heating solution that reduces downtime and maintenance can deliver measurable cost savings and improved efficiency. Transition planning will include production scaling, integration with Air Force sustainment organizations, and alignment with nuclear certification and Air Force safety requirements. Engagement with AFMC, AFSC, and Air Logistics Complexes will ensure smooth sustainment pathways, while further opportunities exist to adapt the technology to other weapons trailers and expeditionary support equipment.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Complementaru Flush Air Data System for Subsonic/Transonic Bomber Operations and Weapon Platforms - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV023

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

This effort seeks to mature, develop, and validate a modular, complementary Flush Air Data System (FADS) designed to augment existing pitot-static air data architectures across all AFGSC platforms, including bomber operations, weapon platforms, UAS, and test assets. The system will provide redundant, jam-resistant, and stealth-compatible air data sensing to enhance flight safety, data integrity, and mission resilience in contested environments.

Description:

Targeting Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6–7, the effort will integrate the complementary FADS within an Agile Pod or fuselage-mounted configuration, enabling non-intrusive flight validation without modification of existing primary systems. The goal is to demonstrate reliable interoperability and data fusion between FADS and the aircraft’s existing air data computers, ensuring cross-verified, all-weather flight parameters for improved survivability, redundancy, and operational assurance.

Key objectives include:

Developing a robust and adaptable flush-mounted pressure sensing system optimized for AFGSC platforms, with scalable designs applicable across the AFGSC portfolio, as well as to other Air Force and Department of War (DoW) aircraft, UAVs, and missile systems, enabling smoother technology transition and broader fleet impact. Ensuring accurate and resilient air data measurement throughout dynamic flight conditions, addressing challenges such as icing, electromagnetic interference, and sensor degradation. Conducting comprehensive ground tests followed by flight validation to demonstrate system reliability, accuracy, and seamless integration with existing aircraft systems.

The desired outcome is a flight-validated complementary FADS that enhances aircraft survivability, minimizes maintenance burdens, and increases data assurance under contested conditions. This effort directly aligns with AFGSC modernization priorities and DoW objectives in maneuver, sensing, and technology protection, ensuring an immediate operational benefit while enabling a smoother, lower-risk technology transition across the AFGSC portfolio. Over time, data and performance collected through this complementary system will inform future modernization pathways, enabling potential transition to a primary flush air data architecture once validated and qualified for operational use.

AFGSC’s B-52 and B-1 bombers currently rely on traditional pitot/static probe systems to measure airspeed, altitude, and trajectory—critical parameters for ensuring flight safety and executing missions effectively. These legacy systems, while proven, are single points of failure and introduce operational limitations in contested and low-observable environments. Protruding pitot probes increase drag and radar cross-section, elevating detectability and reducing effectiveness and survivability. They are also susceptible to icing, contamination, and physical damage, which can drive up maintenance costs and reduce mission flexibility.

Although concerns over legacy air data systems persist, the fundamental pitot-static sensing principle, introduced in the early 20th century, remains the Department of the Air Force’s current state-of-the-art and primary method for air data measurement on bomber and mobility aircraft—despite incremental advances in digital air data computers. While Flush Air Data System (FADS) concepts have existed since the 1970s, no system has yet matured into an operationally qualified, modular, and low-observable solution for subsonic and transonic military platforms. Existing low-observable air data treatments and experimental flush systems have been demonstrated in limited tests or stealth programs; however, these remain platform-specific, non-modular, and not qualified for sustained operational use.

Currently, no DoW air data solution combines low-observable design, modular integration, and jam-resistant redundancy for subsonic and transonic bomber operations. This effort moves beyond the current state-of-the-art by introducing a complementary, fleet-ready FADS architecture optimized for contested, all-weather environments.

A Complementary FADS augments traditional pitot/static architectures rather than replacing them. It embeds precision surface pressure sensors flush with the aircraft skin or within modular pods to provide a secondary, independent data stream that validates and reinforces the primary system. This approach ensures data continuity under jamming, icing, or probe damage conditions, while not impacting aerodynamic drag and radar cross-section.

Unlike prior NASA/AFRL FADS demonstrations focused on hypersonic vehicles, this effort will deliver a mission-qualified, low-observable, and cyber-secure complementary system tailored to the subsonic and transonic flight regimes of AFGSC bombers and weapon platforms. The subsonic and transonic regimes for these heavier aircraft pose unique challenges such as flow separation, shockwaves, complex pressure gradients, and unsteady aerodynamic phenomena that complicate the accurate extraction and processing of air data from flush sensors. These conditions require specialized calibration, signal processing algorithms, and system designs not yet mature for operational use.

This complementary design preserves existing flight-control architectures while introducing an operationally resilient, scalable capability that strengthens flight-data assurance and paves the way for future full-system modernization under separate initiatives.

While starting with AFGSC bomber operations, the design is intentionally modular and mission-agnostic so validated sensors and algorithms can transition to all AFGSC platforms, weapon platforms, UAS, missiles, and other systems. This dual-use potential enhances transition pathways and aligns with broader DoW modernization priorities in hypersonic, test instrumentation, and distributed sensing (supports new DoW CTAs - AAI, Q-BID, and SHY).

The proposed effort seeks to mature and demonstrate a modular, flush-mounted air data sensing system optimized for the unique operational and geometrical complexities of AFGSC bomber airframes, and to provide opportunities to modernize, digitize, and standardize these capabilities across the bomber fleet and other AFGSC aircraft and weapon platforms. The flush system will ensure:

Robust, adaptable pressure port placement tailored to complex airframes or weapon platforms. Accurate and resilient air data measurement throughout subsonic and transonic maneuvers (including climbs, descents, and rapid flight profile transitions), while compensating for flow disturbances. Effective operation in icing conditions and GPS-denied or contested electromagnetic environments. Reduced logistics and sustainment burdens when compared to pitot probe maintenance and susceptibility to fouling or physical damage (indirectly supports new DoW CTA LOG)

The effort will begin at TRL 3-4 (TRL 4 preferred; TRL 3 may require strong prior work) and progress through iterative design, ground, and flight testing to achieve TRL 6–7. The Phase II path will use Agile Pod or non-intrusive fuselage deployment for flight validation to minimize aircraft modification risk. Deliverables include a validated flight test report, verified performance metrics, and a modular, cyber-hardened system architecture compatible with Open Mission Systems (OMS), model-based flight controls, and digital engineering environments.

Effort phases shall include:

Phase I: N/A (prior feasibility work performed)

Phase II: Fabrication of flight-ready sensor modules, integration with aircraft interfaces, ground testing including environmental and EMI/EMC assessments, and in-flight testing for performance validation, accuracy, and reliability. Phase III (Transition):Seamless technology handoff to Air Force program offices for fleet upgrade initiatives and technology insertion, with detailed documentation, manufacturing process development, and sustainment planning.

Minimum acceptable deliverables include a fully documented flight test report demonstrating TRL 6-7 readiness, verified sensor performance metrics across target flight regimes, cyber-hardened system architecture compliant with Air Force digital standards, and a scalable modular design enabling rapid adaptation to multiple platform types.

This capability directly supports AFGSC’s weapon system readiness (AFGSC/CC's #1 priority), bomber program priorities (AFGSC A5/8), bomber modernization programs (AFLCMC), and mission assurance by improving flight data integrity for nuclear deterrence and conventional strike operations in contested airspace. Beyond bombers, the technology offers transition potential across the Air Force portfolios—including weapon platforms, UAVs, hypersonic test assets, and missile platforms—advancing DoW objectives in Technology Maneuver, Manufacturing, and Protect & Defend.

Over time, data and performance collected through this complementary system will inform future modernization pathways, enabling a potential transition to a primary flush air data architecture once validated, further strengthening the resilience and technological readiness of AFGSC’s bomber fleet and weapon platforms. By mitigating vulnerabilities pitot/static systems with a stealth-compatible, all-weather, jam-resistant alternative, this effort enhances platform survivability, reduces lifecycle cost, and ensures enduring global strike readiness.

PHASE I

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made. To qualify, the applicant must demonstrate feasibility through prior "Phase I-type" efforts with documentation such as data, reports, feasibility studies, specific measurements, and success criteria from prototype testing. This should show the technology's current maturity and ability to meet AFGSC's operational needs for Flush Air Data Systems.

PHASE II

The Phase II effort will mature, integrate, and flight-demonstrate a prototype complementary Flush Air Data System (FADS) that provides jam-resistance, a reduce radar cross section, and highly accurate real-time air data for all AFGSC platforms. Building on prior feasibility studies and subscale testing at TRL 3-4, this effort will advance the technology to TRL 6–7 through integration within an Agile Pod on a B-52 and follow-on validation across other AFGSC-selected aircraft and/or weapon platforms. This pod-based approach enables rapid demonstration without structural modification, reduces certification risk, and provides a scalable path for later integration across the AFGSC portfolio.

This effort directly supports AFGSC’s modernization and weapon system readiness priorities, enhancing targeting precision, flight-data resilience, and survivability in contested environments while establishing a low-risk foundation for future full-system modernization.

Objectives and Desired Outcomes

The overarching goal is to deliver a validated, flight-tested complementary FADS prototype that meets or exceeds legacy pitot performance while minimizing drag, icing, and radar-signature penalties. Success will be measured by the system’s ability to generate precision, real-time air data across subsonic and transonic flight regimes, with demonstrated resilience to jamming, icing, and fouling. Desired key outcomes include:

Aerodynamic Database (ADB): Develop an aerodynamic model spanning subsonic through transonic flight regimes, leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel data. Agile Pod Integration: Deliver a fully integrated flush-mounted air data sensing hardware/software system incorporated within an Agile Pod, facilitating rapid platform transition and reduced certification risk without requiring aircraft structural modifications. Ground Testing: Conduct comprehensive ground-based assessments to verify hardware performance and environmental resilience. Flight Demonstration: Execute flight validation on the chosen AFGSC platform (B-52), assessing system accuracy across high-altitude cruise, maneuvering, and transonic profiles. Comparative analyses with legacy pitot systems will quantify improvements in accuracy, redundancy, survivability, and targeting capabilities. System Transition Roadmap: Provide a detailed transition plan including performance validation, manufacturing readiness, and integration paths for AFGSC aircraft and weapon platforms, future aircraft/weapon platforms, and other Department of the Air Force applications.

Technical Goals and Functional Requirements

Port Placement Optimization: Determine optimal flush port configurations/placement for redundancy and survivability while preserving a reduced radar signature.

Algorithm Maturation: Refine system algorithms for real-time processing, targeting jam-resistance precision within ±3% of legacy pitot accuracy across the operational envelope.

Operational Envelope: Demonstrate performance from take-off roll to the maximum operational air speed and altitudes up to the platform’s service ceiling.

Resilience Analysis: Achieve ≥95% valid air-data accuracy despite the loss of up to two pressure sensing ports.

Integration Requirements: Ensure full compatibility with AFGSC aircraft’s power, thermal, and avionics margins while remaining OMS-compliant.

Testing Requirements and Success Criteria

Ground Tests: Wind-tunnel and bench validation of hardware and algorithms.

Success Criterion: Air-data accuracy within 10 percent of nominal values.

Flight Tests: Flight series on the B-52 Agile Pod covering subsonic–transonic regimes.

Success Criterion: FADS outputs demonstrate parity or improvement over pitot/static data within statistical confidence intervals.

Data Analysis: Generate quick-look reports after each sortie and a consolidated validation package comparing FADS and pitot accuracy, latency, and reliability, and any other requested pitot system metrics.

Success Criterion: Reports, analyses, and validation information delivered IAW contract timelines.

Deliverables

Aerodynamic simulation results based on the developed ADB. Integrated FADS hardware and software within a B-52 Agile Pod for testing. Ground-test report documenting design verification, environmental qualification, and EMI/EMC compliance. Flight test quick-look reports and consolidated performance analyses. Final transition package, including integration plan, manufacturing readiness assessment (MRL 4–5 target), cost model, and roadmap for AFGSC and derivative fleets/weapons.

Period of Performance Outcomes

By project completion, this effort will advance FADS technology from TRL 3-4 to TRL 6–7, delivering a flight-validated prototype that enhances radar-signature control, jam-resistance, and air-data precision across AFGSC flight regimes. Beginning with the B-52 Agile Pod demonstration and scaling across AFGSC platforms, the program establishes a clear transition path into AFGSC and AFLCMC bomber modernization portfolios and future digital-flight-control programs. The complementary FADS also lays the foundation for future primary-system modernization across Air Force, unmanned, and hypersonic test vehicles—strengthening operational resilience and readiness in contested airspace.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Phase III will transition the complementary Flush Air Data System (FADS) from a flight-tested prototype to a fully operational, production-ready system ready for fleet integration and broader AFGSC and USAF applications. Initial integration and demonstration will occur on the B-52 Agile Pod test platform, with potential for B-1 testing if platform availability permits. After successful transition within the AFGSC bomber portfolio, the effort will expand to other Air Force platforms and later to UAS and subsonic/transonic missile systems where compact, low-drag, and jam-resistant air-data sensing is essential.

At the onset of Phase III, FADS is expected to be at least Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 following Phase II flight demonstrations. The effort will mature the technology to TRL 7-8 through operational testing, certification, and fleet-level integration. Activities will include alignment with USAF and DoW acquisition standards, air worthiness qualification, cybersecurity accreditation, and verification of compliance with Open Mission Systems (OMS) and Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards, culminating in readiness for full operational deployment. The project will produce validated documentation packages for Technical Orders (T.O.s), configuration management baselines, and maintenance procedures supporting transition to depot-level sustainment.

Military Applications

FADS augments and modernizes legacy pitot-static architectures on strategic bomber and AFGSC platforms, improving survivability, mission assurance, and flight-safety margins by reducing radar cross-section and mitigating vulnerability to icing or probe damage. It provides high-precision, jam-resistant air-data to enhance navigation, targeting, and flight-control performance in contested environments.

Beyond bomber modernization, the technology supports missile, hypersonic, reentry-vehicle, and UAS applications requiring resilient, low-observable air-data sensing.

Following successful AFGSC integration, FADS will transition through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) Program Offices and the Program Executive Officer (PEO) Bombers, with potential alignment under future Digital Flight Control Modernization or Bomber Avionics Modernization efforts. Technology integration will also be coordinated with AFLCMC/WBD (B-52 Program Office), AFLCMC/WBN (B-1), AFLCMC/WBS (B-21), AFLCMCWBZ (B-2), PEO Mobility, and USSF for future application to mobility aircraft and tankers operating in contested or denied environments.

Commercial Applications

Parallel to military applications, the FADS offers strong commercial potential in sectors facing similar aerodynamic and operational challenges. Business-jet, advanced-air-mobility (AAM), and eVTOL manufacturers seek compact, low-drag, and all-weather air-data systems to replace pitot-based sensors that are prone to icing and require frequent maintenance. FADS offers a lightweight, modular, and high-reliability solution adaptable to civilian certification pathways while improving safety and operational efficiency.

Phase III Effort and Transition Planning

Phase III activities will include:

System refinement based on Phase II flight test data to enhance reliability, accuracy, and jam resistance. Production engineering and scale-up to manufacturing-ready status, including supplier qualification and quality control implementation. Formal integration on selected platforms with necessary certification testing and documentation development. Fleet-level roll-out planning, including logistics, sustainment, and lifecycle cost assessment. Engagement and coordination with key AFGSC, AFMC, AFLCMC, and PEOs for enduring support and technology insertion. Identification of additional transition pathways across USAF and DoW portfolios, including mobility aircraft, UAS, and missile systems.

By the end of Phase III, FADS will achieve TRL 7–8, validated for operational use and production. The complementary system will deliver a scalable, modular, and cyber-secure sensing capability that enhances platform survivability, flight-data assurance, and mission success in contested environments. Its dual-use applicability ensures value across military and commercial aerospace sectors, supporting both AFGSC and DoW modernization priorities while strengthening U.S. industrial leadership in advanced sensing technologies.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

Platform-Agnostic, Open Architecture, Advanced Automated Search & Track and Target Recognition Enhancement for Airborne, Fixed-Wing Special Operations Applications - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-DV024

Funding Amount:

Est. $2,000,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

The goal is to enhance operational efficiency, reduce crew workload, and improve mission outcomes for a variety of crewed and uncrewed SOF platforms that use EO/IR sensors.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) seek artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies aimed at automating and optimizing search and track functions, particularly for electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors on Special Operations Forces (SOF) unique platforms such as the AC-130J Ghostrider.

PHASE I

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made as a result of this topic. To qualify for for this D2P2 topic, the Air Force expects the applicant(s) to demonstrate feasibility by means of a prior 'Phase I-type' effort that does not constitute work undertaken as part of a prior or ongoing SBIR/STTR funding agreement. Applicant(s) should provide documentation demonstrating a clear understanding of advanced automated search & track algorithms, advanced MTI/ATR concepts and software, open source architectures, and integration of miniaturized/hardware-lite solutions for use on a variety of platforms. This project will push the state-of-the-art in optimized, automated search & track functions, with provisions for open architectures for potential adoption across multiple SOF platforms. Applicant(s) will provision for a prototype roll-on/roll-off capability for flight evaluation (i.e. AC-130J) integrated into existing onboard sensors and operated by SOF aircrew in a relevant environment.

PHASE II

The goal is to reduce operator workload, improve situational awareness, and accelerate closure of the kill chain to improve operational outcomes. At its core, the project is software intensive and in theory would integrate into any platform with imaging sensors and SWAP-C to accommodate the processing power required for AI-enabled advanced search & track functions. It is anticipated the Phase II effort would include development on multiple ATR modes including: maritime/air-to-air/filtering and LLM learning to optimize ATR in all operational environments. A substantial ground-based R&D effort is required to evaluate software/algorithms using feeds collected from typical SOF platforms (including but not limited to EO/IR FMV sensors). Successful implementation could lead to a path to integration and procurement; a follow on Phase III could significantly increase the scope to a variety of host platforms.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

This topic has limited application in the commercial sector.Successful completion of a SBIR Phase II with a platform-agnostic, open architecture, advanced automated search & track capability for airborne, fixed-wing platforms would have wide-ranging applications across the DoW. The ultimate goal is to reduce operator workload, improve situational awareness, and accelerate closure of the kill chain to improve operational outcomes. At its core, the project is software intensive and in theory would integrate into any platform with imaging sensors and SWAP-C to accommodate the processing power required for AI-enabled advanced search & track functions. Phase III could significantly increase the scope to a variety of host platforms with direct path to fleet-wide integration and procurement.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below:

High Spectral/Spatial/Temporal Resolution MWIR Hyperspectral Imager - SBIR Topic DAF26BZ03-NV015

Funding Amount:

Est. $250,000

Deadline to Apply:

July 22nd, 2026

Objective:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Development of an infrared hyperspectral imager covering the wavelength range 2.0 micrometer to 5.0 micrometer with spectral resolution of 40 nm or better.

ITAR:

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.

Description:

Hyperspectral MWIR infrared imagers are required to characterize signatures of military targets, both cooperative and hostile. The specific need is the characterization of missile plume and hardbody signatures in static and free flight tests. This threat characterization supports the design and testing of missile warning and countermeasure systems. The hyperspectral imagery data would also be useful in temperature/emissivity determination of hypersonic thermal protection systems during ground tests in arc-heated facilities.The focal plane of the imager should consist of at least 100 x 100 spatial pixels (threshold) with an objective of 256 x 256 spatial pixels or greater. Full-frame hyperspectral cube data rate should be at least 60 cubes per second (threshold) with an objective of 120 cubes per second or faster. The spectral resolution should be 40 nm (threshold) with an objective of 30 nm or better. The detector pixel pitch should be no bigger than 30 mm, with an objective of 15 mm. The detector well depth should be at least 30 Me-. The field of view of the hyperspectral imager shall be adjustable through the use of optics/lenses that do not impact the basic functionality. Snapshot data acquisition is preferred over scanning mode.

PHASE I

The Phase 1 effort should develop and prove the feasibility of the proposed approach through an analysis of alternatives, identification of high-risk technical elements, and generation of a conceptual design matrix that lays out how achievable design parameters impact system requirements – e.g. cube rate achievable as a function of focal plane array size and spectral resolution. The system design should be sufficiently detailed to guide the Phase II work with a minimum of risk. The Phase I effort will culminate in a conceptual design that optimally meets system requirements and a detailed plan for development of a prototype system during the Phase II effort.

PHASE II

The conceptual Phase 1 design will be matured into a detailed design. Iterative prototypes may be developed to validate the fundamental approach. The Phase II effort will culminate in the demonstration and delivery of a fully operational prototype hyperspectral imager that offers the best compromise of the threshold/objective requirements described above, along with a validated design for future larger scale production.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS

Phase III efforts would include a limited production of a number of imagers for inclusion in existing DoW signature measurement systems, such as the Arnold Engineering Development Complex Field Measurement Team and the Center for Countermeasures Joint Standard Instrumentation Suite. Hyperspectral infrared imagers of this type would find wide military application for surveillance, night vision, and target detection, identification, and tracking. As mentioned above, applications for non-contact temperature/emissivity measurements for hypersonic systems and other defense applications are also possible. Commercial applications for security, surveillance, and non-contact imaging thermometry for manufacturing should also be pursued. Infrared hyperspectral imagers are now a ubiquitous piece of laboratory hardware. Advances in infrared hyperspectral imagery will find wide application supporting many disciplines.

Who will win?

If you can achieve the objective above better than any other company on the market, you have a very high-likelihood of success and should apply.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any company that meets the following criteria:

• For-profit company

• U.S.-owned and controlled.

• 500 or fewer employees (including affiliates)

How Can BW&CO Help?

1) End-to-end support including, strategy, writing of the full proposal, and administrative & compliance support.

2) Proposal strategy and review.

3) Administrative & compliance support.

Request to talk with a member of our team by completing the form below: