Department of War SBIR/STTR FY26 Release 6 Topics

Quick Answer

Department of War SBIR/STTR FY26 Release 6 pre-released on September 2, 2026, opens for proposal submissions on September 23, 2026, and closes on October 21, 2026 at 12:00pm ET. Release 6 includes 44 SBIR and STTR topics across multiple groups, like Air Force, Navy, Army, etc. This is the sixth and final scheduled release under the DoW's FY26 Broad Agency Announcement and Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) cycle, which moved to a monthly pre-release rhythm following the SBIR/STTR reauthorization signed into law in April 2026. Topics span Artificial Intelligence, Dual Use, Aerospace, and more , reflecting the Department's continued push toward distributed, autonomous, and resilient capability. The pre-release window from September 2 to September 23 is the only period in which proposers may contact Technical Points of Contact directly, so it is the highest-leverage three weeks of this cycle. Below, BW&CO breaks down every Release 6 topic with technical objectives, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts so you can determine fit before the deadline.

Details

The Department of War (DoW) SBIR/STTR FY26 Release 6 solicitation is now in pre-release, giving U.S. small businesses a final FY26 opportunity to develop innovative technologies that address critical national security priorities.

Budgets across each topic vary, but the deadline for all topics in this release is October 21st, 2026 at 12:00pm ET.

This page serves as BW&CO's central resource for the latest DoW SBIR and STTR Release 6 topics, with direct links to detailed summaries of each solicitation, eligibility information, and funding opportunities. Whether your technology is focused on artificial intelligence, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, cybersecurity, biotechnology, energy, quantum technologies, robotics, or other emerging capabilities, you can quickly explore the topics most relevant to your organization.

FY 26 Release 6 Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DoW SBIR/STTR FY26 Release 6? DoW SBIR/STTR FY26 Release 6 is the sixth and final scheduled 2026 release from the Department of War under its Broad Agency Announcement and Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) structure. It includes a number SBIR and STTR topics from Air Force, Navy, Army, and others, all closing October 21, 2026.

When does DoW Release 6 open and close? Release 6 pre-released on September 2, 2026, opens for proposal submissions on September 23, 2026, and closes on October 21, 2026 at 12:00pm ET.

What is the difference between an SBIR and an STTR topic? SBIR topics allow a small business to perform the research independently, while STTR topics require a formal partnership with a university or nonprofit research institution, with at least 30 percent of the work performed by that partner. Release 6 includes both topic types.

What technology areas does Release 6 cover? Release 6 topics cover Dual Use, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Aerospace, and more.

How much funding is available in Release 6? Award sizes vary by topic and component. Standard Phase I SBIR and STTR topics generally range from $100k to $315k, while Direct to Phase II topics offer awards up to $2m.

Can I talk to the topic author before submitting? Yes, but only during pre-release. From September 2 through September 23, 2026, proposers may contact the Technical Point of Contact for each topic directly. Once the solicitation opens on September 23, direct contact ends and all technical questions must go through the Topic Q&A page on the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP).

Is Release 6 the last DoW SBIR/STTR release of FY26? Yes. Release 6 is the sixth of six scheduled FY26 releases. Subsequent topics will be issued under the FY27 announcement, and companies should monitor DSIP for the FY27 schedule.

Where do I submit a DoW Release 6 proposal? All DoW SBIR and STTR proposals are submitted through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). Registration in SAM.gov and an active DSIP account are required before submission, and both can take time, so companies new to the program should begin registration during pre-release rather than in the final week.

Click here to read the official solicitation

Each topic listed below links to an individual page that explains the technical objectives, potential applicants, key requirements, and funding details to help you determine whether the opportunity aligns with your technology roadmap.

One item worth planning around: because Release 6 is the last scheduled release of the fiscal year, the next set of DoW topics will fall under the FY27 announcement. Companies that miss this window may wait several weeks for the next comparable opportunity, so an early fit assessment matters more in this release than in any other.

BW&CO continuously reviews new federal funding opportunities and provides guidance to companies pursuing competitive SBIR and STTR awards.

Browse the FY26 Release 6 topics below, identify the solicitations that best fit your innovation, and schedule a consultation with our team if you would like assistance evaluating your fit or preparing a competitive proposal before the submission deadline.