Conformal Antennas for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
ID: N251-010Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Conformal Antennas for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: NAVY

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on developing conformal antennas for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The objective is to create an additive manufacturing-based technology that allows these antennas to also serve as structural skins and airflow surfaces for airborne pods and wing-based UAVs, with a particular emphasis on achieving a 4:1, >90° field of view antenna design for frequencies between 6 to 24 GHz. This initiative is critical for enhancing operational stealth and performance while reducing costs associated with antenna design modifications and manufacturing delays. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 8, 2025, with proposals due by February 5, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Similar Opportunities
    Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) aimed at significantly reducing the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The primary objective is to create an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic emissions, achieving at least a 50% reduction in audibility, while ensuring the system is adaptable to various UAS platforms and maintains a low visual signature. This technology is crucial for enhancing the stealth capabilities of Special Operations Forces during tactical operations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is SOCOM254-008, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For further details, please visit the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities aimed at managing proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The primary objective is to mature key technologies that facilitate safe and scalable satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites that encounter mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit. This initiative is crucial for establishing a commercially sustainable DaaS market, reducing technical and operational risks, and laying the groundwork for future demonstration missions. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Affordable Ka-Band Metamaterial-Based Electronically Scanned Array Radar for Test and Training -
    DOD
    The Department of the Army is seeking innovative solutions for low-cost Ka-Band radar systems through advancements in metamaterials, aimed at emulating threat representative systems for the Test and Evaluation community. The primary objective is to develop a metamaterial-based Ka-Band radar that mimics the performance of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) while targeting a production cost of $300,000. This technology is crucial for various applications, including environmental monitoring, civil security, maritime surveillance, and healthcare imaging. Interested parties can submit Phase I proposals with a budget of up to $250,000 for a six-month performance period, with the application due by December 31, 2025. For more details, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Far Forward Manufacturing of CBRN Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Far Forward Manufacturing (FFM) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors, as outlined in solicitation number CBD254-008. The objective is to accelerate the production of compact and economical CBRN sensors that require minimal logistical footprints, enabling real-time threat detection for warfighters while reducing reliance on complex supply chains through advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and biomanufacturing. This initiative is critical for ensuring force readiness and adaptability in modern warfare, with potential dual-use applications in commercial sectors like clinical diagnostics and environmental sensing. Interested parties should note that Phase I proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with potential funding of up to $500,000 available for successful Phase II performers who secure additional non-SBIR/STTR funding.
    Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to develop a rugged, 3D-printable, PFAS-free particulate filtration impactor system for extended-wear respirators in military operational environments. The objective is to create a regenerable filtration system that effectively reduces particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) exposure, addressing current limitations such as discomfort, clogging, and single-use constraints, while ensuring minimal breathing resistance during aerobic activities. This technology is crucial for protecting warfighters from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases associated with high airborne particulate levels. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with applications due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    RF Frontend Design (RFE) on Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA), is seeking proposals for the design, development, and demonstration of a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and power amplifier (PA) utilizing GlobalFoundries' 200-mm Gallium Nitride on Silicon (GaN-on-Si) technology. The objective is to enhance output power density, linearity, and efficiency in radio communication systems for both military and commercial applications, addressing the current lack of integrated solutions in this technology space. This initiative is critical for improving the performance of RF frontend circuitry, which is essential for radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity to access government-furnished equipment for prototyping, and interested parties can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    Novel Sampling Tickets for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of Chemical and Biological (CB) Threat Materials -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of novel sampling tickets designed for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to detect chemical and biological (CB) threat materials. The primary objective is to create physically semi-porous, flexible coupons that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of existing handheld Raman detectors, which currently face challenges in identifying trace amounts of hazardous substances from various surfaces in operational environments. This initiative is crucial for improving the capabilities of military units in detecting a range of threats, including nerve agents and toxins, thereby enhancing battlefield safety and operational effectiveness. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is CBD254-006, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and proposals are due by December 31, 2025. For more information, please visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop tactical visualization tools that efficiently integrate, visualize, and communicate tactical data, with a focus on Human-Machine Interface concepts and significant advantages in size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. Proposed technologies may include augmented reality, sensor visualization, or unique end-user devices, and must comply with Integrated Sensor Architecture (ISA) standards and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Software Development Kit (SDK). The opportunity is currently in the pre-release phase, with an open date of December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025, for applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework tailored for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a rapidly evolving constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance, quantifies knowledge gain against resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, utilizing probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This initiative is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test campaigns in support of SDA's agile acquisition model, with Phase I being a direct-to-Phase II proposal process requiring a feasibility study. The opportunity is set to open for applications on December 10, 2025, with a closing date of December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link.
    Unbiased Behavioral Discovery Platforms -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of unbiased behavioral discovery platforms aimed at enhancing the detection and development of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats. The primary objective is to create automated systems capable of quantifying novel animal behaviors in preclinical models with greater sensitivity and specificity than current methodologies, while minimizing variability and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal testing. This initiative is critical for accelerating the identification of effective medical countermeasures and improving defense health capabilities. Interested parties should note that the opportunity is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.