Development of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Passive Detection, Tracking, and Identification System for Ground Vehicles.
ID: A244-051Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Development of an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Passive Detection, Tracking, and Identification System for Ground Vehicles.

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: ARMY

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program for the development of a passive detection, tracking, and identification system for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) targeting ground vehicles. The primary objective is to create a system that utilizes passive sensors to detect, track, and identify drones based on their radio frequency transmissions and other signatures, with a focus on low power consumption and the ability to operate effectively in various environments, including urban settings. This initiative is critical for enhancing military capabilities against drone threats and aims to deliver a prototype system by the end of Phase II, with key milestones including performance assessments and compliance evaluations. The solicitation is currently closed, with the next phase opening on June 26, 2024, and applications due by July 30, 2024. For more information, interested parties can visit the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The initiative A244-051 aims to develop a passive sensor-based system for the detection, tracking, and identification of drones that threaten ground vehicles, utilizing energy-efficient electronic devices to minimize environmental impact. The project will assess technical feasibility, design a sensor network, and test learning algorithms, with a focus on multi-target identification within operational environments, including both urban and wooded settings. The ultimate goal is to create a prototype system that can be integrated into military vehicles and potentially adapted for civilian use, enhancing safety and operational effectiveness.
    Similar Opportunities
    Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats - Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking innovative solutions through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop novel technologies for detecting radiological and nuclear threats without the use of specialized sensors. The objective is to utilize signals from existing general-purpose military hardware, commercially available devices, and public data sources to enhance the detection capabilities for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This initiative is crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with the high costs and lengthy timelines of developing new military hardware for WMD detection. The project is structured in three phases: Phase I focuses on identifying feasible use cases and developing a course of action; Phase II involves building and testing a model or prototype; and Phase III aims to refine the technology for broader dual-use applications in defense, government, and commercial sectors. The solicitation is currently in pre-release status, with an open date set for December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    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/.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection, aimed at providing early warning of chemical threats. The objective is to create a low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) microsensor capable of detecting chemical weapons agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms within a critical timeframe of 10 minutes. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian contexts, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity opening on December 10, 2025, and further details can be found at the DoD SBIR website.
    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/.
    Affordable IR Sensors for Proliferated LEO Missile Tracking Constellation -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for affordable midwave infrared (MWIR) sensor technologies aimed at enhancing missile detection and tracking capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The primary objective is to develop a complete sensor prototype that demonstrates high sensitivity to missile plumes, radiation tolerance for extended LEO operations, and compatibility with small satellite platforms, all while achieving significant cost reductions through innovative materials and manufacturing processes. This initiative is critical for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and other next-generation missile warning constellations, ensuring effective defense against advanced missile threats. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase-II effort, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and must demonstrate prior feasibility studies and a clear plan for integration with U.S. Department of Air Force operations.
    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/.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The initiative aims to address critical capability gaps by developing compact, high-performance platforms that enable rapid, precise, and survivable engagements from space, focusing on high-G propulsion systems, advanced seekers, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors integrated into space vehicles. This effort is crucial for establishing a layered missile defense architecture and enhancing national security against evolving missile threats. Interested parties should prepare Direct-to-Phase-II proposals, as Phase I awards will not be made, with applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link 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.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) designed to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities, focusing on compact, high-performance interceptors that can operate in extreme thermal environments and manage unpredictable trajectories. The opportunity is structured as a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility and provide a comprehensive development timeline, with key deadlines set for proposal submission by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking innovative solutions from small businesses through the SBIR program for the Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic. This initiative aims to address critical technical challenges related to MIL-PRF-32565 Li-ion 6T batteries, including the development of power beaming or wireless charging devices, advanced thermal runaway and fire mitigating materials, automated battery maintenance tools, and compact devices for combining batteries of various specifications for higher voltage applications. These batteries are vital for enhancing military fuel efficiency and operational capabilities, and the program offers funding of up to $250,000 for Phase I proposals, which are due by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.