Potential Application of Very Large Array (VLA) over Transmission Infrastructure

The Missile Defense Agency seeks Small Business Innovation Research proposals for the application of Very Large Array techniques over existing transmission infrastructure to add resilient anomaly-detection layers to the Missile Defense System. Phase I requires identifying innovative techniques to optimize results using current power grids, producing a feasibility assessment, a technology roadmap to Technology Readiness Level 6, and a prototype development and evaluation plan. Phase II focuses on demonstrating real-time electric and magnetic field mapping and utilizing biology-inspired neuromorphic data processing to turn power grids into sensing arrays. Proposals will be evaluated based on their ability to leverage existing infrastructure with minimal modifications and deliver enabling detection and tracking technologies. The solicitation opens on July 22, 2026, and applications must be submitted by August 19, 2026.