DOD SBIR 24.2 Annual

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Advanced Capability Development Open Topic

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Advanced Capability Development Open Topic. The Space Development Agency (SDA) is looking for novel architecture concepts, systems, technologies, and capabilities that enable leap-ahead improvements for future tranches of currently planned PWSA capability layers or address emerging warfighter needs. The research areas include trusted AI and autonomy, advanced computing and software, integrated sensing and cyber, hypersonics, microelectronics, integrated network systems-of-systems, space technology, renewable energy generation and storage, advanced infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing. The solicitation is open for Phase II proposals only, and proposers must demonstrate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of their projects. The research will support the development of the PWSA, a resilient military sensing and data transport capability in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The solicitation provides specific themes and focus areas for potential deliverables, such as integrating commercial sensing to the transport layer, developing optical inter-satellite link (OISL) technology, advancing cyber and networking capabilities, and increasing power for spacecraft bus. The Phase III applications of the research include improving low Earth orbit communication systems and space-based processing for effective distribution of sensor data. The proposal submission deadline is March 31, 2025. For more information and to access the proposal template, visit the DOD SBIR website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to develop a compact, passive, day/night capable hyperspectral sensor that meets Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) requirements for integration into ongoing modernization programs. The sensor should result in cost savings and reductions in weight, power, and volume without sacrificing capability. The sensor payload will be developed for use on smaller Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). Historically, airborne hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems have been limited to larger aircraft due to heavy and complex optical components, high power consumption, and large ancillary hardware. This limits accessibility and availability. The solicitation is accepting Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals with a cost of up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance. Proposers interested in submitting a DP2 proposal must provide documentation to substantiate the scientific and technical merit and feasibility equivalent to a Phase I project. During Phase II, firms should complete the sensor design, fabricate and test the component, integrate it into a gimbal for final integration onto a Class II or smaller UAS platform, refine the design as necessary, and validate sensor payload performance in a government-run laboratory. They should also define relevant interfaces for integration and lay out a high-level plan for how the component could be integrated into a UAS platform. In Phase III, the sensor/gimbal payload should be integrated into a prototype system for field collection. The sensor should be deployed on at least one test event to observe performance and generate quantitative/qualitative sensor performance data. The topic references relevant research papers on hyperspectral imaging systems. The keywords for this topic are Hyperspectral, VNIR, SWIR, and LWIR. For more information and to submit proposals, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation page on grants.gov: [link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2638123).

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Algorithms for Modular Remote Expendable Sensor Array

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Algorithms for Modular Remote Expendable Sensor Array" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to develop and mature decision logic and signal processing approaches for modular, configurable, remotely deployable sensing capabilities for surveillance, targeting, or chemical hazard sensing. The technology will enable maneuver elements to have situational understanding of adversary actions and threat conditions in their areas of operation. The research will focus on the development of decision logic at the sensor node and sensor array fusion node to reduce raw data into actionable decision supportive information. The project will be conducted in three phases: Phase I involves developing a conceptual analytical approach, Phase II focuses on developing and demonstrating a prototype set of multi-modal algorithms, and Phase III involves refining and ruggedizing the system and integrating it into a representative Army network. The starting Technology Readiness Level (TRL) on completion of the SBIR Phase III execution period should be TRL6 or greater. The project duration is 24 months, and funding specifics can be found on the grants.gov website. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation page on the Defense SBIR/STTR website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechSpecial Forces

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The specific topic of the solicitation is "xTechSpecial Forces" and it is being conducted by the Army branch. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. The first topic of the solicitation is "GPS Denied ATAK Compatible Self Location Application." The US Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is looking for a software solution that can obtain self-location data in GPS-denied situations and integrate it into the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) software platform. The software should enable self-location without the use of GPS, other networks, or additional hardware. The goal is to allow ground operators to take a picture of the sky to obtain images including celestial objects and/or passing satellites, resulting in operationally suitable self-location. The second topic is "SWARM Tracker – Counter UxS Warning System." The Army Special Operations Command is seeking an automated tool that can provide early warning of swarmed sensors and effects similar to the National Weather System's severe weather warning systems. The tool should integrate with existing and emerging systems, provide multi-modal awareness, and deliver timely notifications to tactical units and base defense operating centers. The focus is on reducing cognitive load and building user-centric notification systems. The third topic is "PSYOP Product Air Delivery Vehicle." The Army Special Operations Command requires a self-guided aerial delivery system for disseminating Psychological Operations products. The Air Delivery Vehicle (ADV) should be interchangeable depending on payload and mission requirements, resistant to electronic attack, and capable of accommodating payloads ranging from 8 ounces to 50 pounds. The ADV should have self-navigation capabilities, accurate release points, and the ability to operate in day and night conditions. The fourth topic is "Non-Attributable Mobile Mesh Network Radio." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in a small form factor, non-attributable mesh network radio system for position location information (PLI), voice, sensor integration, and data transmission. The system should enable continuous communication outside of cellular/internet coverage, have a low physical and RF signature, and integrate with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). The fifth topic is "Distributed Electromagnetic Sensing, Automated Characterization, and Simple Reporting systems." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in technological solutions to enhance Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The focus is on scalable, cost-effective, software-based innovations that address core need areas such as AI/ML-enabled edge processing, automated signal detection and characterization, near-real-time data availability, and integration with tactical situational awareness systems. The Phase I proposals for this solicitation can receive funding up to $250,000 for a 6-month period, while Direct to Phase II proposals can receive funding up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period. Phase I involves completing a feasibility study and developing concept plans, while Phase II focuses on producing prototype solutions. Phase III involves maturing the technology to TRL 6/7, producing prototypes for further evaluation, and updating prototypes based on soldier feedback. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website: [link](https://www

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Low Cost Persistent Multi Sensor Surveillance

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Low Cost Persistent Multi Sensor Surveillance" as part of their SBIR program. The objective of this topic is to develop environmentally hardened sensor nodes that can persistently monitor Radio Frequency (RF), weather conditions, and/or personnel access of remote islands leased on the Kwajalein Atoll for the U.S. Army's Reagan Test Site (RTS). The solutions should be independent of external power sources or communications networks, as there are no cellular or Wi-Fi communications, nor power source, in these areas. The solutions must also be capable of operating in harsh environmental conditions, including heat, humidity, regular rainfall, salt spray, and high atmospheric salinity. The data collected by these sensor nodes will be used for situational awareness, safety, security, and mission planning and support. The solicitation is open for both full or partial solutions, and Phase I proposals with a cost of up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance are being accepted. Phase I will involve researching and developing the system/network architecture, designing the hardware components, and proposing power source designs and networking techniques. By the end of Phase I, the awardee should have detailed descriptions of the proposed technologies. In Phase II, the awardee will produce a single prototype that demonstrates the capabilities and methodologies at a minimum of TRL4. They will also develop a user interface and display for situational awareness of sensor control and monitoring. The potential applications of this technology include wireless remote sensing for public safety, health, fitness, and wildlife dual-usages. Some examples of dual uses of remote sensing include anti-poaching efforts, remote environmental sensors enabled by low-Earth orbit satellites, wildfire early recognition sensor systems, agriculture and crop performance monitoring, and urban pollution source detection. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR program website. The solicitation is currently open, and the application due date is March 31, 2025. References: - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0927775722021823 - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877050914009831 - http://www.ijpe-online.com/EN/10.23940/ijpe.09.5.p419.mag Keywords: sensors, nodes, Radio Frequency (RF), Reagan Test Site (RTS)

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