The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions through its Direct-to-Phase-II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, specifically targeting adaptations of non-defense commercial solutions to meet Air Force stakeholder needs. Proposals must demonstrate a mature technical solution with a clear understanding of its application for a specific DAF customer, supported by documentation from a motivated DAF end-user ready to participate in the prototype's trial. This opportunity emphasizes the importance of integrating commercial technologies to enhance the Air Force's capabilities while also expanding the industrial base for defense applications. Interested applicants should note that the solicitation is open from May 7, 2025, to June 5, 2025, and can find further details and submit proposals via the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

The DAF is a large and complex organization consisting of many functions, a vast majority of which have similar counterparts in the commercial sector. It is important that potential solutions have a high probability of keeping pace with technological change. Thus, solutions should be closely tied to commercial technologies and solutions supporting the proposed development. This topic is meant for non-defense commercial solutions to be adapted to meet Air Force stakeholders' needs. Proposed technical solutions should focus on the characteristics outlined in the Evaluation Criteria section of this solicitation. The topic is truly 'open' (agnostic of industry, technology, and problem area), but proposals for this topic should demonstrate a high probability of identifying a product-mission fit between a DAF stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution. This is accomplished most effectively through a proposal with a mature non-defense technical solution and a clear understanding of its adaptation to meet a DAF customer's specific need, supported by documentation from a specific motivated, empowered DAF end-user, customer, and technical point of contact (TPOC) ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial. Proposals should identify which of the OUSD(R&amp;E) Critical Technology Areas the proposed solution addresses or otherwise reference &quot;BLUE SKY&quot; and include an explanation of the solution's ability to provide increased strategic capability within the context of DAF, national, and global constraints.Additional information on OUSD(R&amp;E) Critical Technology Areas can be found at https://dod-critical-technology-area-roadmaps.zoiclabs.io/.The AF SBIR Program follows the policies and practices of the Small Business Administration (SBA) SBIR/STTR Policy Directive (3 May 2023): https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/SBA%20SBIR_STTR_POLICY_DIRECTIVE_May2023.pdf.

## Objective

This Department of the Air Force (DAF) topic seeks technologies for transition into the United States Air Force (USAF). This topic is offered in partnership with AFWERX. Primary objectives of this topic include exploring innovative technology solutions applicable to both defense and non-defense markets, scaling capability, and growing the industrial base for defense. This topic seeks companies with capability to prototype validated concepts under an accelerated Phase II schedule. This topic is aimed at applied research and development efforts rather than &ldquo;front-end&rdquo; or basic Research (R)/Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D).Proposals that fall within the Airmen Health and Medical Technology subcategories, as defined in AFX255-DPCSO5 (Focused Open Topic), cannot submit to the general open topics (AFX255-DPCSO3 or AFX255-DPCSO4). Such submissions to AFX255-DPCSO3 or AFX255-DPCSO4 will not be evaluated.

## Phase I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the D2P2 proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential Air Force stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer, end-user, and TPOC.&nbsp;The feasibility study should have:<ol><li>Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force need(s).</li><li>Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.</li><li>Describe if and how the solution can be used by other Department of Defense (DoD) or governmental customers.</li></ol>

## Phase II

Proposals should include development, installation, integration, demonstration and/or test and evaluation of the proposed solution prototype system.&nbsp;These activities should focus specifically on:<ol><li>Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results.</li><li>Describing in detail how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Air Force need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale.</li><li>Identifying the proposed solution's clear transition path, taking into account input from affected stakeholders, including but not limited to, end users, engineering, sustainment, contracting, finance, legal, and cyber security.</li><li>Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions.</li><li>Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability. Identifying other specific DoD or governmental customers for the solution.</li></ol>

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Some solutions may go from Phase II to Phase III as soon as the product-market fit is verified. Potential Phase III awardees will transition to the adapted non-Defense commercial solution to provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications.

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