DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions and identifying the source of RF interference in police and first responder communications systems, and improving communication and navigation capabilities in maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Quantum Enhanced RF Components

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Quantum Enhanced RF Components" in their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to utilize quantum phenomenology to create sensitive Radio Frequency (RF) components that can enhance the performance of current communication systems. By lowering the noise levels of these components, weaker signals can be detected, potentially enabling the radar detection of previously unseen targets. The research will focus on developing quantum-based RF components such as amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators that can be integrated with existing systems. The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase I will involve delivering a series of reports outlining the feasibility of the RF component using mathematical models for quantum phenomena. Phase II will require the delivery of a working prototype and a report documenting the prototype's capabilities and any necessary control software. The potential applications of this technology include enhancing the efficacy of security systems that rely on RF detection, minimizing disruptions in police and first responder communications systems caused by RF interference, and improving communication between maritime and aviation vehicles. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information and to submit proposals, interested parties can visit the DOD SBIR website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Development of novel 5G Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) xApp and rApp Applications Open Topic

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of novel 5G Open RAN (Radio Access Networks) xApp and rApp applications. The focus of this solicitation is on security and security-related network measurement. The DoD anticipates increasing reliance on 5G and FutureG OpenRAN networks and needs tools and techniques to enhance the security and resilience of these networks. The primary use case is in support of DoD network operators, owners, and users who depend on reliable and trustworthy network communications for various DoD missions. The development and deployment of xApps and rApps within the OpenRAN framework represent an opportunity to significantly improve the security of 5G networks. These applications can provide detailed insights into network performance and security metrics, enabling a better understanding of the network's security posture and helping to mitigate potential attacks. Proposed solutions should focus on expanding the capabilities of xApps and rApps to address emerging threats and enhance scalability and efficiency. The Phase I of the project involves presenting a design for at least one high-quality xApp or rApp idea, with a duration of six months. The Phase II, lasting twelve months, focuses on prototype production, test, and evaluation. Phase III will be determined on an as-needed basis to address additional capability development or transition to operational use. The evaluation of proposed solutions will consider factors such as overall impact, false positive/false negative rate, complexity of the operational problem, vulnerability identification rate, adaptability to evolving landscape, policy/regulatory compliance, and adherence to established standards and protocols. For more information and to submit proposals, visit the solicitation agency's website at [solicitationagencyurl]. The application due date is March 31, 2025.

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 - Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dual Band Focal Plane Array in High Definition Format

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a small energy-efficient self-contained transceiver capable of wireless communication without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The goal is to utilize a non-standard means of signal communication, such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The transceiver should be highly resistant to interference, detection, and exploitation, and be self-contained, man-portable, easily concealable, and field programmable. The project duration is divided into two phases: Phase I involves creating a design and rationale supporting the solution, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype. The final product should be fully documented and include operating instructions, interface control documents, and programmability commands. The potential impacts of this technology include new mission deployment possibilities for remote sensor operation and control, as well as applications in areas such as home security, healthcare, additive manufacturing, and automotive safety. The deadline for proposal submission is March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation agency's website here.

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)

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Non-RF Transceiver Alternative Communicator (NRF-TAC) 

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Non-RF Transceiver Alternative Communicator (NRF-TAC) through its SBIR program. The U.S. Army is interested in developing a small, energy-efficient, self-contained transceiver that can wirelessly communicate between two points without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The NRF-TAC device should be capable of transmitting and receiving signaling up to 300 meters using non-standard means such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, which are difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The device should be easily concealable, field programmable, and able to operate for at least 800 hours without intervention. The Phase I of the project will involve the creation and delivery of a plausible design, while Phase II will focus on developing and testing a prototype. The project aligns with the Army's smart sensing initiatives and aims to provide an innovative means of low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of interception (LPI) communications. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the SBIR topic link or the solicitation agency website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Dual Band Focal Plane Array in High Definition Format

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of a small energy-efficient self-contained transceiver capable of wireless communication without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The goal is to utilize a non-standard means of signal communication, such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared, that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities. The transceiver should be highly resistant to interference, detection, and exploitation, and be self-contained, man-portable, easily concealable, and field programmable. The project duration is divided into two phases: Phase I involves creating a plausible design and rationale supporting the solution, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype that demonstrates the desired capabilities. The project aligns with the Army's smart sensing initiatives and aims to provide an innovative alternate means of low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of interception (LPI) communications. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Non-RF Transceiver Alternative Communicator (NRF-TAC) 

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Non-RF Transceiver Alternative Communicator (NRF-TAC) through its SBIR program. The U.S. Army is interested in developing a small, energy-efficient transceiver that can wirelessly communicate between two points without using traditional radio frequency (RF) transport. The NRF-TAC device should be capable of transmitting and receiving signals up to 300 meters using non-standard means such as magnetic, acoustic, or infrared communication. The goal is to create a communication method that is difficult to detect and report in covert activities, enabling new mission deployment possibilities for remote sensor operation and control. The NRF-TAC should be self-contained, easily concealable, field programmable, and able to operate for at least 800 hours without intervention. The SBIR effort involves designing and building an innovative NRF-TAC prototype for realistic field application. Phase I involves creating a design with a documented rationale, while Phase II focuses on developing and testing a prototype. The potential applications of NRF sensor technology include home security, automotive crash sensing, additive manufacturing, and IoT. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Open Topic for Persistent Experimentation

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for an open topic on persistent experimentation. The U.S. Army, under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD (R&E)), is specifically interested in novel, disruptive concepts and technology solutions with dual-use capabilities. The goal is to address the Army's current needs and future concepts by experimenting, refining, and advancing technology solutions in operationally relevant environments. The Army encourages participation in its persistent experimentation events to mature and test the technology. Proposals should align with specific experimentation events and demonstrate potential for commercial applications. The phase I of the project will only accept Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals, which should provide documentation of scientific and technical merit, feasibility, and potential commercial applications. DP2 awardees are expected to produce a prototype solution ready for field demonstration and deliver a technology transition and commercialization plan. Phase III focuses on the maturation of the technology to TRL 6/7 and further development and commercialization. The keywords for this solicitation include Human-Machine Integration (HMI), autonomy, artificial intelligence (AI), logistics, ground systems, air systems, robotics, sensors, and electromagnetic warfare (EW). The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link.

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