Ruggedized Sensors to Increase Driving Visibility and Vehicle Safety
ID: A254-021Type: Phase II
Overview

Topic

Ruggedized Sensors to Increase Driving Visibility and Vehicle Safety

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: ARMY

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: Phase II

Topic Link

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/

Additional Information

https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking small businesses to develop ruggedized sensor technology aimed at enhancing driving visibility and vehicle safety for ground combat vehicles. The objective is to create systems that improve driver awareness and enable advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to operate effectively in degraded visual environments, such as nighttime or low-visibility conditions. This initiative is crucial for enhancing vehicle safety and maneuverability, with applications extending to commercial automotive industries. Interested firms must participate in the xTechIgnite prize competition to qualify for submitting a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal, with a funding amount of up to $2 million for an 18-month Phase II project. Key deadlines include the open date on June 12, 2025, and the application due date on July 9, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at dodsbirsttr.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    PDF.html
    Similar Opportunities
    xTechPacific Open Topic -
    DOD
    The U.S. Army, through the xTechPacific Open Topic initiative, is seeking innovative technological solutions to enhance military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on three key areas: detection of buried explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in complex, iron-rich soils, advanced defensive capabilities for Army and commercial watercraft, and Electronic Warfare (EW) domain awareness. Proposals should demonstrate effectiveness in challenging environments, with a particular emphasis on cost-effective, adaptable solutions that can operate under extreme conditions. This opportunity is a Direct to Phase II (DP2) submission, offering funding of up to $2,000,000 over an 18-month period, with proposals due by December 17, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through 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/.
    Far Forward Manufacturing of CBRN Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the Far Forward Manufacturing (FFM) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors, as outlined in solicitation number CBD254-008. The objective is to accelerate the production of compact and economical CBRN sensors that require minimal logistical footprints, enabling real-time threat detection for warfighters while reducing reliance on complex supply chains through advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and biomanufacturing. This initiative is critical for ensuring force readiness and adaptability in modern warfare, with potential dual-use applications in commercial sectors like clinical diagnostics and environmental sensing. Interested parties should note that Phase I proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with potential funding of up to $500,000 available for successful Phase II performers who secure additional non-SBIR/STTR funding.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Integrated S&T Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of an Integrated Science and Technology (S&T) Insight and Co-Investment Decision Support Platform, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of Task Force Futures (TF-F) and other USSF stakeholders. The platform is intended to provide a secure, modular, and user-centric system that offers comprehensive visibility into the industry and investment ecosystem, focusing on S&T capabilities, capital flow patterns, and innovation trends relevant to future space operations. This initiative is critical for improving the alignment of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) priorities with commercial innovation, reducing inefficiencies, and strengthening institutional knowledge for data-informed co-investment strategies. Interested parties should note that this is a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) effort, requiring prior feasibility work, with proposals due by December 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    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/.
    ALIAS Missionized Autonomy for Emergency Services - SBIR XL -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, through DARPA, is seeking proposals for the SBIR XL topic HR0011SB20254XL-01, which focuses on developing innovative autonomy applications to enhance the capabilities of UH-60 and S-76 helicopters for emergency services, particularly in autonomous wildfire response. The initiative aims to leverage DARPA's ALIAS program and Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy system to create third-party applications that facilitate real-time decision-making, integrated situational awareness, and advanced communication for tasks such as water drops, cargo sling loads, medical evacuations, reconnaissance, and crew shuttles. This opportunity is critical as it addresses the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, necessitating advanced technologies for rapid response and effective firefighting efforts. Proposals are accepted for Direct-to-Phase II (DP2) only, with a focus on demonstrating existing technical maturity, and the application due date is December 31, 2025. For more information, interested parties can visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.