The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking proposals for the SBIR topic titled "REGION (Research and Engineering for Global operations in low IONosphere)," aimed at developing systems capable of operating seamlessly between the air and space domains at altitudes ranging from 30 km to 100 km. The objective is to explore innovative concepts and technologies that enhance capabilities in the near-space region, focusing on long endurance sensing and operational effectiveness, particularly in Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and material transport. This initiative is critical as it aims to leverage advancements in technology to provide new operational capabilities that have not been fully explored, with a focus on rapid prototyping and integration into the DAF's digital infrastructure. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, with the opportunity to transition technologies into commercial applications in Phase III. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## Description

The division of air domain and space domain is well understood and much of the US Air Force&rsquo;s doctrine and operations can be split into these two categories. Physics also comes into play as platforms in the air domain use the atmospheric properties to provide lift that enables maneuver, whereas in the space domain, non-air breathing propulsion systems are needed for maneuver. This topic seeks to explore concepts of operation for systems that can seamlessly operate between the air and space domains, specifically at altitudes of 100kft and 330kft, or 30km to 100km. The ability to operate in the Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere and transvers these domains could provide combatant commanders a new operational capability that has not been fully explored. Technology advancements have created an emerging opportunity with significant potential for the Department of the Air Force (DAF) missions by enabling the ability to operate with long endurance in the near-space, low ionosphere region (30km &ndash; 100 km). Proposals should leverage relatively mature technology areas (sensors, fusion, position, timing, communications, command &amp; control, and sensor planning) and show the potential for new system-level capability that enhances the DAF mission in the near-space region. Proposals should consider experimentation approaches that create an immediate and affordable impact on capabilities. Also of interest are proposals that examine fast-responsive approaches to deliver the platform.Capabilities sought include Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and material transport, but proposers are encouraged to consider any innovative payload that enhances tactical DOD capability. Payloads that focus on Communications or Position, navigation and Timing (PNT) augmentation are discouraged unless they offer a truly game-changing capability. Selected offerors will work with the government sponsor to integrate and transition promising new capabilities into the DAF (USAF-USSF) digital infrastructure.The ability to conduct missions where capability rapidly transitions between the air and space domains can greatly enhance DAF effectiveness. Technology developments are paving the way where situational awareness and target tracking do not have to rely solely on sensors integrated into the platform, such as a tactical fighter or unmanned system, even in highly-contested operational environments. Aggregated and fused space sensing data from multiple sources can be used to develop domain awareness in the air theater. In addition, current and planned commercial communications systems are developing and fielding the technology for space-based communications and the reliance on direct line-of sight may no longer be needed &ndash; truly enabling a distributed, network centric warfighting capability.Current commercial capabilities can lift payloads to approximately 100kft, such as a high-altitude ballon or lift payloads via rocket to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Commercial capabilities to lift payloads above 100kft are expensive, complicated, and limited on their lift capabilities. Technology operating in LEO are unable to maintain a presence in a central location for long periods of time, orbiting the earth approximately every 90 minutes, while also having the limitation of requiring launch vehicles to place them into orbit. Current commercial technologies are unable to conduct missions where capability rapidly transitions between the air and space domains.

## Objective

This topic seeks to perform concept exploration, rapid prototype development, sub-scale experiments, and test and evaluation of novel ideas to operate in the Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere environments to provide a long endurance sensing capability that cannot be met by air domain or space domain platforms. 

## Phase I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required. The offeror is required to provide detail and documentation in the Direct to Phase II proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a &ldquo;Phase I-like&rdquo; 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-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential AF stakeholder. The offeror should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the AF customer. Relevant areas of demonstrated experience and success include: M&amp;S, cost benefit analysis, risk analysis, concept development, concept demonstration and concept evaluation, laboratory experimentation and field testing. Phase I type efforts should include the assessment of emerging operational imperatives and how they show a measurable value and operational impact. The result of Phase I type efforts is to assess and demonstrate whether commercial systems can support the furtherance of the operational imperatives.Phase I efforts should include sub-scale prototypes or demonstration of built hardware which requires additional maturity or further integration for overall system development.

## Phase II

Eligibility for a Direct to Phase Two (D2P2) is predicated on the offeror having performed a &ldquo;Phase I-like&rdquo; effort predominantly separate from the SBIR/STTR Programs. These efforts will include M&amp;S, simulation of prototype concepts, cost benefit analysis, system-of-systems studies, experimentation and evaluation of operational imperatives to enable future concepts. Prototypes, M&amp;S and experimentation should explore a wide range of integrating commercial capabilities to support the operational imperatives. These capabilities should consider areas that are unique to military operations, logistics, mission planning, mission execution, base sustainment, and logistics. A goal is for Phase II efforts to conduct sub-scale experiments and provide test articles for further test and demonstration. Experiments should address military-unique requirements that may not be otherwise met by commercial capabilities.

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Phase III shall include upgrades to the analysis, M&amp;S, T&amp;E results and provide mature prototypes of system concepts. Phase III shall provide a business plan and address the ability to transition technology and system concepts to commercial applications. The adapted non-Defense commercial solutions shall provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential Governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications. Integration and other technical support to operational users may be required.

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