REGION (Research and Engineering for Global operations in low IONosphere)
ID: AFX256-DCSO1Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

REGION (Research and Engineering for Global operations in low IONosphere)

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: USAF

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force, is seeking proposals for the SBIR topic titled "REGION (Research and Engineering for Global operations in low IONosphere)," aimed at developing technologies for operations in the Stratosphere, Mesosphere, and Thermosphere. The objective is to explore and prototype systems capable of long-endurance sensing in the near-space environment, which is critical for enhancing military capabilities that bridge air and space domains. This initiative is particularly important as it addresses the need for innovative solutions that can operate seamlessly between these domains, providing new operational capabilities for combatant commanders. Proposals are due by June 25, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the SBIR website at https://www.sbir.gov/topics/12092.

    Files
    No associated files provided.
    Similar Opportunities
    Space-Based Interceptors for Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Threats -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of space-based interceptors (SBIs) designed to defeat hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) threats during their midcourse or glide phases of flight. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to establish a layered missile defense architecture that integrates advanced sensing, autonomy, and kinetic interception capabilities, focusing on compact, high-performance interceptors that can operate in extreme thermal environments and manage unpredictable trajectories. The opportunity is structured as a Direct-to-Phase II effort, requiring applicants to demonstrate prior feasibility and provide a comprehensive development timeline, with key deadlines set for proposal submission by December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official solicitation portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for the Acoustic-based UAS Rainbow Oscillation Refraction Architecture (AURORA) under the SBIR program. The objective is to create an acoustic-based communication system that enables small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) within a swarm to communicate and determine their relative positions using sound generated by their propellers as a carrier wave. This technology is crucial for military applications where multiple drones operate in close proximity without relying on GPS or radio frequencies, enhancing their operational effectiveness and safety. Interested parties should prepare to submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with the feasibility study phase (Phase I) focusing on system design options and achievable data rates, followed by prototype development in Phase II. For more details, visit the solicitation agency's website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Technology Maturation to Support Commercial De-Orbit as a Service for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of commercial De-Orbit as a Service (DaaS) capabilities aimed at managing proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) satellite constellations. The primary objective is to mature key technologies that facilitate safe and scalable satellite disposal mechanisms, particularly for satellites that encounter mission-ending anomalies and cannot autonomously de-orbit. This initiative is crucial for establishing a commercially sustainable DaaS market, reducing technical and operational risks, and laying the groundwork for future demonstration missions. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with proposals due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, enhancing real-time situational awareness and mission adaptability for the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative is critical for enabling automated decision-making and timely execution of operations, supporting the USSF's goal of improving data-to-decision agility and operational responsiveness. Interested parties must prepare Direct-to-Phase II proposals, demonstrating a completed feasibility study and a clear integration plan with Department of Air Force operations, with the application deadline set for December 31, 2025.
    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/.
    Knowledge-Guided Test and Evaluation Frameworks for proliferated Low Earth Orbit Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a knowledge-guided test and evaluation framework tailored for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a rapidly evolving constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The objective is to develop an adaptive test-planning capability that continuously updates system performance, quantifies knowledge gain against resource costs, and dynamically re-plans test sequences to prioritize high-utility activities, utilizing probabilistic reasoning and integrating both synthetic and live test data. This initiative is critical for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of test campaigns in support of SDA's agile acquisition model, with Phase I being a direct-to-Phase II proposal process requiring a feasibility study. The opportunity is set to open for applications on December 10, 2025, with a closing date of December 31, 2025, and interested parties can find more information at the provided source link.
    Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking innovative solutions through its Adaptive and Intelligent Space (AIS) Challenge, aimed at enhancing autonomous, resilient, and intelligent space operations across various orbital environments, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), eXtended GEO (XGEO), and cislunar space. The primary objective of this initiative is to explore emerging technical concepts that address foundational gaps in space asset management under contested and communication-degraded conditions, with a focus on edge computing, sensor payloads, and spacecraft bus design. This opportunity is critical for advancing the USSF's capabilities in space domain awareness and battle management, ultimately supporting national security objectives. Interested parties must submit their proposals by December 31, 2025, with a Phase I emphasis on feasibility studies and collaboration with research institutions, leading to potential Phase II prototype development.
    Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to develop a rugged, 3D-printable, PFAS-free particulate filtration impactor system for extended-wear respirators in military operational environments. The objective is to create a regenerable filtration system that effectively reduces particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) exposure, addressing current limitations such as discomfort, clogging, and single-use constraints, while ensuring minimal breathing resistance during aerobic activities. This technology is crucial for protecting warfighters from cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases associated with high airborne particulate levels. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on December 10, 2025, with applications due by December 31, 2025, and further details can be found at the provided source link.
    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.