The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions through its Phase I SBIR program, in collaboration with AFWERX. The objective is to identify and develop technologies that can fulfill Air Force requirements, close capability gaps, and provide advancements applicable to both defense and non-defense markets. This opportunity emphasizes the need for solutions that are closely tied to commercial technologies, with a focus on applied research and development rather than basic research. Proposals are due by August 5, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and submit their applications through the provided links.

OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas: 

Advanced Computing and Software; Advanced Materials; Biotechnology; Directed Energy (DE); Energy Resilience; Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG); Human-Machine Interfaces; Hypersonics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Microelectronics; Quantum Science; Space Technology; Trusted AI and Autonomy 

 

Objectives: 

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. 

 

This topic seeks innovative, commercial technologies proposed to create new Air Force solutions or potential new capabilities fulfilling requirements, closing capability gaps, or providing potential technological advancements. The topic is seeking varying technical/scientific approaches and/or varying and new technologies for transition into the DAF. This topic may result in the award of prototype projects, which include not only commercially available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities improving commercial technologies, existing Government-owned capabilities, or concepts for broad Defense applications. The Government reserves the right to award a contract or an Other Transactions for any purpose, to include a prototype, under this topic. This program solicitation is intended for information purposes and reflects current planning. If there is any inconsistency between the information contained herein and the terms of any resulting SBIR/STTR Funding Agreement, the terms of the Funding Agreement are controlling. 

 

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 complete a feasibility study and prototype-validated concepts under accelerated Phase I and Phase II schedules. This topic is aimed at applied research and development efforts rather than “front-end” or basic Research (R)/Research & Development (R&D). 

 

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. 

 

Proposals should identify which of the OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas the proposed solution addresses or otherwise reference "BLUE SKY" 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&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. 

 

Phase I: 

Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential. Validate the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential Air Force stakeholder. Define a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer, end-user, and TPOC.  

  

The feasibility study should: 

Clearly identify the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the DAF need(s).  

Describe 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.  

Describe if and how the solution can be used by other Department of Defense (DoD) or governmental customers. 

 

Phase II: 

Proposals should include development, installation, integration, demonstration and/or test and evaluation of the proposed solution prototype system.  

  

These activities should focus specifically on: 

Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results.  

Describing, in detail, how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the DAF need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale.  

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.  

Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions.  

Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability. Identifying other specific DoD or governmental customers for the solution. 

 

Phase III Dual-Use Applications: 

Some solutions may go from Phase I 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. 

 

References: 

United States Department of Defense. (2023). National Defense Science & Technology Strategy 2023. 

United States Department of Defense. (2022). 2022 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary. 

 

Key Words: 

Open; Other; Disruptive; Radical; Dual-Use; Commercial

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