The Department of Defense, through the United States Space Force (USSF), is seeking innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions that address specific stakeholder needs. This opportunity is focused on adapting non-defense commercial solutions for Space Force applications, emphasizing the importance of a mature technical solution and a clear understanding of its integration with USSF operations. Proposals must demonstrate a validated product-mission fit and include a detailed plan for collaboration with a motivated USSF end-user, with the goal of transitioning technologies into operational use. The solicitation is currently open, with proposals due by June 5, 2025, and further details can be found at the official DOD SBIR website.

## 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 Space 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 Space Force stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution. This is accomplished most effectively through a proposal with a mature non-defense technical solution and a clear understanding of its adaptation to meet a USSF customer's specific need, supported by documentation from a specific motivated, empowered USSF end-user, customer, and technical point of contact (TPOC) ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial. According to the USSF Commercial Space Strategy, there are eight (8) mission areas considered for commercial support: Space Domain Awareness (SDA); Satellite Communications (SATCOM); Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) &ndash; hereafter referred to as Tactical, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT); Space-based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM); Cyberspace Operations; Command and Control (C2); and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Additionally, the USSF will seek hybrid solutions for Space Mission Enablers, those functions that span multiple missions and are fundamental to conducting space operations. Although the USSF also performs missile warning, combat power projection, electromagnetic warfare, and nuclear detonation (NUDET) detection, the USSF is not currently seeking commercial support for these missions. Additional information on the USSF Commercial Space Strategy can be found at https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/Documents/Space%20Policy/USSF_Commercial_Space_Strategy.pdf.Additionally, it is possible for a solution to provide a capability in a previously unconsidered area. Therefore, if an applicant feels its solution does not fit within one of the listed capabilities, it can reference the &ldquo;BLUE SKY&rdquo; category, including an explanation of the solution&rsquo;s ability to provide increased strategic capability within the context of Air Force, Space Force, national, and global constraints. As applicable, the applicant should address the category(ies) to which the solution aligns in the Technical Volume.Proposals should identify which of the OUSD(R&amp;E) Critical Technology Areas and USSF Commercial Space Strategy Mission Areas the proposed solution addresses or otherwise reference &quot;BLUE SKY&quot; and include an explanation of the solution's ability to provide increased strategic capability within the context of USSF, national, and global constraints.

## Objective

This DAF topic seeks technologies for transition into the United States Space Force (USSF). This topic is offered in partnership with SpaceWERX. 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 prototype validated concepts under an accelerated Phase II schedule. This topic is aimed at applied research and development efforts rather than &ldquo;front-end&rdquo; or basic Research (R)/Research &amp; Development (R&amp;D). Proposals that fall within the Airmen Health and Medical Technology subcategories, as defined in AFX255-DPCSO5 (Focused Open Topic), cannot submit to the general open topics (AFX255-DPCSO3 or AFX255-DPCSO4). Such submissions to AFX255-DPCSO3 or AFX255-DPCSO4 will not be evaluated.

## Phase I

This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II. Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the D2P2 proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” 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-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential Space Force stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the USSF customer, end-user, and TPOC.&nbsp;The feasibility study should have:<ol><li>Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Space Force need(s).&nbsp;</li><li>Described the pathway to integrating with USSF 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.</li><li>Describe if and how the solution can be used by other Department of Defense (DoD) or governmental customers.</li></ol>

## Phase II

Proposals should include development, installation, integration, demonstration and/or test and evaluation of the proposed solution prototype system.&nbsp;These activities should focus specifically on:<ol><li>Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results.</li><li>Describing in detail how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Space Force need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale.</li><li>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.</li><li>Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions.</li><li>Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability. Identifying other specific DoD or governmental customers for the solution.</li></ol>

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Some solutions may go from Phase II 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.

Direct-to-Phase-II Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Space Force Stakeholder Need

SBIR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Key Dates