Non-Radio Frequency, Covert Maritime Transceiver
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Navy is seeking an SBIR solution for a non-RF, covert maritime transceiver to support secure communications in contested environments where traditional radio frequencies are vulnerable. The effort calls for a low-power, small, field-programmable system with low probability of intercept and detection that can maintain reliable, continuous wireless links between rapidly moving manned and unmanned vehicles over at least 5 km. The concept may use acoustic, infrared, or ultraviolet signaling and should support high-bandwidth communications while resisting interference, detection, and exploitation; Phase I focuses on design, feasibility, and prototype planning, and Phase II on building and testing a prototype in a relevant environment, with work in Phase II potentially becoming classified. The solicitation closes on June 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM, and the selected contractor must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence and able to obtain and maintain secret-level facility and personnel clearances.