Passive Position Sensing and Navigation for Small Crafts and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in Global Positioning System (GPS) Denied Environments
ID: N251-026Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Passive Position Sensing and Navigation for Small Crafts and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in Global Positioning System (GPS) Denied Environments

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: NAVY

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Navy, is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the development of a Passive Position Sensing and Navigation system for Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (sUSVs) and other small crafts operating in GPS-degraded or denied environments. The objective is to create a compact, affordable system that maintains accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) without reliance on GPS, with specific performance requirements including a positioning accuracy of less than 10 meters and a total system cost under $125,000. This initiative is critical for enhancing naval operations by enabling safe navigation while minimizing the risk of location disclosure to adversaries. Interested parties should note that the solicitation will open on January 8, 2025, and close on February 5, 2025, with further details available at the official SBIR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Similar Opportunities
    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.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection, aimed at providing early warning of chemical threats. The objective is to create a low size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) microsensor capable of detecting chemical weapons agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms within a critical timeframe of 10 minutes. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian contexts, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by December 31, 2025, with the opportunity opening on December 10, 2025, and further details can be found at the DoD SBIR website.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop tactical visualization tools that efficiently integrate, visualize, and communicate tactical data, with a focus on Human-Machine Interface concepts and significant advantages in size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. Proposed technologies may include augmented reality, sensor visualization, or unique end-user devices, and must comply with Integrated Sensor Architecture (ISA) standards and the Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) Software Development Kit (SDK). The opportunity is currently in the pre-release phase, with an open date of December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025, for applications. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    Silencing with Acoustic Rainbow Emitters (SWARE) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is seeking innovative research and development proposals for a low-cost Acoustic Rainbow Emitter (ARE) aimed at significantly reducing the acoustic signature of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The primary objective is to create an ARE that can redirect and alter the frequencies of a UAS's acoustic emissions, achieving at least a 50% reduction in audibility, while ensuring the system is adaptable to various UAS platforms and maintains a low visual signature. This technology is crucial for enhancing the stealth capabilities of Special Operations Forces during tactical operations. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is SOCOM254-008, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For further details, please visit the official solicitation link 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.
    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.
    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.
    Space-Based Interceptors for Boost-Phase Missile Defense in the Endo-Atmospheric Region -
    DOD
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is soliciting innovative solutions for space-based interceptors (SBIs) capable of conducting boost-phase missile defense within the endo-atmospheric region, specifically below 120 km altitude. The initiative aims to address critical capability gaps by developing compact, high-performance platforms that enable rapid, precise, and survivable engagements from space, focusing on high-G propulsion systems, advanced seekers, and low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) interceptors integrated into space vehicles. This effort is crucial for establishing a layered missile defense architecture and enhancing national security against evolving missile threats. Interested parties should prepare Direct-to-Phase-II proposals, as Phase I awards will not be made, with applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats - Open Topic -
    DOD
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking innovative solutions through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop novel technologies for detecting radiological and nuclear threats without the use of specialized sensors. The objective is to utilize signals from existing general-purpose military hardware, commercially available devices, and public data sources to enhance the detection capabilities for weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This initiative is crucial for overcoming the challenges associated with the high costs and lengthy timelines of developing new military hardware for WMD detection. The project is structured in three phases: Phase I focuses on identifying feasible use cases and developing a course of action; Phase II involves building and testing a model or prototype; and Phase III aims to refine the technology for broader dual-use applications in defense, government, and commercial sectors. The solicitation is currently in pre-release status, with an open date set for December 10, 2025, and a close date of December 31, 2025. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website.
    Unbiased Behavioral Discovery Platforms -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of unbiased behavioral discovery platforms aimed at enhancing the detection and development of medical countermeasures against chemical and biological threats. The primary objective is to create automated systems capable of quantifying novel animal behaviors in preclinical models with greater sensitivity and specificity than current methodologies, while minimizing variability and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal testing. This initiative is critical for accelerating the identification of effective medical countermeasures and improving defense health capabilities. Interested parties should note that the opportunity is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, with a release date of September 3, 2025, and applications due by December 31, 2025. For more information, visit the official solicitation page at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.