DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Helicopter Expedited Refueling Operations (HERO)

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "Helicopter Expedited Refueling Operations (HERO)" as part of the SBIR program. The objective of this solicitation is to develop solutions that increase the efficiency of setup, refueling operations, and disassembly of forward arming and refueling points (FARP) for rotary-winged assets. The goal is to reduce the amount of time these assets are unavailable for ground combat operations and decrease the likelihood of enemy detection and attack on the FARP. Currently, FARPs are vulnerable to enemy attack and require a significant number of personnel and equipment. Refueling times can take hours, and the FARP's limited defensive capabilities make mobility essential. The Army is looking for solutions that expedite the aggregation/setup/breakdown of FARP vehicles, decrease refueling times, improve pumping systems and equipment, and decrease aircraft wait times. The solicitation is open for proposals until March 31, 2025. The Phase I of the project requires Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposals that demonstrate scientific and technical merit, feasibility, and potential commercial applications. Phase II involves refining the design and creating a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 prototype/model/system. Phase III focuses on commercialization objectives and may involve low-rate production and testing. The SBIR program provides funding for small businesses to develop innovative solutions that address specific research topics. In this case, the focus is on improving the efficiency and safety of helicopter refueling operations in military settings.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Hybrid Electric Powertrain, Power, and Propulsion Systems (HEPPS) Open Topic

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Hybrid Electric Powertrain, Power, and Propulsion Systems (HEPPS) Open Topic. This solicitation aims to bring valuable small business innovations to the Army and expand the relevance of the Army SBIR program to firms that don't typically compete for SBIR awards. The HEPPS Open Topic accepts both Phase I and Direct to Phase II submissions. Phase I proposals can receive up to $250,000 for a 6-month performance period, while Direct to Phase II proposals can receive up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month performance period. The research should focus on HEPPS technologies compatible with various vehicle systems, optimizing fuel economy and performance, facilitating new use cases and tactics, providing an optimized balance for efficient aircraft operation, delivering increased onboard electrical power, and meeting military operational requirements. Phase I submissions require a 5-page technical volume, an 8-slide commercialization plan, and a "Statement of Work" outlining deliverables. Phase II submissions require a 10-page technical volume, a 5-page feasibility documentation, an 8-slide commercialization plan, and a "Statement of Work." Phase II involves producing prototype solutions for edge and austere environments, developing a technology transition and commercialization plan, and evaluating products in a realistic field environment. Phase III focuses on dual-use applications such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing fuel economy and performance, improving energy management strategies, and achieving lower weight and longer operating duration. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation agency website](https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/).

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Autonomous Bridging Kit Open Topic

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for an Autonomous Bridging Kit as part of its SBIR program. The objective of this project is to develop a solution that allows the Army to autonomously maneuver and connect temporary, mobile bridging platforms for wet gap (water) crossing operations. The desired solution should enable autonomous movement and navigation of fully loaded wet gap bridging platforms and their bays from origin to destination while detecting and avoiding obstacles in the water. The goal is to reduce the assembly time of the bridging platforms and the number of Soldiers required to perform wet gap crossing operations. The project will be conducted in two phases. In Phase I, a preliminary autonomous kit design will be developed. In Phase II, the design will be refined and a prototype of the autonomous kit will be created. The total funding for Phase II awards is $1,900,000 for a 12-month period of performance. The ultimate goal of Phase III is to transition the technology to a US Army lab or a Program Executive Office for further development or potential acquisition pathways. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR website.

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - NAVAIR Open Topic for Advanced Robotic Automation for Fleet Readiness Center Industrial Processes

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the NAVAIR Open Topic for Advanced Robotic Automation for Fleet Readiness Center Industrial Processes. The objective of this solicitation is to advance the automation of industrial processes within Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs) to enhance efficiency, quality, safety, pollution prevention, and productivity through the integration of advanced robotic technologies. The technology areas of interest include advanced robotic systems integration for aircraft maintenance and repair, human-robot collaboration and safety in aviation MRO, and emerging technologies for autonomous aviation maintenance. Phase I proposals must include a base and option period of performance, with a total cost not to exceed $75,000 for the base and $100,000 for the option. Phase II will focus on hardening, ruggedizing, and/or marinizing the technology for integration into an operational environment, with the outcome being a working prototype. Phase III will involve deploying advanced robotic automation solutions tailored to FRC industrial processes and providing logistics support. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2652281).

DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - xTechSpecial Forces

Active

Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The specific topic of the solicitation is "xTechSpecial Forces" and it is being conducted by the Army branch. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. The first topic of the solicitation is "GPS Denied ATAK Compatible Self Location Application." The US Army 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) is looking for a software solution that can obtain self-location data in GPS-denied situations and integrate it into the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) software platform. The software should enable self-location without the use of GPS, other networks, or additional hardware. The goal is to allow ground operators to take a picture of the sky to obtain images including celestial objects and/or passing satellites, resulting in operationally suitable self-location. The second topic is "SWARM Tracker – Counter UxS Warning System." The Army Special Operations Command is seeking an automated tool that can provide early warning of swarmed sensors and effects similar to the National Weather System's severe weather warning systems. The tool should integrate with existing and emerging systems, provide multi-modal awareness, and deliver timely notifications to tactical units and base defense operating centers. The focus is on reducing cognitive load and building user-centric notification systems. The third topic is "PSYOP Product Air Delivery Vehicle." The Army Special Operations Command requires a self-guided aerial delivery system for disseminating Psychological Operations products. The Air Delivery Vehicle (ADV) should be interchangeable depending on payload and mission requirements, resistant to electronic attack, and capable of accommodating payloads ranging from 8 ounces to 50 pounds. The ADV should have self-navigation capabilities, accurate release points, and the ability to operate in day and night conditions. The fourth topic is "Non-Attributable Mobile Mesh Network Radio." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in a small form factor, non-attributable mesh network radio system for position location information (PLI), voice, sensor integration, and data transmission. The system should enable continuous communication outside of cellular/internet coverage, have a low physical and RF signature, and integrate with the Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK). The fifth topic is "Distributed Electromagnetic Sensing, Automated Characterization, and Simple Reporting systems." The 1st Special Forces Command is interested in technological solutions to enhance Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The focus is on scalable, cost-effective, software-based innovations that address core need areas such as AI/ML-enabled edge processing, automated signal detection and characterization, near-real-time data availability, and integration with tactical situational awareness systems. The Phase I proposals for this solicitation can receive funding up to $250,000 for a 6-month period, while Direct to Phase II proposals can receive funding up to $2,000,000 for an 18-month period. Phase I involves completing a feasibility study and developing concept plans, while Phase II focuses on producing prototype solutions. Phase III involves maturing the technology to TRL 6/7, producing prototypes for further evaluation, and updating prototypes based on soldier feedback. For more information and to submit a proposal, visit the solicitation agency's website: [link](https://www

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