The Department of the Air Force (DAF), in collaboration with SpaceWERX, is seeking innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies and solutions that address clear stakeholder needs for the United States Space Force. The objective is to explore and develop non-defense commercial solutions that can be adapted for military applications, emphasizing the potential for commercialization and the fulfillment of specific defense needs. This opportunity is open to a wide range of technologies and industries, with Phase I awards valued at up to $110,000 for a duration of three months, and Phase II awards reaching approximately $1.8 million over 21 months. Interested parties must submit their proposals by March 7, 2024, through the designated portal at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.

## 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, they 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&rsquo; needs. Submissions should focus on the following characteristics:The potential for Government or private sector commercialization and benefits expected to accrue from commercialization. <ul><li> The SBC&rsquo;s record of commercializing SBIR/STTR or other research, as indicated by pre-sales, pilots, sales, revenue, active users, subscriptions, downloads, and/or other forms of traction/adoption.</li><li> The size of the market and potential for revenue.</li><li> The clarity of the SBC&rsquo;s business plan.</li><li> The Existence of Phase II follow-on commitments for the subject research, and funding commitments related to the subject effort, whether from Government sources, as documented in a DAF Customer Memorandum, or private sources, as documented through a letter of commitment, are evidence of commercialization potential. </li></ul>The Defense Need being fulfilled and ability of the proposal to impact that Defense Need.<ul><li> The appropriateness, relevance, and specificity of an identified Defense Need. While not required, signed letters of support from other Government personnel may be indicators of the appropriateness, relevance, and specificity of an identified Defense Need. </li><li> Adequacy of the proposed effort and its relationship to fulfilling the identified Defense Need.</li><li> The level of defense mission impact and urgency of the Defense Need.</li><li> The breadth of applicability of the solution.</li></ul>The clarity of the problem statement, technical approach, soundness, technical merit, and innovation of the proposed technical approach, its differentiation from current customer alternatives. Includes the proposed Principal Investigator&rsquo;s/Project Managers&rsquo;, supporting staff, and consultants&rsquo; qualifications to execute the proposed approach.This topic is truly &lsquo;open&rsquo; (agnostic of industry, technology, and problem area), but proposals for the topic should demonstrate a high probability of identifying a product-market fit between an Air Force stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution. 

## Objective

This is a Department of the Air Force (DAF) Open Topic in partnership with SpaceWERX. This topic is seeking technologies for transition into the United States Space Force. Primary objectives of this topic include exploring innovative technologies applicable to both defense and non-defense markets, scaling capability, and growing the industrial base for defense. This topic is intended to reach companies capable of completing a feasibility study and prototype-validated concepts under accelerated Phase I and II schedules. This topic is aimed at applied research and development efforts rather than &quot;front-end&quot; or basic R/R&amp;D. Phase I awards will have a maximum value of $110,000.00, and a maximum duration of three months. Phase II awards will have a maximum value of approximately $1,800,000.00, and a total maximum period of performance of 21 months.

## Phase I

Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas thought to have potential to transition to Space Force applications. Additionally, validate the product-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential Space Force stakeholder. Define a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the Space Force customer and end-user. This feasibility study should: <ul><li>&emsp;Clearly identify the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Space Force need(s).</li><li>&emsp;Describe the pathway to integrating the Space Force operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant Space Force systems and/or processes.</li><li>&emsp;Describe if and how the solution can be used by other DoD or Government customers.</li></ul>

## Phase II

Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas thought to have potential to transition to Space Force applications. Additionally, validate the product-market fit between the proposed solution and a potential Space Force stakeholder. Define a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer and end-user. This feasibility study should: <ul><li>&emsp;Clearly identify the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Space Force need(s). </li><li>&emsp;Describe the pathway to integrating with Space Force operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant DAF systems and/or processes. </li><li>&emsp;Describe if and how the solution can be used by other DoD or Governmental customers.</li></ul>

## Phase III: Dual Use Applications

Some solutions may go straight from Phase I to Phase III as soon as the product-market fit is verified. The contractor will transition 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.

Phase I Open Call Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual- Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Space Force Stakeholder Need

STTR Opportunity Analysis

SBIR Documents

Related SBIR/STTR Opportunities

Opportunity Snapshot

Key Dates