Track all active Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal opportunities with advanced filters for status, military component, and technology taxonomy. Updated daily with AI-generated summaries and deadline tracking. Learn more about DSIP →
This RFP seeks scalable manufacturing processes for low-cost, tube-launched unmanned aircraft airframes capable of mass production at 10,000 units monthly. Proposals must demonstrate agile, modular manufacturing approaches using cost-effective materials that enable rapid design adaptation while maintaining structural performance for demanding operations.
Composite MaterialsSmart FactoriesTrusted ManufacturingUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)+2 more
This RFP seeks a multifrequency antenna solution for precision-guided munitions (PGMs) that operates across UHF to X-band frequencies. The antenna must withstand gun-hardened conditions while providing frequency diversity to counter electronic warfare jamming and ensure reliable positioning and navigation in contested environments.
This RFP seeks scalable, wide-field-of-view electro-optical payloads to enhance space domain awareness in the geostationary belt. The technology would address current surveillance gaps by enabling persistent, autonomous monitoring of space objects with broader coverage and faster response times than existing systems.
Mission AutonomyPerception SystemsSpace SystemsOrbital Mechanics+2 more
The U.S. Space Force seeks a voice-enabled AI assistant for hands-free command and control of autonomous logistics vehicles in challenging environments. This edge-deployed solution must operate independently without cloud connectivity while functioning reliably in high-noise, contested settings where traditional graphical interfaces are impractical.
Natural Language ProcessingEdge ComputingUnmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)Human-Machine Teaming (HMT)+2 more
The Air Force seeks a data-driven decision-support platform that integrates geographic, political, environmental, and security data to identify optimal global sites for terrestrial and maritime spaceport operations. This system will standardize site evaluation across multiple domains, enabling commanders to make informed strategic decisions for expanding resilient launch infrastructure.
Big DataData EngineeringExplainable AI (XAI)Digital Twins+3 more
Project Able Baker seeks a Sea-Based Recovery Station framework that repurposes decommissioned offshore oil platforms into landing pads for heavy-lift launch vehicles. This solution addresses costly platform removal while enhancing launch cadence, reducing environmental disruption, and providing distributed recovery infrastructure for U.S. Space Force operations.
Space SystemsAutonomous NavigationDigital TwinsComposite Materials+2 more
This RFP seeks a rapid assessment system to evaluate low back and neck impairment using objective, biopsychosocial metrics for military personnel. The solution addresses the high prevalence of spine disorders in Air Force critical roles by enabling early intervention and improving operational readiness.
Digital HealthWearable SensorsErgonomicsComputer Vision+1 more
The Air Force seeks production scaling of a high-purity ceramic powder (>99.9% pure) manufactured via reverse strike co-precipitation and hydrothermal synthesis. This effort requires demonstrating a 20-fold increase in production rate beyond laboratory capabilities while maintaining established quality control standards.
This RFP seeks a three-axis stabilized, sealed infrared search and track payload for small tactical UAS to detect and track airborne threats. The system addresses performance degradation from uncompensated aircraft motion by providing integrated gimbal stabilization and sensor data processing.
Small UASCounter-UAS (C-UAS)Perception SystemsComputer Vision+1 more
This RFP seeks bulk growth of InAsP crystal, a ternary alloy semiconductor critical for fabricating high-quality infrared detectors in the short-wave spectral range. The Air Force requires domestic production capacity for this material, as no commercial suppliers currently offer it.
This effort seeks to modernize two flash x-ray machines through research and development, improving their output, operational throughput, and maintenance requirements. Performers will advance cold/warm x-ray source modification and pulse width reduction technologies from TRL 6 to TRL 8 capability.
White Sands Missile Range seeks to complete development of a mobile L-Band Linear Accelerator that fits in a freight container for transport and standalone operation. This capability will enable combined environment testing by integrating with other test systems for survivability and vulnerability assessments.
MicroelectronicsDirected Energy WeaponsDigital Twins
DLA seeks domestic production capabilities for refractory powders used in aerospace and defense applications, addressing current supply chain reliance on imports. Proposals should demonstrate novel recycling or manufacturing techniques for refractory metals, carbides, and borides that meet defense specifications while offering modular, scalable solutions.
DLA seeks novel rare earth element separation technologies that are cost-competitive and scalable to strengthen domestic supply chain resilience. The effort addresses critical defense platform dependencies on overseas rare earth sourcing by developing efficient, modular processes that reduce operational costs and manufacturing hazards.
DLA seeks a magnesium-free flameless ration heater to safely warm military meals while eliminating fire hazards in enclosed spaces. The alternative must use domestic materials, reduce hazardous waste concerns, and strengthen supply chain resilience.
DLA seeks an API-driven platform that integrates existing enterprise systems to create a unified digital thread with mission-aware decision intelligence. This capability will accelerate logistics decisions, strengthen supply chain resilience, and optimize ROI across DLA's hybrid cloud environment while maintaining security compliance.
DLA seeks an agentic AI framework with specialized agents to automate and strengthen defensive cybersecurity operations and penetration testing. The multi-agent system would autonomously execute complex security workflows, from network enumeration to vulnerability analysis, mimicking human cybersecurity team coordination.
Threat IntelligenceZero Trust Architecture (ZTA)Generative AIReinforcement Learning+1 more
DLA seeks an AI-assisted tool to pre-review cybersecurity documentation artifacts and identify gaps or weaknesses before formal assessment. The solution should analyze control statements and architecture documents to provide confidence-scored feedback, helping R&D teams improve RMF package quality and reduce rejection rates.
Explainable AI (XAI)Natural Language ProcessingMLOpsZero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
STRIKE AI is an AI-enabled mission planning system that automates rapid response coordination across cyber and physical domains to defend critical infrastructure. It interprets commander objectives and generates deconflicted, executable defense plans for operational technology environments with human oversight.
Reinforcement LearningDigital TwinsICSThreat Intelligence+2 more
DLA seeks U.S.-based manufacturers to rapidly produce custom and replacement fixtures for Navy ship maintenance. This capability addresses critical supply chain gaps where missing or broken specialized tools currently halt fleet operations for months.
Trusted ManufacturingDomestic SourcingAdditive ManufacturingDigital Twins+1 more
DLA Weapon Support seeks supply chain solutions to overcome readiness delays caused by material shortages and production inefficiencies. The program pursues innovative sourcing strategies, advanced manufacturing techniques, and new supplier partnerships to reduce lead times and strengthen supply chain resilience.
Supply Chain TransparencyTrusted ManufacturingAdditive ManufacturingBig Data
DLA seeks a centralized, secure data system to provide real-time visibility into available manufacturing capacity at universities and research facilities. This capability enables rapid deployment of underutilized resources to support critical defense supply chain needs during emergencies or demand surges.
Big DataExplainable AI (XAI)Trusted SystemsZero Trust Architecture (ZTA)+2 more
The Navy seeks a mid-wave infrared detector combining resonant cavity and avalanche photodiode technologies to enable remote material identification and spectral analysis for shipboard imaging systems while operating at cryogenic temperatures with significantly improved sensitivity over current detectors.
MicroelectronicsSignals Intelligence (SIGINT)Perception Systems
The Navy seeks development of a UYK-43 computer emulator using COTS hardware and open-source code to enable land-based testing of Aegis Weapon System updates, since original systems are reserved for operational fleet use and no compatible commercial alternative exists.
High Performance Computing (HPC)Trusted SystemsDigital Twins
The Navy seeks innovative dual-band infrared camera technology combining extended short-wave and mid-wave imaging into a single focal plane array to reduce system size, weight, and cost while improving maritime surveillance performance and eliminating alignment issues between separate sensor channels.
MicroelectronicsSignals Intelligence (SIGINT)Perception Systems
The Navy seeks an active electro-optic/infrared sensing technology to detect small, hard-to-spot surface targets obscured by wave clutter and ocean conditions. The solution should complement existing shipboard cameras by reliably identifying low-observable objects like mines and sea drones at 100-500 meter ranges.
The Navy seeks a small, high-frequency omnidirectional acoustic sensor compatible with open architecture telemetry for towed arrays. This sensor would improve undersea detection and localization capabilities while reducing the time needed for bearing determination without complex maneuvers.
The Navy seeks an EO/IR sensing technology to rapidly determine ranges of multiple small, fast-moving airborne targets simultaneously—solving the limitation that current gimbal-mounted systems cannot track numerous maneuvering aircraft fast enough during complex raid scenarios.
Computer VisionReinforcement LearningPerception SystemsRF Systems
The Navy seeks innovative hardware, software, or algorithmic solutions to extend the detection range and depth capabilities of existing towed mine countermeasures sonar systems while maintaining strict size, weight, and power constraints. The solution must achieve 90% detection probability with minimal false alarms to enhance undersea mine detection effectiveness.
Computer VisionBig DataDigital TwinsUnmanned Surface+1 more
The Navy seeks a passive seabed logistics system for secure, long-term supply storage at depths up to 600 meters, reducing costly reliance on surface vessels and specialized underwater vehicles. The cylindrical package must autonomously operate for 24 months while maintaining payload protection and enabling acoustic-based monitoring and retrieval.
Unmanned SurfaceAutonomous NavigationSecure CommunicationsComposite Materials+1 more
The Navy seeks modular, low-cost seabed nodes to support unmanned underwater vehicles with standardized interfaces for diverse payloads like acoustic communications and sensors. These nodes fill a commercial gap by enabling persistent undersea networks capable of operating independently for extended periods in challenging maritime environments.
Unmanned SurfaceAutonomous NavigationSecure CommunicationsEnergy Harvesting+1 more
The Navy seeks novel anti-fouling coatings for submarine topsides that prevent marine growth without being slippery or toxic to crew. The solution must remain effective for 6-8 years, survive alternating wet/dry conditions, and withstand foot traffic while maintaining propulsion efficiency.
The Navy seeks improved colloidal quantum dot nanocrystals for mid-wave infrared imaging sensors that can be directly deposited onto silicon substrates. This technology aims to reduce manufacturing costs and complexity by eliminating expensive hybrid bonding processes while achieving performance comparable to traditional infrared detectors.
This RFP seeks innovative solutions using semantic overlay techniques to add new capabilities to existing military hardware without full system upgrades. By creatively repurposing current computational resources, the effort aims to bridge capability gaps where legacy systems can't be modernized through traditional procurement cycles.
DARPA seeks thin-film heat spreader technology for high-power microsystems operating in extreme conditions. The innovation must manage heat dissipation in semiconductor lasers and high-temperature electronics while remaining thermally conductive, electrically insulating, and compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
DARPA seeks nanopore-based technology for direct, single-molecule protein sequencing to enable rapid detection of unknown protein-based biological threats. This approach aims to overcome limitations of current mass spectrometry methods by providing real-time identification without destructive sample processing.
This SBIR opportunity seeks compact, wideband tunable microwave filters to protect DoD RF communications and electronic warfare systems from jamming and interference in congested electromagnetic environments. Solutions should deliver superior bandwidth, selectivity, and minimal insertion loss while maintaining a small form factor.
DARPA seeks development of high-speed mixed-signal semiconductors using wide-bandgap materials (SiC/GaN) that operate reliably above 800°C. This addresses critical needs for extreme-temperature electronics in missile systems, space exploration, and geothermal monitoring where conventional silicon fails.
DARPA seeks development of high-speed mixed-signal integrated circuits using wide-bandgap materials (SiC/GaN) that maintain performance in extreme temperatures exceeding 800°C. This addresses critical reliability gaps for defense missile systems, aerospace propulsion, and deep-space missions requiring precision electronics in harsh thermal environments.
The Department of War seeks a secure, AI-powered SaaS platform capable of automating documentation workflows for classified materials up to TS/SCI. The solution will modernize manual processes for creating Security Classification Guides and compliance plans, reducing human error and accelerating decision-making across government operations.
Generative AINatural Language ProcessingDevSecOpsZero Trust Architecture
This RFP seeks game-theoretic AI that generates superior military courses of action by computing Nash equilibria in large-scale strategic games. The solution must overcome current planning bottlenecks through interpretable, scalable algorithms operable on modest computing resources while outperforming expert human planners.
Reinforcement LearningExplainable AI (XAI)Digital TwinsMission Autonomy+1 more
This SBIR seeks passive SLAM technology enabling small unmanned aircraft to autonomously navigate complex environments using onboard sensors and compute. The solution must identify obstacles, plan dynamic routes to static or moving targets, and maintain accuracy without external connectivity or cloud support.
Autonomous NavigationPerception SystemsUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)Computer Vision+3 more
AFRL and SSC seek compact, space-qualified directed energy systems to overcome power limitations in orbital platforms. This technology enables efficient power beaming and dual-use applications like missile defense and debris remediation while reducing the weight penalties of traditional solar arrays and batteries.
Directed Energy WeaponsSpace SystemsHigh Performance Computing (HPC)Thermal Management+1 more
This RFP seeks development of autonomous fall detection and mitigation systems for humanoid robots operating in Air Force maintenance and hazardous environments. The solution must enable safe, graceful falls that minimize damage and injury risk while maintaining robot agility and performance during normal operations.
Mobile RoboticsPerception SystemsHuman-Machine Teaming (HMT)Ergonomics
This RFP seeks a humanoid robot fleet management system to optimize aircraft maintenance and sustainment operations at Air Force depots. The system must provide centralized monitoring, autonomous task allocation, and real-time coordination across multiple robots while adapting to dynamic operational demands and supporting human-robot collaboration.
Industrial AutomationMobile RoboticsHuman-Machine Teaming (HMT)Mission Autonomy+4 more
This RFP seeks development and validation of Maxterial H-max nickel molybdenum plating as an environmentally safe alternative to hexavalent chromium in aerospace components like landing gear actuators. The solution must demonstrate fatigue resistance, durability, and corrosion protection while supporting DoD regulatory compliance and modernization goals.
This RFP seeks an improved hydraulic heating system for the MHU-196 Weapons Trailer to restore reliable munitions-loading operations in cold-weather environments. The solution will address performance degradation caused by thickened hydraulic fluid, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while supporting critical sortie generation timelines.
Power ElectronicsThermal ManagementPredictive Maintenance
This RFP seeks development of a complementary flush air data system (FADS) for Air Force bombers to provide redundant, low-observable airspeed and altitude measurement, reducing reliance on vulnerable protruding pitot probes. The modular, subsonic/transonic-optimized system will enhance survivability and data assurance in contested environments while maintaining existing flight-control architectures.
AerodynamicsUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)Trusted SystemsGPS Technology+1 more
USSOCOM and AFSOC are seeking AI-enabled technologies to enhance search, track, and target recognition capabilities for special operations aircraft like the AC-130J. The solution must automate sensor functions across EO/IR systems while maintaining open architecture compatibility across diverse platforms.
Computer VisionExplainable AI (XAI)Perception SystemsMission Autonomy+1 more
This RFP seeks a mid-wave infrared hyperspectral imager to characterize missile and thermal signatures for defense applications. The system must deliver high-resolution spatial and spectral data at rapid frame rates to support missile warning system development and hypersonic vehicle testing.
This RFP seeks development of a compact, high-efficiency CO₂ compressor for military aircraft thermal management systems. The technology must handle dynamic heat loads across diverse mission phases while reducing system weight and size compared to legacy refrigerant solutions.
AFDW seeks an AI-driven cybersecurity platform integrating post-quantum cryptographic standards to defend against quantum computing threats. The solution will automate threat detection and risk scoring across legacy Air Force networks while ensuring seamless migration to quantum-resistant encryption.
Post-Quantum CryptographyThreat IntelligenceMachine LearningMLOps+1 more
This SBIR seeks AI/ML solutions to automate the Air Force Judge Advocate's labor-intensive legal and judicial workflows. The technology will streamline case intake, document processing, and decision-making to reduce delays by 50-70% and improve legal advisory delivery across military justice and interagency operations.
Natural Language ProcessingGenerative AIReinforcement LearningExplainable AI (XAI)+2 more
This SBIR seeks a portable field device that rapidly characterizes ultrafine to coarse particulate composition—including carbonaceous, metal, and biological materials—to replace laboratory analysis and enable real-time exposure monitoring for military personnel in hazardous environments.
This SBIR seeks an affordable, ruggedized OEM ultrafine particulate sensor detecting particles as small as 10 nanometers in real-time to address a critical gap in military occupational exposure monitoring. The capability would enable service members in high-hazard environments like burn pits and flightlines to detect harmful submicron particles currently missed by standard equipment, supporting preventative health measures and informed command decisions.
DLA seeks a dynamic digital twin platform integrating real-time workforce data and synthetic scenario modeling to optimize organizational processes and boost productivity. The solution enables rapid workforce planning, surge deployment testing, and AI integration analysis to enhance mission readiness against modern competitive threats.
Digital TwinsReinforcement LearningSynthetic DataBig Data+2 more
DLA seeks an AI-powered tool to automate vendor economic dependency analysis across thousands of suppliers. The solution will integrate with government systems to flag high-risk relationships using public financial data and supply chain metrics, replacing manual, time-intensive processes.
Generative AIData EngineeringDevSecOpsSupply Chain Transparency+1 more
DLA seeks non-lithium battery technology to replace supply-chain-vulnerable lithium-ion alternatives in military field operations. The solution must deliver safer, more transportable power for extreme environments while meeting domestic sourcing requirements and core performance standards.
NAVAIR and NAVSEA seek innovative counter-UAS technologies to defend Navy assets against the proliferating drone threat. Solutions should detect, track, and neutralize single or swarming unmanned systems using AI/ML, non-kinetic defeat systems, or adaptive threat recognition across air, sea, and ground platforms.
Counter-UAS (C-UAS)Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)Swarming SystemsPerception Systems+5 more
The Marine Corps seeks an innovative portable long-range listening device capable of accurately capturing and recording sounds from 200 meters away to support intelligence collection operations. The system must weigh under 50 pounds, operate for 24 hours on battery power, and distinguish voices and environmental noise with high fidelity.
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)Perception SystemsTrusted Systems
The Navy seeks a dual-band SAR system combining X-band with S-band or C-band to enhance maritime surveillance capabilities. This solution expands ocean coverage, improves target detection across varying conditions, and reduces operational costs compared to current search and tracking methods.
The Navy seeks a multi-vendor satellite imagery scheduling optimization platform that integrates commercial providers into a unified system to enhance maritime domain awareness. The solution must dynamically adapt to weather, prioritize time-critical tasking, and reduce reliance on single-source imagery while minimizing costs and redundant collections.
The Navy seeks modernized automated ammunition handling systems for MK 45 gun systems to replace 1960s-era technology, improving reliability, firing rates, and crew safety while maintaining compatibility with existing shipboard platforms.
Additive ManufacturingTrusted ManufacturingDevSecOpsIndustrial Automation+1 more
The Navy seeks a compact, high-speed data transmission device capable of transferring four terabytes of Ship Self-Defense System combat data across 5,000+ nautical miles in 60 seconds. This solution addresses delays in transmitting embarked platform performance data needed for timely system improvements and warfighter training.
Satellite Communications (SATCOM)Integrated NetworksRF SystemsData Engineering+1 more
The Navy seeks an adaptive Zero Trust data control system that verifies every user access request in real-time to protect critical combat data from unauthorized access. The solution must integrate advanced authentication, AI/ML threat detection, and micro-segmentation to reduce authentication time and unauthorized access risk while maintaining performance in degraded environments.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)Identity & Access ManagementExplainable AI (XAI)MLOps
The Navy seeks inter-satellite communication hardware to enable direct data sharing between commercial satellites, eliminating ground-station handoffs for improved tracking of mobile ocean targets and reducing latency in multi-satellite coordination.
The Navy seeks an AI-powered maritime tracking system to automate processing of sensor data from diverse sources and predict object movements across global waters. This solution must prioritize threats, detect pattern deviations, and scale efficiently as new sensors integrate—transforming manual, overwhelmed operations into proactive domain awareness.
Computer VisionReinforcement LearningBig DataMLOps+3 more
The Navy seeks secure tasking technology for commercial satellites at classified levels (CUI/Secret), enabling weapons-quality targeting data while maintaining operational security. The solution must integrate encryption, secure protocols, and emerging technologies to reduce tasking time by 90% versus current 14-day cycles.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)Post-Quantum CryptographySatellite Communications (SATCOM)Secure Communications+1 more
The Navy seeks an automated anomaly detection system that identifies potentially threatening maritime and air contacts hidden within congested shipping environments by analyzing pattern-of-life behaviors from AIS, ADS-B, and radar data. This capability would reduce operator workload and improve threat detection accuracy for Ship Self-Defense System platforms transiting high-traffic regions.
Computer VisionExplainable AI (XAI)Big DataGPS Technology+2 more
The Navy seeks an AI-enabled Terminal Defense Weapon System Coordinator that decouples rapid weapon system upgrades from lengthy combat system development cycles. The solution will coordinate real-time engagement management across multiple defense systems while maintaining cybersecurity and integration with ship combat systems.
Machine LearningModel-Based Systems EngineeringZero Trust ArchitectureMission Autonomy+1 more
The Navy seeks an adaptive algorithm that automatically optimizes sensor resource allocation across ship defense radar systems. The solution must dynamically identify which sensors contribute most to tracking threats and redirect underutilized sensor capacity to improve overall combat system situational awareness and engagement readiness.
This SBIR XL seeks integrated manufacturing solutions for compact Rydberg-based RF receivers that operate across broad frequency bands with high sensitivity. The technology addresses the gap between laboratory prototypes and deployable systems by combining photonic components with low-latency control architecture for wideband signal processing.
Quantum ComputingAlternative PNTNanotechnologyRF Systems
This RFP seeks engineering solutions to enhance cognitive performance and physiological recovery in high-demand operational environments where sleep is restricted. The capability aims to address performance degradation caused by sleep deprivation by supporting critical brain functions like waste clearance and synaptic plasticity.
Human Performance EnhancementWearable SensorsDigital HealthDigital Twins
DARPA seeks development of high-energy-density, air-independent rechargeable batteries for military applications where oxygen is unavailable—such as underwater, high-altitude, or space operations. Proposals must demonstrate specific energy exceeding 1 kWh/kg with electrical rechargeability over multiple charge cycles.
This RFP seeks a computational system using protein language models to rapidly characterize pathogen-host interactions from sequence data alone, enabling faster threat assessment and therapeutic response when novel pathogens emerge. The capability must predict protein interactions across pathogen classes, work on unseen pathogens, and deliver comprehensive analysis within one hour on standard hardware.
Computer VisionNatural Language ProcessingMLOpsBioinformatics+1 more
This RFP seeks biomanufactured thermal interface materials (TIMs) to improve heat dissipation in high-density electronics, drones, and battery systems. The solution must balance thermal conductivity with electrical insulation while offering cost-effective, sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
Thermal ManagementComposite MaterialsAdditive ManufacturingBiomanufacturing+1 more
The xTech|Phantum competition seeks innovative quantum sensors, quantum clocks, and photonic technologies to enhance Army position, navigation, timing, and communications capabilities while reducing dependence on GPS and improving performance in contested environments. Winners will be eligible to submit SBIR proposals under four specialized quantum and photonics topics.
Quantum ComputingAlternative PNTPrecision TimingRF Systems+1 more
xTech|Inversion seeks innovative technology solutions that accelerate military capability advancement and address complex national security challenges. The competition focuses on transitioning Army-funded research into scalable, commercially viable solutions through partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors.
DevSecOpsDigital TwinsMission AutonomyUnmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)+7 more
The Army seeks autonomous and minimally-manned ground and aerial systems for sustainment and recovery in contested environments where GPS and communications are degraded. Solutions must operate with minimal oversight across payload transport, power generation, refueling, and vehicle recovery to reduce soldier exposure and maintain mission continuity.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV)Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)Mission AutonomyHuman-Machine Teaming (HMT)+6 more