Low Cost Infrared Seeker

SBIR topic MDA27BZ02-DV001 (U.S. Department of Defense – Missile Defense Agency), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses. Opens: December 2, 2026. Closes: January 6, 2027. Develop a cost-effective IR interceptor seeker through methods such as novel material development, advanced manufacturing and/or scalability, novel commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integration, or other innovations that could reduce costs and maintain acceptable seeker performance. Both full seeker solutions and novel seeker components (focal plane array, readout integrated circuit, cooling system, telescope optics, etc.) are acceptable so long as cost savings are explicitly quantified in the proposal. A "full seeker" solution should include: Cover (if applicable), telescope assembly/ optical system (lenses, mirrors, filters, etc.), the IR sensor (filter, Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) Readout Integrated Circuit, cooling systems (if applicable, etc.), gimbal system (as applicable), signal processing electronics, and the Final seeker production cost should be less than $150,000 for objective cost or less than $250,000 for threshold. Proposed solutions should be amenable to repeatable high throughput production processes. Proposal should include a plan for demonstration of seeker performance in a ground test facility. Additionally, proposers should identify the threat type(s) (ballistic, hypersonic, cruise missile, etc.) that are relevant to the proposed technology, and any assumptions made concerning the technology or its integration into the missile defense system should be explicitly referenced. Official solicitation: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/