OPEN- SBIR Direct-to-Phase-II Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Space Force Stakeholder Need

SBIR topic DAF27BX02-DP502 (U.S. Department of Defense – Air Force), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses. Opens: December 2, 2026. Closes: January 6, 2027. The Space Force 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, solutions 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 Space Force stakeholders' needs. The topic is truly 'open' (agnostic of industry, technology, and problem area), but proposals for this topic should demonstrate a high probability of identifying a product-mission fit between a Space Force stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution. This is accomplished most effectively through a proposal with a mature non-defense technical solution and a clear understanding of its adaptation to meet a USSF customer's specific need, supported by documentation from a specific motivated, empowered technical point of contact (TPOC) ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial. According to the USSF Commercial Space Strategy, there are eight (8) mission areas considered for commercial support: Space Domain Awareness (SDA); Satellite Communications (SATCOM); Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) – hereafter referred to as Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT); Space-based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM); Cyberspace Operations; Command and Control (C2); and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Additionally, the USSF will seek hybrid solutions for Space Mission Enablers, those functions that span multiple missions and are fundamental to conducting space…