Real-World Applications for Prototype ISAC Demonstrations (RAPID) Small Business

SBIR topic OSW27BZ02-DV003 (U.S. Department of Defense – Office of the Secretary of Defense), Phase I and II. Open to U.S. small businesses. Opens: December 2, 2026. Closes: January 6, 2027. The Department of War (DoW) seeks to accelerate U.S. leadership in Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC), a 5G-Advanced feasibility-study area and a key technology for 3GPP 6G specifications. This project addresses the challenge of adding sensing capabilities to communication networks without degrading the primary communication link across diverse missions and environments, from established bases to remote and contested areas. The goal is to develop innovative, dual-use ISAC prototypes that leverage existing cellular infrastructure including 5G, emerging Open RAN interfaces, and SI-native networking. These solutions should offer a smaller, more cost-effective footprint than separate radar and communication systems. The effort will focus on three pathways: ISAC on fixed infrastructure, ISAC on mobile platforms, and joint SI optimization of radio resources. Success of this project will reduce barriers to market entry, enable new ISAC and SI applications, and strengthen U.S. industrial competitiveness in a field receiving substantial investment from adversaries. The following documents are incorporated as part of this topic. 1. Appendix A - ISAC KPI Framework for RAPID 2. RAPID Statement of Objectives (SOO) Official solicitation: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/