WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army has announced five distinct funding opportunities for small businesses through its Army FUZE Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) initiatives, following the news that SBIR|STTR has been reauthorized by U.S. Congress. As a pillar of the Army FUZE portfolio, SBIR|STTR opportunities help small businesses break through the typical barriers of working in government research and development by opening doors to sustained funding and clear transition pathways. 

SBIR Opportunities 

Funding Opportunities in Open Submission  

Open Period: April 15 to May 13, 2026 

*Pre-Release (Q&A Only) was open from September 3 to September 23, 2025. The program has adjusted the open period dates to maintain a four-week proposal submission window. Affordable Ka-Band Metamaterial-Based Electronically Scanned Array Radar for Test and Training: This topic seeks low-cost Ka-Band radar solutions through advancements in metamaterials to mimic the performance of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) without the high cost. In addition, software-related technologies and any other applicable advanced technologies should be analyzed and utilized. 

• A254-049 
• Phase I (Feasibility) 
• 1 – 6 months, up to $250,000

Li-ion 6T Battery Focused Open Topic: This topic solicits innovations to the MIL-PRF-32565 Li-ion 6T batteries—a critical enabler to military fuel usage reduction through mild hybridization and silent-watch, while providing reduced weight, increase energy density, and extended cycle life. 

• A254-P050 
• Phase I (Feasibility) 
• 1 – 6 months, up to $250,000 

Funding Opportunities in Pre-Release 

Pre-Release (Q&A Only): April 15 to May 5, 2026 

Open Period: May 6 to June 3, 2026 

In-Transit Visibility (ITV) Blockchain: This opportunity drives military logistics forward with a real-time ITV system. By integrating blockchain technology, sensor fusion, and predictive analytics, the system should deliver precise, near real-time tracking of assets and personnel across platforms to provide commanders with a comprehensive common operating picture. Scalable and interoperable, it must optimize resource allocation and situational awareness, seamlessly connecting with military enterprise systems. 

• ARM26BX01-NV001 
• Phase I (Feasibility)  
• 1 – 6 months, up to $300,000 

Modular Payloads for Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS): This contract opportunity seeks to revolutionize UAS capabilities through modular payloads compatible with the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit. Through a Soldier-centered iterative design, selectees can collaborate with government and UAS vendors to develop advanced, broadly compatible technology for modular payloads, including electro-optical, communications relay, and electronic warfare, to boost battlefield versatility and shape future Army UAS strategies. 

• ARM26BX01-NV002  
• Phase I (Feasibility)  
• 1 – 3 months, up to $150,000

Funding Opportunities through Army FUZE xTech Competitions 

 xTech|Phantum White Paper Submission Period: April 15 to May 13, 2026 

xTech|Phantum: The xTech|Phantum competition, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation this spring and summer, will focus on technologies that could strengthen the Army’s ability to sense, measure, and maintain precise timing in complex operational environments. The xTech|Phantum competition will consist of three parts: call for concept white papers; final pitch event/technology showcase; and an opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal. 

The competition will award up to $200,000 in cash prizes to selected participants. Up to 16 finalists will receive a cash prize of $2,500 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in July 2026, at a Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) facility in Arizona.  

The Army intends to select up to eight winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 each. Final winners of the competition may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 that should support proof-of-concept demonstrations with a period of performance not to exceed six months. Please note that only winners of the xTech|Phantum competition are eligible for the SBIR proposal submission. Proposals submitted on DSIP by non-winners of the xTech|Phantum competition will not be evaluated. Additional details on the topic areas and prize structure can be found in the RFI.   

• ARM26BX01-NP003 
• Phase I (Feasibility) 
• 1 – 6 months, up to $300,000 

How to Apply 

To apply to the SBIR open topics: 

1. Review full topic descriptions on the Army SBIR|STTR Topics Page. 
2. Register your business on the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal. 

To submit a white paper for xTech|Phantum, visit​​ the xTech|Phantum Competition​ – Army SBIR|STTR Program. 

Why Participate 

The Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program funds small businesses developing dual-use technologies with military and commercial applications. Benefits include: 

• Expert support in technical, acquisition, and operational areas. 
• Collaboration opportunities with research institutions, venture capital firms, and prime contractors. 
• Acceleration of mission-ready systems aligned with Army priorities. 

About the Program 

The Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Program invests in U.S. small businesses and research institutions to develop early-stage technologies that can meet Army operational needs. The program offers non-dilutive funding, protects intellectual property and enables flexible transition pathways, making it easier for small innovators to deliver real-world solutions for soldiers.  

SBIR|STTR serves as a core component of Army FUZE, the Army’s integrated transformation ecosystem that connects private-sector innovation with defense priorities. The program turns emerging technologies into dual-use capabilities, drives economic growth, and delivers battlefield advantages. 

Stay Connected 

Stay up to date on new topics, due dates, and events: 

• Visit the Army SBIR|STTR website. 
• Follow us: LinkedIn | X 
• Contact us: Army SBIR|STTR mailbox.