By Daniel Smoot, Army Innovation Programs Office

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army launched three new funding opportunities through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program to advance artificial intelligence, robotics, and predictive logistics. Starting in June 2025, the Army calls on small businesses to submit proposals that close critical capability gaps in autonomous mobility, AI explainability, and logistics optimization. These challenges strengthen operational effectiveness in complex environments and support both military and civilian applications.

Army Challenges

Generalized Artificial Intelligence Explainability Tool for Object Detection: The Army seeks proposals to develop a standalone software tool that dissects deep neural net computer vision algorithms and explains object detection decisions in a user-friendly format. The tool must identify key features that lead to detections or missed detections and present those insights through simplified outputs such as heat maps or text descriptions.

Small businesses must ensure the tool operates on government workstations without requiring external connections and complies with Department of Defense cybersecurity standards. The software must support both expert-level analysis and non-expert interpretation, enabling broader understanding and trust in AI systems. Companies may build on existing open-source frameworks, such as DARPA’s XAITK Tool Kit, or develop new solutions that meet the Army’s timeline and performance goals.

• AI/ML | A254-041
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum 6 Months | $250,000 Per Award

Mechanics and Control of Autonomous Legged Robotic Systems in Mud: The Army seeks proposals to design and demonstrate a quadruped robot that maintains an average speed of eight body lengths per minute while traversing muddy terrain with leg intrusions up to 20% of leg length. The effort aims to deliver robust, adaptive locomotion in deformable environments, enabling future Army systems to operate in terrain that current technologies cannot navigate effectively.

Small businesses must develop a novel control architecture that integrates model predictive control, reinforcement learning, and proprioceptive feedback. The robot must complete a 10-body-length course and outperform at least one traditional baseline in both control and physical design. The effort emphasizes integration of multidisciplinary insights from robotics, geophysics, and data science to overcome suction, slippage, and terrain variability.

• AI/ML | A254-042
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum 6 Months | $250,000 Per Award

Predict, Optimize, Recommend, and Track for Adaptive Logistics: The Army requests proposals to develop a predictive logistics software platform that improves operational awareness and decision-making in complex environments. The system must track logistics assets in real time, forecast supply shortfalls, and recommend optimized resupply routes and resource allocations. Small businesses must design software to ingest data from systems such as the Joint Battle Command Platform and Global Combat Support System-Army and work on low-bandwidth devices without internet access.

The tool must follow Modular Open Systems Approach standards and feature an intuitive interface for visualizing logistics data and interacting with AI-generated recommendations. The Army will provide historical logistics data for training and expects the final product to support integration with programs of record. The software must support deliberate after-action reviews and iterative refinement based on user feedback.

• AI/ML | A254-045
• Direct to Phase II (Prototype)
• Maximum 18 Months | $2M Per Award

Army SBIR|STTR Submission Window

• Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): June 4 – July 9,2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): June 25 – July 23, 2025

Get Started

Visit the Army SBIR|STTR website and linked topic pages for more details. Submit proposals via the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal. You can also join our Reverse Pitch Event on June 17, 2025. Click here to register.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program

Army SBIR regularly opens funding opportunities, including Phase I awards for solutions that show commercial viability, technical soundness and feasibility. Companies with mature technologies that meet Phase I standards can advance to Phase II or apply directly for Direct to Phase II contracts. Army experts in technical, acquisition and operational fields guide businesses to align their innovations with the Army’s critical needs throughout the process.

Army STTR brings small businesses into the Army innovation ecosystem by partnering them with universities, federally funded research and development centers or qualified nonprofit research institutions. Small businesses serve as prime contractors and perform at least 40% of the work, while research partners complete at least 30%.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology drives innovation by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. ASA(ALT) equips Soldiers with the tools they need to maintain a decisive advantage in any environment. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.

Stay Updated

Subscribe to email updates or check back on the Army SBIR|STTR website. Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. For inquiries, contact us at the Army SBIR|STTR mailbox and the Army xTech mailbox.