By Daniel Smoot, Army Innovation Programs Office

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army launched new funding opportunities through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program to strengthen logistics and electronics capabilities. The program calls on companies to develop a propulsion-equipped Long-Range Joint Precision Airdrop System that can extend aerial resupply missions in contested environments. At the same time, the Army is seeking additive manufacturing solutions to address electronics obsolescence by enabling rapid circuit repair and custom component fabrication. These efforts aim to boost operational readiness and support both military and humanitarian missions.

Army Challenge

Additive Manufacturing for Circuitry: The Army SBIR|STTR Program seeks proposals to develop advanced additive manufacturing solutions that address circuit obsolescence in military systems. Military systems face up to 70% electronics obsolescence before deployment, creating an urgent need for rapid circuit repair and replacement. Businesses will enhance machine controller software to improve the performance and efficiency of printed microelectronics machines used for custom circuit fabrication and component restoration. Firms will also integrate open-source software, evaluate hardware and build modules that support automated circuit detection and repair. Interested businesses should submit proposals to advance this scalable, machine-agnostic solution for defense and broader electronics manufacturing.

• Contested Logistics & Sustainment | A254-043
• Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Maximum 6 Months | $250,000 Per Award

Long-Range Joint Precision Airdrop System: The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering seeks proposals to develop a propulsion-equipped LR JPADS that extends its range from 15 to between 150 and 250 nautical miles. The effort aims to support low-cost, long-range aerial resupply in anti-access and area-denial environments. Proposals must demonstrate a prototype propulsion unit integrated with the JPADS 2K variant and show how the design scales to the JPADS 10K system. The prototype must carry at least 700 pounds and use an existing engine, focusing on integration rather than invention. The system supports military and commercial missions, including humanitarian aid, wildfire resupply, and remote data collection.

• Contested Logistics & Sustainment | A254-044
• Direct to Phase II (Prototype)
• Maximum 18 Months | $2 million 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 releases funding opportunities, including Phase I awards for solutions that demonstrate 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.