By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army SBIR Program

The U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research Program released four contract opportunities in May targeting contested logistics, sustainment and sensor solutions.

Via the solicitations, the Army asks small and nontraditional vendors to submit proposals addressing critical technology needs. These include Advanced Miniature Mission Processors for Hyperspectral Applications; Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for Unmanned Aerial System Applications; Multisystem Mobile Corrosion Units; and Software Defined Radios.

Eligible small businesses must submit proposal packages through the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal. Interested small businesses can view descriptions of the Army SBIR contract opportunities below. For additional information, you can view the individual solicitation pages linked within the topic headings.

The pre-release date for each contract opportunity is May 14. The open submission window is between May 29 and July 2.

Advanced Miniature Mission Processors for Hyperspectral Applications

The Army wants to develop a mission processor prototype that meets the size, weight and power requirements needed to integrate into a variety of technologies across modernization programs. The onboard capabilities for payload command, control and processing often require large, custom solutions with high power and thermal management needs. To address these challenges, the computer must work with current Sensor Open System Architecture and Small Form-Factor standards.

Phase: Army SBIR Direct to Phase II

Performance Period: Up to 24 months

Forecasted Dollars: Up to $2 million

Miniaturization of Hyperspectral Sensors for UAS Applications

The Army seeks to develop a sensor prototype that matches the size, weight and power requirements needed for integration into technologies across modernization programs. Airborne hyperspectral imaging systems traditionally require heavy and complex optical components. These technologies are also power hungry with large ancillary hardware used to cool, calibrate and collect data. To improve existing systems, businesses should have internally calibrated, compact, passive and day/night-capable hyperspectral sensors.

Phase: Army SBIR Direct to Phase II

Performance Period: Up to 24 months

Forecasted Dollars: Up to $2 million

Multisystem Mobile Corrosion Unit

The Letterkenny Army Depot will deploy a mobile corrosion unit that offers laser ablation; corrosion preventative coating applications; cold sprays; plasma blasts; welding; sanders; blasters and all supporting equipment and power requirements. Vendors’ proposed deliverables must include a reliable supply chain for maintaining and replacing parts through normal wear and tear, and an operator training plan.

Phase: Army SBIR Phase I

Performance Period: Up to six months

Forecasted Dollars: Up to $250,000

Software-Defined Radio Head

The Army needs a radio-agonistic Software-Defined Radio Head System that can quickly adapt radio carrier frequencies within a diverse array of targeted-frequency bands via analog or digital conversion. This will give additional flexibility to the mission commander’s primary, alternate, contingency and emergency plans.

Phase: Army SBIR Direct to Phase II

Performance Period: Up to 12 months

Forecasted Dollars: Up to $2 million

About the Army SBIR Program

The Army SBIR Program provides Phase I contracts to small and nontraditional vendors with solutions that demonstrate commercial viability and technical merit. The program also offers Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to vendors with mature technologies capable of addressing Army challenges and receiving increased federal support.

The program will continue to promote new contract releases via topic announcements and email. We encourage you to follow U.S. Army SBIR|STTR on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn for the latest program announcements, updates and solicitation opportunities.

Please contact the U.S. Army SBIR mailbox if you have any questions.