By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army introduced a new sensor funding opportunity through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR|STTR) Program. Beginning in April 2025, the Low-Altitude Passive Detection System solicitation will help Soldiers passively detect and identify small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) at low altitudes and varying velocities.

Army Challenge

The Army aims to strengthen its capability to detect and respond to low altitude sUAS threats. Current systems prioritize larger, higher altitude targets, which hinder efforts to detect multiple low altitude sUAS due to terrain, Earth’s curvature, and other obstructions. These constraints limit deployment flexibility with large, stationary designs and reduce advance warning for ground-based units. To address these challenges, the Army needs cost-effective, modular, and lightweight solutions to enhance early warning capabilities for low-altitude threats.

Proposed solutions must detect threats within a range of 0–6,000 feet above ground level and alert users within three minutes. Designs should integrate seamlessly with air or ground platforms and the Army’s Tactical Assault Kit, using a modular open system approach to foster innovation and enable upgrades. Preferred solutions include onboard power with at least two weeks of operational duration, tamper-proof designs, and compatibility with sensors such as optical, infrared, acoustic, visual, or radio frequency technologies. Proposals must support compatibility with Group 1 sUAS or tethered UAS payload interfaces.

• Funding Area: Sensors
• Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development)
• Performance Period: Maximum 24 Months
• Funding: Maximum $2 Million Per Award
• Topic Number: A254-027

Army SBIR|STTR Submission Window

• Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): Apr. 2 – Apr. 23, 2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): Apr. 23 – May. 21, 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.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program 

Army SBIR actively releases funding opportunities, including Phase I funding for commercially viable, feasible, and technically sound solutions. Firms with mature technologies that meet Phase I requirements can progress to Phase II or begin directly with 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.

The Army STTR integrates small businesses into the Army innovation ecosystem by coordinating with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions. Small businesses serve as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work, while research partners complete at least 30%.

ASA(ALT) leverages innovative technologies to give Soldiers a decisive advantage in any environment by developing, acquiring, fielding and sustaining the world’s finest equipment and services. For more information, visit the ASA(ALT) web page and follow @ArmyASAALT.

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