By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs, including xTech  and the Army SBIR|STTR Program

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army introduced a new funding opportunity for artificial intelligence and machine learning through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program. Starting in March 2025, the Context-Aware Decision Support solicitation will enhance commanders’ decision-making capabilities by using cutting-edge innovations from the private sector.

Army Challenge

Commanders currently encounter overwhelming amounts of data, which slows decision-making and increases the risk of errors. Existing tools assist but often demand additional effort to interpret. The Army seeks to address these challenges by developing innovative Context-Aware Decision Support tools that leverage generative AI to combine and summarize real-time data, enhancing military planning and decision-making.

These tools will securely gather and process data, providing commanders with clear, concise summaries to predict threats, adjust plans, and make confident decisions. This approach will also improve training outcomes and ensures mission success. The project aligns with the Army’s initiative to explore and integrate advanced AI technologies, including Large Language Models (e.g., COA-GPT, SmartBook).

• Funding Area: AI/ML
• Phase: Phase I (Feasibility Study)
• Performance Period: Maximum 6 Months
• Funding: Maximum $250,000 Per Award
• Topic Number: A25D-007 | A254-024

Army SBIR|STTR Submission Window

• Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): Mar. 5 – Mar. 25, 2025
• Open Period (Proposal Submissions): Mar. 26 – Apr. 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.

About the Army SBIR|STTR Program

The Army SBIR|STTR Program’s SBIR portfolio continuously releases funding opportunities, including Phase I funding for commercially viable, feasible, and technically sound solutions. Firms with mature technologies meeting Phase I requirements can advance to Phase II or Direct to Phase II contracts. Throughout the process, technical, acquisition, and operational Army experts guide businesses to align their innovations with the Army’s critical needs.

The Army STTR portfolio integrates small businesses in the Army innovation ecosystem by partnering them with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions, with small businesses as the prime contractors. Small businesses must act as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work while research partners perform 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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