Sensors, Army SBIR, Phase I
The xTech|Phantum Competition
Note: The topic listed below is part of the xTech|Phantum Prize Competition. See the full xTech|Phantum competition RFI here.
The U.S. Army is seeking innovative quantum sensor and photonics solutions from eligible small businesses across the U.S. through the xTech|Phantum competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Department of War (DoW), earn prize money and submit a Phase I Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal.
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) is partnering with the U.S. Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation (DAMI-ST) to deliver the xTech|Phantum competition. The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoW.
The xTech|Phantum competition will consist of three parts:
- Call for concept white papers;
- Final pitch event/technology showcase; and
- Opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal
The competition will award up to $200,000 in cash prizes to selected participants. Up to 16 finalists will receive a cash prize of $2,500 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in July 2026, at a Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) facility in Arizona. The Army intends to select up to eight (8) winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 each. Final winners of the competition may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 that should support proof-of-concept demonstrations with a period of performance not to exceed six (6) months.
While the authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTech|Phantum competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoW or United States Government (USG) organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation. Finalists of the prize competition may be invited to submit a separate proposal for further development of their proposed technology solution based on the needs of the Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly.
All xTech|Phantum competition submissions are treated as privileged information, and contents are disclosed to government employees or designated support contractors only for the purpose of evaluation and program support.
The xTech Program intends to provide feedback from evaluators to participants during each part of the competition. The purpose of providing this feedback is to help accelerate the transition of the technology to an Army end-user by providing insight into the best applications for the technology, suggestions for product improvement for Army use and recommended next steps for development. However, the Government may not respond to questions or inquiries regarding this feedback.
xTech|Phantum Competition Schedule and Prizes:
- April 15 – May 20, 2026: Part 1: Concept white paper submission period
- June 19, 2026: Competition finalists announced
- July 27-31, 2026: Part 2: Finals event
- July 31, 2026: Winners announced
- August 10-28, 2026: Army SBIR proposal submission period through DSIP
See the full xTech|Phantum competition RFI: https://xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechphantum/
Objective
The U.S. Army is interested in cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. The competition seeks white papers for research and development efforts to prove the feasibility and commercialization potential of technology solutions that fit within one of the following topics areas:
- Topic 1: Quantum Sensors and Quantum Clocks for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
- Topic 2: Quantum Radio Frequency Sensors
- Topic 3: Quantum Electromagnetic Sensors
- Topic 4: Photonics
Topic descriptions can be found in Appendix A of the RFI.
Description
xTech|Phantum will be used to identify small business concerns that meet the criteria for award. Winners selected from the xTech|Phantum prize competition will be the only firms eligible to submit a SBIR proposal under the topic listed above. Proposals submitted to the topic listed above by non-winners or non-participants of the xTech|Phantum competition will not be evaluated.
May 20, 2026: White paper submission deadline via link above.
Topic 1: Quantum Sensors and Quantum Clocks for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance and develop quantum sensor and quantum clock technologies that support non-GPS position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking innovative quantum sensors and quantum clocks to supplement existing GPS systems and provide alternative PNT functionality in the event of GPS failure or non-availability:
- Quantum sensors (e.g., inertial, magnetic, etc.) that enable accurate positioning information for ground vehicles, aircraft, and munitions navigation without requiring GPS.
- Quantum clocks that provide precise time references, improve time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) calculations, and enable reliable, non-GPS PNT solutions.
Topic 2: Quantum Radio Frequency Sensors
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance the development of quantum sensor technologies that can provide field-demonstrable alternatives to existing radio frequency (RF) antenna systems.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking novel radio frequency (RF) sensors leveraging quantum mechanics that provide wider access to the RF spectrum, more sensitive reception of signals, and greater flexibility in the size, weight and power (SWaP) compared to existing Army radio frequency (RF) systems. This topic intends to further develop these sensors with a focus on ruggedization (hardening for temperature and environmental conditions such as weather, dust, etc.) and miniaturization. Key application areas include:
- Ultra-wideband RF sensing, with the ability to cover exceedingly large frequency ranges (ELF-EHF) from a single antenna aperture without the need to change hardware.
- Ultra-sensitive RF sensing, with the ability to pull signals out of the noise floor of a loud RF environment or increase the range of detection of signals.
Topic 3: Quantum Electromagnetic Sensors
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance the development of quantum sensor technologies with a narrower frequency range for detection of low power, non-RF electromagnetic fields.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking quantum electromagnetic sensors outside of the radio frequency range that can augment use cases with narrower frequency ranges.
- Detection of low power static fields:
- Field sensors that can detect minute environmental anomalies, such as magnetic or gravitational disturbances, to identify subsurface, terrestrial, air and space vehicles (e.g., stealth aircraft, submersibles, etc.). Small, light, and low-power systems are preferable to enable sensors to be located on both aerial platforms (e.g., Group 1 and 2 UAS, High Altitude Balloon Systems, etc.) and ground platforms (e.g., vehicles, robots, etc.).
- Field sensors that can detect minute environmental anomalies, such as magnetic or gravitational disturbances, to identify hidden underground bunkers, tunnels, or resource caches. Small, light, and low-power systems are preferable to enable sensors to be located on both aerial platforms (e.g., Group 1 and 2 UAS, High Altitude Balloon Systems, etc.) and ground platforms (e.g., vehicles, robots, etc.).
- Detection of bioelectric activity in the human body: Small form factor electric field sensors that can measure electrical signals in the human body (e.g., electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms) accurately and quickly to augment field medicine.
Topic 4: Photonics
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance and develop innovative technologies that leverage photonics for secure, high-speed communication and data processing.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking advanced and scalable photonics components and systems to enhance mission-critical capabilities in communication and edge processing. Key application areas include:
- Secure, High-Bandwidth Communications:
- High-speed optical electronics for rapid, high-volume data transfer.
- Secure and resilient data links between assets (air-to-ground, ship-to-shore). Functionality through smoke, camouflage, and all weather is preferable, as well as resilience to electronic warfare attacks (e.g., jamming, interception). Data link range should reflect the targeted platform (e.g., 35km or less for Group 1 and 2 UAS, 1,000+km for high altitude platforms and jets, etc.).
- High-bandwidth line-of-sight communications for transferring large files. Functionality through smoke, camouflage, and all weather is preferable, as well as resilience to electronic warfare attacks (e.g., jamming, interception). Multiple applications are of interest:
- Transferring data from the edge to Battalion and Brigade headquarters at a range of 2-35km.
- Transferring data from brigade headquarters to Echelons above Corps at a range of 1,000+ km.
- Transferring data from on-the-move robots, vehicles, or aircraft traversing the battlefield to fixed sites at a range of 1,000+ km.
- Edge Processing & Computing:
- Photonic components or integrated circuits optimized for real-time, onboard analysis of sensor data at the point of collection, such as object recognition from hyperspectral video feeds and pre-processing of data on unmanned platforms. Applications of interest span multiple data types, from small microsensor outputs to large full motion video feeds.
- Photonic components that replace conventional RF electronics (e.g., in voice and data radios, SATCOM, RADAR) to reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) while increasing resilience and performance.
Phase I
This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit of $300,000 and a 6-month period of performance. Only winners of the xTech|Phantum competition are permitted to submit a phase I proposal for this topic.
Companies will complete a feasibility study that demonstrates the firm’s competitive technical advantage relative to other commercial products (if other products exist) and develop concept plans for how the company’s technology can be applied to Army modernization priority areas. Studies should clearly detail and identify a firm’s technology at both the individual component and system levels, provide supporting literature for technical feasibility, highlight existing performance data, showcase the technology’s application opportunities to a broad base of customers outside the defense space, a market strategy for the commercial space, how the technology directly addresses the Army’s modernization area as well as include a technology development roadmap to demonstrate scientific and engineering viability.
At the end of Phase I, the company will be required to provide a concept demonstration of their technology to demonstrate a high probability that continued design and development will result in a Phase II mature product.
Phase II
Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for further evaluation by the soldiers. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DOD and commercial markets.
Phase III
Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6/7 and produce prototypes to support further development and commercialization. The Army will evaluate each product in a realistic field environment and provide small solutions to stakeholders for further evaluation. Based on soldier evaluations in the field, companies will be requested to update the previously delivered prototypes to meet final design configuration.
Submission information
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil
References:
- https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/
- xTech|Phantum – xTechSearch
- KEYWORDS: Quantum Sensors; Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT); Radio Frequency (RF) Sensors; Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), Electromagnetic; UAS; Photonics
Note: The topic listed below is part of the xTech|Phantum Prize Competition. See the full xTech|Phantum competition RFI here.
The U.S. Army is seeking innovative quantum sensor and photonics solutions from eligible small businesses across the U.S. through the xTech|Phantum competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with the Department of War (DoW), earn prize money and submit a Phase I Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal.
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) is partnering with the U.S. Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation (DAMI-ST) to deliver the xTech|Phantum competition. The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoW.
The xTech|Phantum competition will consist of three parts:
- Call for concept white papers;
- Final pitch event/technology showcase; and
- Opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal
The competition will award up to $200,000 in cash prizes to selected participants. Up to 16 finalists will receive a cash prize of $2,500 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in July 2026, at a Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) facility in Arizona. The Army intends to select up to eight (8) winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 each. Final winners of the competition may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 that should support proof-of-concept demonstrations with a period of performance not to exceed six (6) months.
While the authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTech|Phantum competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoW or United States Government (USG) organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation. Finalists of the prize competition may be invited to submit a separate proposal for further development of their proposed technology solution based on the needs of the Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly.
All xTech|Phantum competition submissions are treated as privileged information, and contents are disclosed to government employees or designated support contractors only for the purpose of evaluation and program support.
The xTech Program intends to provide feedback from evaluators to participants during each part of the competition. The purpose of providing this feedback is to help accelerate the transition of the technology to an Army end-user by providing insight into the best applications for the technology, suggestions for product improvement for Army use and recommended next steps for development. However, the Government may not respond to questions or inquiries regarding this feedback.
xTech|Phantum Competition Schedule and Prizes:
- April 15 – May 20, 2026: Part 1: Concept white paper submission period
- June 19, 2026: Competition finalists announced
- July 27-31, 2026: Part 2: Finals event
- July 31, 2026: Winners announced
- August 10-28, 2026: Army SBIR proposal submission period through DSIP
See the full xTech|Phantum competition RFI: https://xtech.army.mil/competition/xtechphantum/
Objective
The U.S. Army is interested in cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. The competition seeks white papers for research and development efforts to prove the feasibility and commercialization potential of technology solutions that fit within one of the following topics areas:
- Topic 1: Quantum Sensors and Quantum Clocks for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
- Topic 2: Quantum Radio Frequency Sensors
- Topic 3: Quantum Electromagnetic Sensors
- Topic 4: Photonics
Topic descriptions can be found in Appendix A of the RFI.
Description
xTech|Phantum will be used to identify small business concerns that meet the criteria for award. Winners selected from the xTech|Phantum prize competition will be the only firms eligible to submit a SBIR proposal under the topic listed above. Proposals submitted to the topic listed above by non-winners or non-participants of the xTech|Phantum competition will not be evaluated.
May 20, 2026: White paper submission deadline via link above.
Topic 1: Quantum Sensors and Quantum Clocks for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT)
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance and develop quantum sensor and quantum clock technologies that support non-GPS position, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking innovative quantum sensors and quantum clocks to supplement existing GPS systems and provide alternative PNT functionality in the event of GPS failure or non-availability:
- Quantum sensors (e.g., inertial, magnetic, etc.) that enable accurate positioning information for ground vehicles, aircraft, and munitions navigation without requiring GPS.
- Quantum clocks that provide precise time references, improve time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) calculations, and enable reliable, non-GPS PNT solutions.
Topic 2: Quantum Radio Frequency Sensors
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance the development of quantum sensor technologies that can provide field-demonstrable alternatives to existing radio frequency (RF) antenna systems.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking novel radio frequency (RF) sensors leveraging quantum mechanics that provide wider access to the RF spectrum, more sensitive reception of signals, and greater flexibility in the size, weight and power (SWaP) compared to existing Army radio frequency (RF) systems. This topic intends to further develop these sensors with a focus on ruggedization (hardening for temperature and environmental conditions such as weather, dust, etc.) and miniaturization. Key application areas include:
- Ultra-wideband RF sensing, with the ability to cover exceedingly large frequency ranges (ELF-EHF) from a single antenna aperture without the need to change hardware.
- Ultra-sensitive RF sensing, with the ability to pull signals out of the noise floor of a loud RF environment or increase the range of detection of signals.
Topic 3: Quantum Electromagnetic Sensors
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance the development of quantum sensor technologies with a narrower frequency range for detection of low power, non-RF electromagnetic fields.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking quantum electromagnetic sensors outside of the radio frequency range that can augment use cases with narrower frequency ranges.
- Detection of low power static fields:
- Field sensors that can detect minute environmental anomalies, such as magnetic or gravitational disturbances, to identify subsurface, terrestrial, air and space vehicles (e.g., stealth aircraft, submersibles, etc.). Small, light, and low-power systems are preferable to enable sensors to be located on both aerial platforms (e.g., Group 1 and 2 UAS, High Altitude Balloon Systems, etc.) and ground platforms (e.g., vehicles, robots, etc.).
- Field sensors that can detect minute environmental anomalies, such as magnetic or gravitational disturbances, to identify hidden underground bunkers, tunnels, or resource caches. Small, light, and low-power systems are preferable to enable sensors to be located on both aerial platforms (e.g., Group 1 and 2 UAS, High Altitude Balloon Systems, etc.) and ground platforms (e.g., vehicles, robots, etc.).
- Detection of bioelectric activity in the human body: Small form factor electric field sensors that can measure electrical signals in the human body (e.g., electroencephalograms and electrocardiograms) accurately and quickly to augment field medicine.
Topic 4: Photonics
Topic Objective: The objective of this topic is to advance and develop innovative technologies that leverage photonics for secure, high-speed communication and data processing.
Topic Description: The Army is seeking advanced and scalable photonics components and systems to enhance mission-critical capabilities in communication and edge processing. Key application areas include:
- Secure, High-Bandwidth Communications:
- High-speed optical electronics for rapid, high-volume data transfer.
- Secure and resilient data links between assets (air-to-ground, ship-to-shore). Functionality through smoke, camouflage, and all weather is preferable, as well as resilience to electronic warfare attacks (e.g., jamming, interception). Data link range should reflect the targeted platform (e.g., 35km or less for Group 1 and 2 UAS, 1,000+km for high altitude platforms and jets, etc.).
- High-bandwidth line-of-sight communications for transferring large files. Functionality through smoke, camouflage, and all weather is preferable, as well as resilience to electronic warfare attacks (e.g., jamming, interception). Multiple applications are of interest:
- Transferring data from the edge to Battalion and Brigade headquarters at a range of 2-35km.
- Transferring data from brigade headquarters to Echelons above Corps at a range of 1,000+ km.
- Transferring data from on-the-move robots, vehicles, or aircraft traversing the battlefield to fixed sites at a range of 1,000+ km.
- Edge Processing & Computing:
- Photonic components or integrated circuits optimized for real-time, onboard analysis of sensor data at the point of collection, such as object recognition from hyperspectral video feeds and pre-processing of data on unmanned platforms. Applications of interest span multiple data types, from small microsensor outputs to large full motion video feeds.
- Photonic components that replace conventional RF electronics (e.g., in voice and data radios, SATCOM, RADAR) to reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) while increasing resilience and performance.
Phase I
This topic is accepting Phase I submissions for a cost limit of $300,000 and a 6-month period of performance. Only winners of the xTech|Phantum competition are permitted to submit a phase I proposal for this topic.
Companies will complete a feasibility study that demonstrates the firm’s competitive technical advantage relative to other commercial products (if other products exist) and develop concept plans for how the company’s technology can be applied to Army modernization priority areas. Studies should clearly detail and identify a firm’s technology at both the individual component and system levels, provide supporting literature for technical feasibility, highlight existing performance data, showcase the technology’s application opportunities to a broad base of customers outside the defense space, a market strategy for the commercial space, how the technology directly addresses the Army’s modernization area as well as include a technology development roadmap to demonstrate scientific and engineering viability.
At the end of Phase I, the company will be required to provide a concept demonstration of their technology to demonstrate a high probability that continued design and development will result in a Phase II mature product.
Phase II
Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for further evaluation by the soldiers. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DOD and commercial markets.
Phase III
Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6/7 and produce prototypes to support further development and commercialization. The Army will evaluate each product in a realistic field environment and provide small solutions to stakeholders for further evaluation. Based on soldier evaluations in the field, companies will be requested to update the previously delivered prototypes to meet final design configuration.
Submission information
For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
SBIR|STTR Help Desk: usarmy.sbirsttr@army.mil
References:
- https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/
- xTech|Phantum – xTechSearch
- KEYWORDS: Quantum Sensors; Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT); Radio Frequency (RF) Sensors; Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), Electromagnetic; UAS; Photonics