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

WASHINGTON – Clean energy storage and generation are core components in the U.S. Army’s clean technology open solicitation, an opportunity for innovative small businesses that do not normally compete for Small Business Innovation Research contracts to help meet the goals of the Army’s Climate Strategy.

Starting Sept. 14, the Army SBIR Program requests small and nontraditional businesses to submit proposals for its Energy Demand Reduction and Clean Energy Tech open solicitation. While the Army will accept proposals for a variety of clean-tech solutions, it will prioritize areas such as energy storage, clean energy, generation, micro-grid components, electric and hybrid electric transportation, and the charging of electric vehicles and equipment in harsh environments.

“Through this open solicitation, we can diversify the Army SBIR Program’s engagement with innovative small businesses and their leap-ahead clean technologies,” said Dr. Matt Willis, director of Army Prize Competitions and Army Applied SBIR Program. “Additionally, renewable solutions in these areas can contribute to the Department of Defense Climate Adaptation Plan, while also enhancing the effectiveness of critical combat equipment and platforms across operations.”

As part of the solicitation, the U.S. Army will require businesses to submit technical proposals and commercialization plans. Selected firms will demonstrate their technologies’ feasibility, technical readiness, and potential use-case for military applications and commercial markets.

Clean tech contract awards up to $1.9 million

The Army SBIR Program will select businesses to receive an Army SBIR Phase I contract worth up to $250,000 over a six-month performance period. The program will also award firms Direct to Phase II contracts valued up to $1.9 million each over an 18-month performance period.

The solicitation enters pre-release on Sept. 14 and ends on Sept. 27. Eligible small businesses can submit proposals between Sept. 28 and Oct. 31, noon Eastern Time. Applicants must submit proposal packages through the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal.

The Army SBIR Program offers Phase I contracts to small businesses and nontraditional vendors whose solutions offer technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential. The program awards Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to firms that can address Army needs and garner increased federal support to mature demonstration-ready solutions.

Small business selectees gain valuable access to technical, acquisition and operational subject matter experts. These specialists guide and inform businesses of the Army’s technological needs as the firms enter the Army research and development ecosystem. Companies can capitalize on collaborating with technical points of contact who serve as a resource for businesses while they mature their technologies for eventual insertion into Army acquisition programs.

The Army SBIR Program releases contract opportunities ad hoc to respond to current and anticipated warfighting technology needs. For eligibility information and a list of open topics, please visit the Army SBIR|STTR website.

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology leverages technologies and capabilities to provide U.S. 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.