By Anna Volkwine, Office of Army Prize Competitions and Army Applied SBIR Program

The U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research Program launched Phase I and Direct to Phase II contract opportunities prioritizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors. As a gateway to partnership, the Army asks small and nontraditional businesses to submit proposals for technology solutions in Autonomous Optical Sensors, or Novel Position, Navigation and Timing Signal Classification Techniques. Eligible applicants must submit proposal packages through the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal.

Interested vendors can view the contract opportunities, below, with a high-level description of each. For more in-depth information, navigate to the individual solicitation pages linked within the topic headings.

The pre-release date for each contract opportunity began March 5. The open submission window for each begins March 20 and ends April 23.

Autonomous Optical Sensors 

​​The Autonomous Optical Sensors solicitation requests vendors to develop a portable optical sensor that can capture high-definition, real-time imagery data during missile tests. The sensor will sit near a missile launcher during the launch or near the target to analyze the terminal phase of the flight. In coordination with Army experts, vendors will hold missile tests in remote locations that do not have proper test infrastructure available. The Autonomous Optical Sensor system will also incorporate several high-speed imaging cameras with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities that will help the sensor calibrate, manage and assist in accurate positioning.

• Forecasted Dollars and Time: Up to $250,000 | Phase I (Up to 6 months)

Novel Positioning, Navigation and Timing Signal Classification Techniques 

The Novel PNT Signal Classification Techniques solicitation asks vendors to develop the real-time capability to classify signals that impact navigation systems. Via the contract opportunity, the Army will better understand the types of signals experienced in relevant environments to appropriately apply mitigation techniques and minimize harm. Currently, navigation systems depend on radio frequency signals susceptible to interferences.

• Forecasted Dollars and Time: Up to $2 million | Direct to Phase II (Up to 24 months)

The Army SBIR Program offers Phase I contracts to small and nontraditional businesses whose solutions demonstrate commercial viability and technical merit. The program also provides Phase II and Direct to Phase II contracts to vendors addressing Army challenges with mature technologies capable of receiving 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 Army SBIR mailbox if you have any questions.