Army SBIR|STTR Unveils $250K AI/ML Decision-Support Funding Opportunity

Army SBIR|STTR Unveils $250K AI/ML Decision-Support Funding Opportunity is sponsored by U.S. Army. Seeks innovative Context-Aware Decision Support tools leveraging generative AI to enhance military planning and decision-making.

Army SBIR|STTR unveils $250K AI/ML decision-support funding opportunity – Army SBIR|STTR Program Army SBIR|STTR unveils $250K AI/ML decision-support funding opportunity 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. 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).

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 Visit the Army SBIR|STTR website and linked topic pages for more details. Submit proposals via the Defense SBIR|STTR Innovation Portal .

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 .

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology ASA(ALT) releases contract opportunities on an ad-hoc basis to meet Army research and development needs. Army Futures Command (AFC) releases topics during three specific solicitation periods throughout the fiscal year to address the Army’s current and anticipated war-fighting technology needs.

Army STTR follows AFC’s topic release schedule but partners with a university, federally funded research and development center, or a qualified non-profit research institution as part of their contract. Is the opportunity to establish the scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of your proposed innovation. Is focused on the development, demonstration and delivery of your innovation from Phase I.

Represents the commercialization phase of the program in which the company can market their products or services developed in Phase II, either to the government or in the commercial sector. Allows small businesses to submit to Direct to Phase II applications if they performed the Phase I research through other funding sources. Provides funding to projects that require additional funding during their open Phase II contract.

A Phase II Awardee may receive one additional, sequential Phase II award to continue the work of an initial Phase II award. The sequential Phase II award has the same guideline amounts and limits as an initial Phase II award.

Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (supply chain management, logistics coordination, target identifications and simulation) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (additive manufacturing) Autonomy (unmanned systems, drones, ground vehicle capabilities) Chemical and Biological (detection, defense) Cyber (biometric authentication, secure communications) Electronics (microelectronics, Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI)) Electronic Warfare (jamming, spoofing) Human Performance (wearables) Immersive (augmented reality, virtual reality, mixed reality) Network Technologies (antennas, radio frequency, communications systems) Position, Navigation, and Timing (GPS) Power (batteries, generators) Software Modernization (high performance computing, data management and visualization) Sensors (infrared sensing) Weapons Systems (hypersonics, munitions and projectiles, directed energy)