Low-Altitude Passive Detection System

Low-Altitude Passive Detection System is sponsored by U.S. Army. Funding opportunity for developing passive detection systems for small unmanned aerial systems at low altitudes.

Army SBIR|STTR Launches $2M Funding Opportunity for Low-Altitude sUAS Detection – Army SBIR|STTR Program Army SBIR|STTR Launches $2M Funding Opportunity for Low-Altitude sUAS Detection By Daniel Smoot, Office of Army Innovation Programs WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army introduced a new sensor funding opportunity through its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR|STTR) Program.

Beginning in April 2025, the Low-Altitude Passive Detection System solicitation will help Soldiers passively detect and identify small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) at low altitudes and varying velocities. The Army aims to strengthen its capability to detect and respond to low altitude sUAS threats.

Current systems prioritize larger, higher altitude targets, which hinder efforts to detect multiple low altitude sUAS due to terrain, Earth’s curvature, and other obstructions. These constraints limit deployment flexibility with large, stationary designs and reduce advance warning for ground-based units.

To address these challenges, the Army needs cost-effective, modular, and lightweight solutions to enhance early warning capabilities for low-altitude threats. Proposed solutions must detect threats within a range of 0–6,000 feet above ground level and alert users within three minutes.

Designs should integrate seamlessly with air or ground platforms and the Army’s Tactical Assault Kit, using a modular open system approach to foster innovation and enable upgrades. Preferred solutions include onboard power with at least two weeks of operational duration, tamper-proof designs, and compatibility with sensors such as optical, infrared, acoustic, visual, or radio frequency technologies.

Proposals must support compatibility with Group 1 sUAS or tethered UAS payload interfaces. Phase: Direct to Phase II (Prototype Development) Performance Period: Maximum 24 Months Funding: Maximum $2 Million Per Award Army SBIR|STTR Submission Window Pre-Release Dates (Open Q&A Only): Apr. 2 – Apr.

23, 2025 Open Period (Proposal Submissions): Apr. 23 – May. 21, 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 integrates small businesses into the Army innovation ecosystem by coordinating with universities, federally funded research and development centers, or qualified non-profit research institutions. Small businesses serve as prime contractors, performing at least 40% of the work, while research partners complete 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)