Phase I Open Call for Innovative Defense Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need

Phase I Open Call for Innovative Defense Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need is sponsored by Department of the Air Force (AFWERX). This is a Department of the Air Force (DAF) Open Topic in partnership with AFWERX, seeking technologies for transition into the United States Air Force.

Direct-to-Phase-II Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need Topic Number: AFX255-DPCSO1 Solicitation Number: X25. 5 CSO Solicitation Status: Closed NOTE: The Solicitations and topics listed on this site are copies from the various SBIR agency solicitations and are not necessarily the latest and most up-to-date.

For this reason, you should use the agency link listed below which will take you directly to the appropriate agency server where you can read the official version of this solicitation and download the appropriate forms and rules.

View Official Solicitation OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG); Trusted AI and Autonomy; Biotechnology; Advanced Computing and Software; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Directed Energy (DE); Hypersonics; Microelectronics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Quantum Science; Space Technology; Renewable Energy Generation and Storage; Advanced Materials; Human-Machine Interfaces; Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing; Combat Casualty Care; Emerging Threat Reduction; Military Infectious Diseases; Military Operational Medicine; Mission Readiness & Disaster Preparedness; Nuclear; Sustainment & Logistics OBJECTIVE: This Department of the Air Force (DAF) topic seeks technologies for transition into the United States Air Force (USAF).

This topic is offered in partnership with AFWERX. Primary objectives of this topic include exploring innovative technology solutions applicable to both defense and non-defense markets, scaling capability, and growing the industrial base for defense. This topic seeks companies with capability to prototype validated concepts under an accelerated Phase II schedule.

This topic is aimed at applied research and development efforts rather than “front-end” or basic Research (R)/Research & Development (R&D). DESCRIPTION: The DAF is a large and complex organization consisting of many functions, a vast majority of which have similar counterparts in the commercial sector. It is important that potential solutions have a high probability of keeping pace with technological change.

Thus, solutions should be closely tied to commercial technologies and solutions supporting the proposed development. This topic is meant for non-defense commercial solutions to be adapted to meet Air Force stakeholders' needs. Proposed technical solutions should focus on the characteristics outlined in the Evaluation Criteria section of this solicitation.

The topic is truly 'open' (agnostic of industry, technology, and problem area), but proposals for this topic should demonstrate a high probability of identifying a product-mission fit between a DAF stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution.

This is accomplished most effectively through a proposal with a mature non-defense technical solution and a clear understanding of its adaptation to meet a DAF customer's specific need, supported by documentation from a specific motivated, empowered DAF end-user, customer, and technical point of contact (TPOC) ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial.

Proposals should identify which of the seven (7) DAF Operational Imperatives (OI) the proposed solution addresses or otherwise reference "BLUE SKY" and include an explanation of the solution's ability to provide increased strategic capability within the context of AF, national, and global constraints. PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into Phase II.

Therefore, Phase I awards will not be made for this topic. The applicant is required to provide detail and documentation in the D2P2 proposal which demonstrates accomplishment of a “Phase I-type” effort, including a feasibility study. This includes determining, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of ideas appearing to have commercial potential.

It must have validated the product-mission fit between the proposed solution and a potential Air Force stakeholder. The applicant should have defined a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the DAF customer, end-user, and TPOC. The feasibility study should have: 1.

Clearly identified the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Air Force need(s). 2. Described the pathway to integrating with DAF operations, to include how the applicant plans to accomplish core technology development, navigate applicable regulatory processes, and integrate with other relevant systems and/or processes.

3. Describe if and how the solution can be used by other Department of Defense (DoD) or governmental customers. PHASE II: Proposals should include development, installation, integration, demonstration and/or test and evaluation of the proposed solution prototype system.

These activities should focus specifically on: 1. Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results. 2.

Describing in detail how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Air Force need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale. 3. Identifying the proposed solution's clear transition path, taking into account input from affected stakeholders, including but not limited to, end users, engineering, sustainment, contracting, finance, legal, and cyber security.

4. Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions. 5.

Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability. Identifying other specific DoD or governmental customers for the solution. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Some solutions may go from Phase II to Phase III as soon as the product-market fit is verified.

Potential Phase III awardees will transition to the adapted non-Defense commercial solution to provide expanded mission capability for a broad range of potential governmental and civilian users and alternate mission applications. NOTES: The Air Force may hold Ask Me Anything (AMA) webinars to answer applicant questions. For more information about the Ventures Webinar series, applicants may visit https://afwerx.

com/divisions/. AMAs and webinars will be held at the discretion of the Air Force and are subject to change.

Section seven (7) of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Extension Act of 2022 requires the DoD to establish innovation open topic activities in order to: (A) Increase the transition of commercial technology to the DoD; (B) Expand the small business non-traditional industrial base; (C) Increase commercialization derived from investments of the DoD; and (D) Expand the ability for qualifying small business concerns to propose technology solutions to meet the needs of the DoD.

Unlike conventional topics, which specify the desired technical objective and output, open topics can use generalized mission requirements or specific technology areas to adapt commercial products or solutions to close capability gaps, improve performance, or provide technological advancements in existing capabilities. 1. Fitzgerald, B.

, Sander, A. ; Parziale, J. (2016).

Future Foundry: A New Strategic Approach to Military- Technical Advantage. 2. Blank, S.

(2016). The Mission Model Canvas - An Adapted Business Model Canvas for Mission-Driven Organizations. 3.

US Department of Defense. (2018). 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary.

4. Chaplain, C. T.

(2016). Space Acquisitions: Challenges Facing DOD as it Changes Approaches to Space Acquisitions. US Government Accountability Office Washington United States.

5. Space Capstone Publication, Spacepower (SCP). (2020) KEYWORDS: Open; Other; Disruptive; Radical; Dual-Use; Commercial