Software Modernization is a grant topic under the U.S. Army SBIR/STTR Program that funds small businesses developing advanced computing and cybersecurity technologies for military applications. Key areas include high-performance computing, data management and visualization, User and Entity Behavior Analysis (UEBA) for Zero Trust network security, drone swarm detection using neural networks, and AI-driven reconnaissance analytics.

Army Futures Command releases solicitations during three specific periods each fiscal year. Phase I awards establish feasibility, Phase II advances development, and Phase III covers commercialization. Direct to Phase II is available for businesses with prior relevant research.

Eligible applicants are U.S.-based small businesses meeting SBA size standards.

Software Modernization – Army SBIR|STTR Program high performance computing, data management and visualization Algorithms for Modular Remote Expendable Sensor Array Maneuver elements require situational understanding of adversary actions and the threat conditions in their areas of operation.

Friendly forces appreciate limited remote sensing capabilities for remote targeting of adversary assets and chemical hazard threats along routes, zones, and areas of interest throughout their battlespace.

Arctic Small-Unmanned Aerial System Automatic Ground Control Point Processing for Terrain Modeling Businesses must develop and validate an automatic Ground Control Point methodology for orthomosaic, while providing advancements in object identification and mapping (KAZE algorithms2) for multiscale feature detection.

Drone Swarm Detection Using Artificial Intelligence Based on Ultrafast Neural Networks The Army wants drone swarm detection using artificial intelligence. Businesses should develop neural network architecture and learning processing algorithms for drone identification based on ultra-fast neural networks with low power consumption.

User and Entity Behavior Analysis This User and Entity Behavioral Analysis will streamline authentication to the network and services while transparently securing mission-critical services, such as warfighting applications, through granular, role-based access controls. This UEBA solution may enable the implementation of the Army’s Zero Trust Architecture while improving the tactical network’s cybersecurity posture.

Large-Scale Mobilization Operations Analysis The U.S. Army Reserve recognizes and seeks to identify challenges throughout the mobilization process to create efficiencies and better support the needs of combatant commanders. The USAR must mobilize and equip Soldiers quickly to support combatant commanders worldwide in the event of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) through Large-Scale Mobilization Operations.

DEEP-BIM: Dynamic Enhanced Environment Perception – Building Information Models The proposed topic is a Direct-to-Phase-II effort to develop and integrate advanced building model generation capabilities into the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Edge-Enhanced Mapping and Positioning System (E2MAPS) program. Digital Erasure of Sensitive FPGA Systems Modern and future battlefields will see increasing use of automated platforms.

However, single-use, leave-behind or unattended U.S. military systems require sufficient protection against hardware and software components from reverse engineering. Currently, there is not yet a cost-effective or adequate solution for this requirement. Open Source, High Assurance Hardware and Software Co-Design Current generation aviation systems were not developed with strong computer security requirements.

Past cyber threats, Spectre, Meltdown, current cyber treats, and future cyber treats need to be countered. Real-Time Analytics for Engineer Reconnaissance This topic focuses the development of analytical tools for processing tactical sensor data to automate engineer reconnaissance functions.

Army engineers possess capabilities to acquire reconnaissance data from a suite of sensors housed in the Instrument Set, Reconnaissance and Surveying Toolkit (ENFIRE). 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)