xTech Waveform SBIR Challenge

By Kathryn Bailey, PEO C3T Public AffairsMarch 18, 2021

The xTech SBIR Waveform Challenge seeks a standardized radio hardware architecture that would enable third-party  waveform developers to easily develop and integrate new waveforms to a software-defined radio.
The xTech SBIR Waveform Challenge seeks a standardized radio hardware architecture that would enable third-party waveform developers to easily develop and integrate new waveforms to a software-defined radio. (Photo Credit: xTech Waveform Challenge graphic.) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md (March 18, 2021) – The Program Executive Office for Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) has released a competition announcement under the xTech Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Waveform Challenge to enhance waveform porting capabilities.

The solution sought is for a hardware and/or software capability that provides an open architecture to enable third party, or non-original radio equipment manufacturers, to easily develop and integrate new waveforms onto software-defined radios. This architecture will enhance waveform innovation across the DOD by eliminating the need for proprietary hardware and software by a single vendor.

xTechSearch is a competition sponsored by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)), designed to incentivize small businesses to introduce innovative, viable technology concepts that tackle the

Army's most critical modernization challenges.

“We are excited to team with xTechSearch to help identify an innovative solution for porting waveforms to software-defined radios,” said Lt. Col. Sherida Whindleton, product manager for Waveforms, part of Project Manager Tactical Radios, assigned to PEO C3T. “By harnessing the power of healthy competition amongst small businesses, our intent is to identify unique technological solutions for the Army’s expanding waveform requirements.”

The process of this competition will consist of three parts: request for white papers, technology presentations and request for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposals.

Selected concept white papers will receive $10k each of prize money, and will have an opportunity to participate in part two’s technology pitch phase to an Army panel. Part 2 winners will receive $50k each in prize money and will be invited to submit either a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or a Direct to Phase II (D2PhII) proposal to prototype their proposed technology innovations for Part 3.

All participants must qualify as a US-based small business and meet eligibility requirements for Small Business Ownership and Control. The Army xTech program awards all prize money, and all SBIR contract awards are awarded through the Army SBIR program.

xTech SBIR Waveform Challenge white papers are due by 08:00 AM EST April 13, 2021.

https://www.arl.army.mil/xtechsearch/competitions/xtechSBIRWaveform.html