US Army announces latest opportunities for small-business innovators

By Michael HowardApril 12, 2021

The U.S. Army is looking for the most innovative solutions from small businesses in advanced manufacturing, AI/ML, hypersonics, advanced materials and network.
The U.S. Army is looking for the most innovative solutions from small businesses in advanced manufacturing, AI/ML, hypersonics, advanced materials and network. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON, DC (April 1, 2021) – The U.S. Army is looking for the most innovative solutions from small businesses in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), hypersonics, advanced materials and network.

The Army Applied Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program released 28 contract opportunities for U.S.-based small businesses to tackle challenges in some of the Army’s most critical modernization priorities. Phase I awards are nearly $260,000 and six months in duration, and Phase II are up to $1.7 million and 18 months in duration.

“Partnering with our small businesses is critical in helping us to develop innovative technology to support the Army and our Soldiers,” says Dr. Matt Willis, Director, Army Applied SBIR and Prize Competitions in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology (DASA (R&T)). “These crucial partnerships not only foster, strengthen and encourage the roles of small businesses, but also help us modernize our world-class Army and transition life-saving technology into the hands of our Soldiers.”

To capitalize on small-business innovation and respond to the most urgent Defense and Army modernization needs, the Army Applied SBIR Program will release contract opportunities on an ad hoc, rolling basis. This flexibility and timeliness for emerging needs seeks to maximize the initial cash-flow for small businesses while minimizing the time to contract.

The Applied SBIR program aims to help small businesses overcome the inherent challenges they face when engaging in government research and development compared to their larger counterparts. The awards offer a unique opportunity for small businesses to interact with Army Soldiers and technical subject matter experts, as well as receive feedback on their technology maturation.

“The Army Applied SBIR Program focuses on leveraging the best innovation in the world to meet the Army and our Soldiers’ unique needs,” Willis said. “In our program, we connect Army Soldiers and technical and operational subject matter experts with small businesses to provide insight into unique Army technology needs and guide those small businesses through the Army research and development ecosystem.”

The pre-release period for the topics begins April 1 and ends April 13. During that time, companies can submit questions to the DSIP Portal and via email. The official submission period for proposals opens April 14 and closes May 18 at noon EST. Full proposal packages must be submitted through the DSIP Portal.

Phase I releases comprise 27 of the 28 Army Applied SBIR topics:

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Impact Resistant Baseplate
  • Digital High-Energy Neutron Radiography (NR) Detection Panel
  • Development of Novel Miniature Reserve Batteries on the Chip
  • Large Format Color Low Light Level (LLL) Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs)
  • Full Color, Low Power, High Brightness Micro-Display Capabilities
  • Picatinny Smart Rail (PSR) Enabler Integration
  • Environmental Conditioning of Man-Portable Weapons Systems

AI/ML

  • Behavioristic Electromagnetic Spectrum Assessment General Learning Engine (BEAGLE)
  • Advanced GPS-Based Minefield Detection/Clearance System
  • Stationary Target Indicator Waveforms for Theoretical Active Electronically Scanned Array Antenna
  • Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Full Motion Video (FMV) Enhancement
  • Pandemic Entry & Automated Control Environment (PEACE)
  • Recognition Biometric Camera System
  • Biometric Data Cleansing
  • Correlation of Detected Objects from Multiple Sensor Platforms
  • Multi-Spectrum Combat Identification Target Silhouette (MCITS)
  • Immersive Gaming of C5ISR Training and Testing
  • CTA Track/Discrim Improvements for Advanced Threats
  • Q-53 Long Range Artillery Guidance
  • TPQ-53 Managed Comms/Radar Functionality
  • Threat/Target Sensor Stimulation Technology

Hypersonics

  • Dynamic Hartmann Turbulence Sensor Processing
  • Risk Assessment Modeling Tool (RAMoT)

Materials

  • Metamaterial Based Antenna
  • Wide Bandgap Bi-Directional Converter
  • Enhanced Impact Protection HGU-56P Aviator Helmet
  • Advanced Thermal Management Systems

This round includes one Direct to Phase II release:

Network 

  • Dismounted Device-to-Device (D2D) Communication Platform

About ASA(ALT)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition, Logistics & Technology) provides the American Soldier with a decisive advantage in any mission by developing, acquiring, fielding, and sustaining the world's finest equipment and services; and by leveraging technologies and capabilities to meet current and future Army needs.