Description:
OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy; Advanced Computing and Software; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Microelectronics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Renewable Energy Generation and Storage; Advanced Materials; Human-Machine Interfaces
OBJECTIVE:
xTechPrime is seeking novel, disruptive concepts and technology solutions with dual-use capabilities that can assist in tackling the Army’s current needs and apply to current Army concepts. The intent is to provide the Army with transformative technology solutions while enabling cost savings throughout the Army systems’ life cycle. Critical technology focus areas include Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML); Autonomy; Climate and Clean Technologies; Immersive/Wearables; and Sensors. See attached document on the Valid Eval registration page for a list of the top Army SBIR Transition Broker Team topic areas.
DESCRIPTION:
The U.S. Army would like to invite interested entities to participate in the xTechPrime competition, a forum for eligible small businesses and technology integrators to form teams in order to bring forward innovative technology solutions to solve current Army needs.
A technology integrator is defined for this competition as “any business outside of the selected small business in Part 1, who has directly worked with the U.S. government. They have experience managing at least one subcontractor and are responsible for ensuring that the work is completed as defined in the contract, this can include but is not limited to, other small businesses, Primes, and sole proprietors.”
The xTechPrime competition will challenge small businesses to work together in teams with technology integrators to submit their innovative solutions that contribute to the Army’s current modernization goals. xTechPrime will assist in driving innovation, ultimately delivering novel, and often overlooked, technologies to the Army. Through the xTechPrime competition, the Army is encouraging collaboration between small businesses and technology integrators by providing an opportunity to form teams to compete for non-dilutive cash prizes and, for the original small business submitters, the potential for a Direct to Phase II SBIR contract award.
The efforts described in this notice are being pursued under the authorities of 10 U.S.C. § 4025 (formerly 2374a) and 15 U.S.C. § 638 and 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (Prototype Projects) to award cash prizes and SBIRs to only those eligible entities as described in this announcement. The xTechPrime competition will serve as the proof-of-principle that is required to receive a Direct to Phase II SBIR award. While the authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTechPrime competition may generate interest by another DOD organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested DOD organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation.
PHASE I: This is a Direct to Phase II submission. In order for proposers to submit a Direct to Phase II (DP2) proposal, they must provide the justification documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described above has been met and describes the potential military and/or commercial applications. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results.
PHASE II: Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for further evaluation by the soldiers. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DOD and commercial markets.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6/7 and produce prototypes to support further development and commercialization. The Army will evaluate each product in a realistic field environment and provide small solutions to stakeholders for further evaluation. Based on soldier evaluations in the field, companies will be requested to update the previously delivered prototypes to meet final design configuration.
REFERENCES: https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/
KEYWORDS: logistics; supply chain; climate; xTech; xTechPrime; internet of things; information collection; data collection; sensing; communications; autonomy; artificial intelligence; sensors; AI/ML
