Topic

OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas: Advanced Computing and Software; Advanced Materials; Biotechnology; Directed Energy (DE); Energy Resilience; Future Generation Wireless Technology (FutureG); Human-Machine Interfaces; Hypersonics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Microelectronics; Quantum Science; Space Technology; Trusted AI and Autonomy USSF Commercial Space Strategy Mission Areas: Space Domain Awareness (SDA); Satellite Communications (SATCOM); Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) – hereafter referred to as Tactical, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT); Space-based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM); Cyberspace Operations; Command and Control (C2); and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Objectives: This DAF topic seeks technologies for transition into the United States Space Force (USSF). This topic is offered in partnership with SpaceWERX. This topic seeks innovative, commercial technologies proposed to create new Space Force solutions or potential new capabilities fulfilling requirements, closing capability gaps, or providing potential technological advancements. The topic is seeking varying technical/scientific approaches and/or varying and new technologies for transition into the USSF. This topic may result in the award of prototype projects, which include not only commercially available technologies fueled by commercial or strategic investment, but also concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities improving commercial technologies, existing Government-owned capabilities, or concepts for broad Defense applications. The Government reserves the right to award a contract or an Other Transactions for any purpose, to include a prototype, under this topic. This program solicitation is intended for information purposes and reflects current planning. If there is any inconsistency between the information contained herein and the terms of any resulting SBIR/STTR Funding Agreement, the terms of the Funding Agreement are controlling. 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 complete a feasibility study and prototype-validated concepts under accelerated Phase I and Phase II schedules. 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 Space 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 Space Force stakeholder and the proposed adaptation of the non-defense commercial solution. According to the USSF Commercial Space Strategy, there are eight (8) mission areas considered for commercial support: Space Domain Awareness (SDA); Satellite Communications (SATCOM); Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics (SAML); Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) – hereafter referred to as Tactical, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT); Space-based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM); Cyberspace Operations; Command and Control (C2); and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT). Additionally, the USSF will seek hybrid solutions for Space Mission Enablers, those functions that span multiple missions and are fundamental to conducting space operations. Although the USSF also performs missile warning, combat power projection, electromagnetic warfare, and nuclear detonation (NUDET) detection, the USSF is not currently seeking commercial support for these missions. Additional information on the USSF Commercial Space Strategy can be found at https://www.spaceforce.mil/Portals/2/Documents/Space%20Policy/USSF_Commercial_Space_Strategy.pdf. Additionally, it is possible for a solution to provide a capability in a previously unconsidered area. Therefore, if an applicant feels its solution does not fit within one of the listed capabilities, it can reference the “BLUE SKY” category, including an explanation of the solution’s ability to provide increased strategic capability within the context of Air Force, Space Force, national, and global constraints. As applicable, the applicant should address the category(ies) to which the solution aligns in the Technical Volume. Proposals should identify which of the OUSD(R&E) Critical Technology Areas and USSF Commercial Space Strategy Mission Areas 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 USSF, national, and global constraints. Phase I: Determine, 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 Space Force stakeholder. Define a clear, immediately actionable plan with the proposed solution and the USSF customer, end-user, and TPOC. The feasibility study should: Clearly identify the potential stakeholders of the adapted solution for solving the Space Force need(s). Describe the pathway to integrating with USSF 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. 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: Evaluating the adapted solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results. Describing, in detail, how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Space Force need(s), as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e., modified for scale. 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. Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions. 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 I 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. References: United States Space Force. (2024). Commander’s Strategic Guidance. United States Department of Defense. (2023). National Defense Science & Technology Strategy 2023. United States Department of Defense. (2022). 2022 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary. Keywords: Open; Other; Disruptive; Radical; Dual-Use; Commercial