This is an Air Force SBIR/STTR contract topic for US small businesses (500 or fewer employees) developing low-cost, low-altitude drone detection sensors for permanent base defense. It is for defense-tech hardware and software firms that can build sensors detecting non-RF-emitting drones and integrate with Air Force C2 systems like Medusa. Nonprofits and businesses outside sensor, radar, or defense technology should not bother applying.
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Technology & SoftwareMatches your industry (sbir, sttr) | 74 |
| Energy & Clean TechLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 54 |
| Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 54 |
| Transportation & LogisticsMatches your industry (transit) | 52 |
| Housing & Real EstateLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 48 |
| Food & BeverageLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 46 |
| Industry | Estimated fit |
|---|---|
| Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 45 |
| Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 45 |
| ManufacturingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 44 |
| Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 42 |
| Finance & BankingLimit: Primarily for minority-owned businesses | 41 |
| Arts & CultureLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants. | 0 |
| Education & TrainingLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants. | 0 |
| Environment & ConservationLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants. | 0 |
| Social Services & NonprofitLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants. | 0 |
These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.
Air Force SBIR/STTR contract topic for US small businesses (500 or fewer employees) to develop low-cost, low-altitude drone detection sensors for permanent base defense. Sensors must recognize non-RF-emitting 'dark' drones, fuse data into single tracks, support remote/API control, and integrate with Medusa or other AF C2 systems.
This DAF focused open topic seeks C-sUAS detect options for transition into the USAF and USSF, specifically supporting AFLCMC/ES and the JIATF 401 marketplace. This effort seeks low-cost detection and recognition sensors to be configured as a perimeter network for early warning of low-flying drones. The sensors must be able to operate in cluttered environments and recognize non-RF emitting "dark" drones (distinguishing drone vs. not a drone). It must integrate data from all sensors at a node into a single track, providing at least the target's heading along with the absolute location of the detecting node. The system must feature remote node control and be fully controllable via external API commands. The system must be able to integrate into the Medusa C2 or other AF directed C2. Solutions are strictly for permanent base defense applications; therefore, strict SWaP (size and weight) limitations do not apply, and systems can rely on direct or off-grid permanent power.
Program: SBIR, Phase I and Phase II Agency: Department of War, Air Force Topic number: DAF26BX06-DP027 Solicitation: 26.BX Released September 2, 2026; proposals accepted from September 23, 2026 Closes October 21, 2026. Check the official solicitation for the exact due time. Award type: contract, not a grant. Official solicitation: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ Listed on SBIR.gov: https://www.sbir.gov/topics/13011. SBIR.gov copies agency solicitations and can lag behind them; the official solicitation is the final word.
Small businesses only: a for-profit US business with 500 or fewer employees, including affiliates.
More than 50% owned and controlled by US citizens or permanent residents (some agencies also accept majority ownership by venture capital, hedge fund or private equity firms; the solicitation says).
SBIR: the principal investigator is primarily employed by the business. STTR: the business partners with a US nonprofit research institution or university, which does at least 30% of the work.
Registered in SAM.gov before submitting.
Check the official solicitation for its own conditions, proposal limits and security review.
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