This solicitation closed on June 3, 2026
View current Department of Defense opportunities →Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
AI Overview
This SBIR seeks an AI-powered navigation tool integrating satellite imagery, ship sensors, and ice forecasts to optimize Arctic route planning. The system addresses dangerous, manual ice navigation processes by providing automated 12-96 hour sea ice forecasts and tailored routing options based on vessel specifications.
This summary is AI-generated from the official solicitation.
Key Details
Official Description
Recent trends of warming in the Arctic have led to a steady decrease in the extent of multi-year sea ice, a corresponding increase in seasonal sea ice, and an overall lengthening of the navigable season [Refs 1, 2], thereby making the Arctic increasingly open to maritime traffic. Vessels operating in and near sea ice must make navigation decisions that balance the capabilities of the ship with the objectives of their voyage. Such route planning is complicated by the dynamic nature of sea ice, as...
Change History
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Opportunity DON26BZ01-NV027 no longer available
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Added answer to Q1 clarifying Phase I scope: broad Arctic coverage not required in Phase I, but final prototype must be applicable across entire Arctic (and potentially Antarctic) by Phase II.
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Status changed from Pre-Release to Open
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
This Q&A addresses whether the Department of the Navy would accept a targeted radar-based solution for high-resolution, real-time sea ice analysis at specific Arctic locations, or if a comprehensive, assimilated solution covering the entire Arctic region is required.
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Close Date changed from 2026-04-22 to 2026-06-03
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Open Date changed from 2026-03-25 to 2026-05-06
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Status changed from Removed to Pre-Release
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
Opportunity DON26BZ01-NV027 no longer available
Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
New opportunity: Automated Ice Detection and Polar Navigation Tool (PolarNav)
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