This solicitation closed on August 19, 2026

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MDA26BZ04-NV008ClosedSBIR

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

Department of DefenseMDA

AI Overview

This RFP seeks event-based sensing hardware and neural network algorithms to enable independent, GPS-denied navigation for military vehicles and satellites. The technology must integrate with existing inertial systems, match GPS-level accuracy, and support real-time adaptive decision-making in dynamic environments.

This summary is AI-generated from the official solicitation.

Key Details

Agency
Department of Defense
Funding Amount
Release Date
July 1, 2026
Due Date
August 19, 2026 (Closed)

Official Description

The proposed initiative focuses on the development of event-based sensing technology that utilizes advanced neural network models to enhance the navigation capabilities of kill vehicles and satellites. This system aims to operate independently of GNSS yet synergistically with existing inertial navigation systems (INS) or units, providing critical inputs that improve overall navigational accuracy and responsiveness in dynamic environments. By leveraging neural networks, the technology will proces...

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Change History

Status ChangedAug 19, 2026 at 4:01 PM

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

Status changed from Open to Closed after topic disappearance

Q&A UpdatedAug 4, 2026 at 5:01 PM

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

**Summary of Q&A Changes:** Added 3 new Q&As clarifying critical technical requirements: **Q1 (Updated):** Emphasized that successful solutions require tightly coupled hardware-software integration across optical sensors, compute, and storage—not single-component dominance. Confirmed SWIR event-sensor development is in-scope despite immaturity, but all work must use COTS hardware within SBIR budget/PoP constraints (no fundamental sensor R&D). **Q2 (New):** Addressed scope boundaries—RF-based or non-visual sensing approaches are **out-of-scope**; solutions must be vision-based event cameras. Clarified that event cameras are preferred over star trackers due to high dynamic range and resistance to motion blur during high-speed maneuvers. **Q3 (New):** Provided five critical architecture clarifications: - Platform-agnostic, MOSA-compliant designs prioritized (not THAAD-specific) - System must work seamlessly across both endo- and exo-atmospheric regimes - Primary deliverable: discrete GNSS-equivalent Position/Velocity/Time (PVT) state vectors - System provides absolute position updates only; platform integrator handles IMU fusion via loosely-coupled EKF - Phase I modeling should anchor to terminal interceptor or generalized stress scenarios for highest impact

Status ChangedJul 22, 2026 at 1:03 PM

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

Status changed from Pre-Release to Open

Q&A UpdatedJul 7, 2026 at 10:01 PM

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

This Q&A clarifies that solutions must prioritize endo/exo-atmospheric interceptors (not LEO satellites as primary focus), algorithmic approaches using event-based sensors are encouraged, and Phase I feasibility must be supported by modeling data—whether physics-based simulation, mathematical, or experimental.

Opportunity AddedJul 1, 2026 at 12:02 PM

Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

New opportunity: Event-Based Sensing Hardware and Algorithms for Navigation

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