DSIP 2026 Opportunity Tracker

xTech|Inversion seeks innovative technology solutions that accelerate military capability advancement and address complex national security challenges. The competition focuses on transitioning Army-funded research into scalable, commercially viable solutions through partnerships with non-traditional defense contractors.

This RFP seeks radiation-hardened high-voltage power switches (200V–800V) capable of operating in contested space environments. The technology must enable advanced spacecraft capabilities—electric propulsion, edge computing, and solar power beaming—while maintaining efficiency and minimal size/weight constraints.

The Air Force seeks high-temperature semiconductor transistors operating at 500°C+ to enable reliable electronics in extreme heat environments and electronic warfare applications, addressing current commercial limitations where existing transistors fail above 250°C.

This RFP seeks a modular weapons integration architecture for F-16 aircraft that dramatically accelerates munitions integration timelines. The solution will streamline legacy software processes to enable rapid deployment of new weapons and software updates, addressing critical capability gaps against evolving threats.

This RFP seeks rapid weapons integration solutions for F-35 aircraft to dramatically accelerate munitions deployment timelines. The effort addresses critical capability gaps by enabling faster software and weapons updates while expanding magazine capacity and fires options across the Air Force, Air National Guard, and Reserve fleets.

This RFP seeks an open-architecture software and hardware toolkit to rapidly modernize legacy aircraft by delivering processed sensor data to operators in real-time. The solution bypasses slow manual processes to improve pilot situational awareness and accelerate fielding of next-generation capabilities while maintaining airworthiness standards.

This RFP seeks automated weaponeering software that processes visual imagery to generate target models and calculate engagement probabilities in real-time. The compact, embeddable solution streamlines traditionally manual lethality assessment processes for tactical decision-making.

This SBIR seeks integrated multi-architecture AI systems inspired by the brain's neocortex, combining diverse neural networks to achieve superior computational efficiency and adaptability. The research addresses current AI limitations by reducing size, weight, and power consumption while enabling complex multi-modal processing for robotics, healthcare, and autonomous applications.

This SBIR seeks development of an ultra-sensitive quantum telemetry receiver using Rydberg sensors to overcome DoD spectrum constraints and interference challenges. The prototype will deliver superior signal detection and operational flexibility while reducing reliance on expensive licensed frequency bands and supporting next-generation command and control systems.

The Air Force is seeking innovative composite joint technologies that balance geometric flexibility with high structural performance while reducing costs for autonomous air vehicles and advanced weapons systems. The effort aims to develop scalable manufacturing processes for carbon fiber pi-joints that overcome current tradeoffs between customizable design and mechanical durability.

This RFP seeks development of real-time 3D imaging and tracking algorithms for directed energy systems to improve aimpoint maintenance on low-flying targets in cluttered environments. The solution must process complex 3D imagery efficiently enough to operate at high framerates while compensating for atmospheric disturbances.

This RFP seeks to validate additive manufacturing technologies for flexible electronics and advanced packaging to reduce costs and lead times in high-mix, low-volume production. The effort aims to establish reliability data for 3D-printed substrates and interconnects as viable alternatives to traditional manufacturing methods for Department of War microelectronic systems.

This RFP seeks an enhanced cable connector solution to address common failure points in electronics systems exposed to thermal and mechanical stress. The solution must overcome limitations of current potting, rework, and alternative joining methods while remaining practical for existing designs and densely populated boards.

NAVSEA seeks AI/ML technology to automatically convert legacy AEGIS Combat System documentation into Systems Modeling Language models, eliminating manual data entry and enabling rapid cyber assessment and system design updates without diverting capability development funding.

The Navy seeks unified software solutions integrating multiple positioning, navigation, and timing data sources into a single decision-support interface. This addresses operator cognitive overload by consolidating fragmented systems into actionable insights for rapid decision-making in contested maritime environments.

The Navy seeks an intelligent data analysis platform enabling non-technical personnel to easily connect, clean, and visualize diverse data sources through conversational interfaces. The solution must empower Fleet personnel to make data-driven operational decisions while maintaining transparent, auditable analytics and compliance with DoD security and ethical standards.

The Navy seeks a bi-directional Cross-Domain Solution (CDS) guard software for secure data exchange across naval aircraft and ships. The solution must run on affordable, modular hardware with rapid rule-set updates to enable faster NSA certification while reducing acquisition and sustainment costs.

The Navy seeks retrofit technology to enhance situational awareness for aircraft towing crews across shipboard and land-based operations. Solutions must integrate real-time collision alerts or intervention systems with existing tow tractors to reduce mishaps, equipment damage, and mission delays.

The Navy seeks innovative flexible fuel cell manufacturing solutions meeting MIL-DTL-27422F standards that enable rapid production while maintaining lightweight, foldable designs for airframe integration. The solution must withstand crash impacts and extreme operating conditions while minimizing defects and rework.

This RFP seeks a non-destructive sensor system that assesses airfield pavement conditions and detects foreign object debris without disrupting operations. The solution must align with FAA standards, autonomously integrate into airfield management networks, and support maintenance prioritization decisions.

The Navy seeks customized nanocrystalline EMI filters combining high power and high frequency capabilities to reduce weight by 50% compared to commercial alternatives. These lightweight components will enable advanced aerospace platform electrification while meeting stringent military electromagnetic interference requirements for next-generation aircraft systems.

The Navy seeks an edge-deployed digital-twin platform with explainable AI for onboard condition-based maintenance of carrier systems. It processes high-frequency sensor data locally to enable real-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance despite limited connectivity, reducing unscheduled downtime and improving fleet readiness.

This RFP seeks intelligent human performance monitoring systems to proactively assess and optimize Naval aircrew readiness through real-time physiological and cognitive data analysis. The solution aims to help aeromedical officers prevent fatigue, injuries, and stress-related issues while enhancing mission safety and operational performance.

The Navy seeks a maritime-qualified mixed reality wearable interface to deliver real-time command-and-control data fusion from multi-domain sensors to dispersed naval operators. The system must integrate JADC2 intelligence with spatial anchoring, laser-safe optics, and ruggedized durability for test range and autonomous swarm operations in challenging maritime environments.

This RFP seeks an advanced interference canceller unit for aircraft CNI systems to maintain secure communications across 120+ nautical miles in high-interference environments. The technology must support frequency-hopping TDMA data links while handling high-power UHF transmit and receive signals simultaneously.

The Navy seeks a no-code toolkit leveraging AI and advanced 3D generation technologies to rapidly convert fleet data into photorealistic AR/MR training content. This addresses the current bottleneck of months-long development cycles, enabling instructors to create realistic, adaptive training scenarios in days while maintaining SME oversight and compatibility with existing Navy systems.

This RFP seeks rapid development of digitally enhanced technical data solutions—including videos and interactive animations—to accelerate weapon system maintenance and reduce complex procedures to just-in-time guidance. The solution addresses critical delays in fielding accurate, actionable sustainment instructions to fleet operators and maintainers.

This RFP seeks a portable digital metrology system to accurately measure defects on aircraft canopies and windscreens without removal. The solution must replace manual optical micrometers with an ergonomic tool capable of in-service measurements to determine repairability and prevent asset scrapping.

This RFP seeks automated post-mission analysis and re-planning tools for collaborative combat aircraft operations. The solution uses advanced analytics and machine learning to rapidly generate actionable insights from mission data, enabling faster tactical optimization and improved decision-making for subsequent naval engagements.

This RFP seeks a portable, field-deployable method for applying electrolytic conversion coatings to repair corroded aerospace aluminum. The solution must provide depot-level corrosion protection in a simple, cost-effective touch-up system suitable for fleet maintenance operations.

OLYMPUS seeks modular, open-architecture solutions for naval below-deck infrastructure to eliminate fragmented legacy systems across the fleet. The initiative addresses costly duplication and interoperability gaps by standardizing hardware and leveraging AI/machine learning for improved situational awareness and reduced sustainment costs.

This RFP seeks development of a multi-core parallel processing sensor fusion architecture to eliminate data loss and reduce latency in target tracking for manned and autonomous systems. The modular, platform-agnostic design must integrate multiple sensor types while maintaining real-time performance and compatibility with fifth-generation platforms.

The Navy seeks an automated converter tool that transforms diverse technical manuals (PDFs, MIL-STD formats, S1000D versions) into standardized XML for IETM compatibility. This enables step-by-step maintenance instructions displayable on AR/XR devices while preserving original distribution and DFARS markings.

The Navy seeks a sound dampening material to replace aging lead septum foam in submarine electronic cabinets, requiring equivalent noise performance, 40+ year lifespan, and faster installation/replacement methods to minimize equipment downtime on COLUMBIA-class vessels.

This STTR seeks a compact, user-friendly long-pulse laser system for airborne material ablation and penetration missions. The Navy-deliverable technology must achieve 10+ joule pulse energy at tunable repetition rates up to 40 kHz while maintaining robust thermal management during extended operations.

This RFP seeks FPGA-based signal processing solutions using cognitive techniques like deep learning to detect and classify low-probability-of-intercept radar waveforms in real-time. The capability will enhance Navy threat simulation systems' jamming countermeasures by rapidly identifying adversarial radar types.

The Navy seeks modular fuel cell systems to extend unmanned aircraft range and endurance. Proposals must deliver 1-20kW scalable power with 500 W/kg efficiency, 1,000+ hour lifetime, and military-grade reliability for tactical operations.

DARPA seeks subsystems for underwater 3D concrete printing using seafloor sediments and seawater to enable rapid, flexible maritime construction. Performers will develop critical components including sediment processing, material transport, mixing systems, and AI-optimized concrete formulations for expeditionary and commercial applications.

This RFP seeks a low-power, mission-aware semantic communication system for small unmanned aircraft that intelligently compresses ISR sensor data by 100x while preserving decision-relevant context. The system must understand operator intent, reason across spatial and temporal patterns, and transmit only essential information over severely constrained tactical communications links.

This Phase II SBIR seeks an automated, species-agnostic cell culture platform that rapidly establishes reproducible cell lines from non-model organisms—compressing years of manual optimization into weeks. The platform will enable faster gene-drive research and genetic-biocontrol development across diverse vertebrate and invertebrate species.

Seeking an open-architecture autonomous underwater vehicle platform that enables rapid payload adaptation and multi-vehicle collaboration while reducing downtime. The system must deliver reliable deep-water operations with AI-driven mission planning and automated data sharing to support defense, commercial, and scientific missions at scale.

This SBIR seeks innovative unmanned aerial systems (UAS) subsystems that dramatically improve payload capacity—achieving 4:1 payload-to-weight ratios through advanced materials and design. Proposals must focus on either revolutionary aerodynamic structures (Track A) or high-efficiency propulsion systems (Track B), with clear commercialization and certification pathways.

DARPA seeks a scalable platform enabling engineers and scientists to autonomously discover and deploy optimized algorithms for domain-specific problems. The initiative bridges research-stage algorithm discovery tools with real-world industrial applications through university-industry partnerships.

DTRA seeks innovative detection methods using existing military and commercial sensors to identify weapons of mass destruction and related threats. This approach aims to reduce development costs and timelines by repurposing standard equipment like cameras and microphones already deployed across military platforms and consumer devices.

DTRA seeks novel detection methods that repurpose existing military and commercial sensors—like cameras and microphones—to identify weapons of mass destruction threats. This approach addresses high development costs and long timelines associated with specialized detection equipment.

This RFP seeks non-destructive metrology solutions to assess mesa-wall surface integrity in advanced infrared detector arrays during fabrication. The technology must detect surface defects in small-pixel geometries for Sb-based and MCT detectors across MWIR/LWIR bands, enabling real-time process optimization and higher-yield production for military sensor platforms.

This RFP seeks AI/ML-based compression technology for high-rate radar data streams, addressing the challenge of massive synthetic aperture radar data volumes. The solution will develop neural network architectures to compress raw radar returns with minimal distortion, reducing bandwidth requirements for transmission and storage across defense and civilian sensor applications.

This RFP seeks development of collaborative distributed swarm radar technology using networked UAS and sensors to enhance ground and maritime target surveillance. The project progresses from algorithm simulation through testbed validation to operational deployment, with potential civilian applications in environmental monitoring and emergency response.

This RFP seeks development of Dual-Functional Radar-Communication (DFRC) waveforms that embed data directly into radar pulses, eliminating the need for separate communication links on surveillance platforms. Proposed phases progress from waveform design through hardware prototyping to integration with existing military sensor networks.

This RFP seeks an interpretable machine learning solution for automated RF signal classification and anomaly detection in contested spectrum environments. The capability must outperform manual SIGINT analysis while remaining computationally efficient, transparent to commanders, and scalable across tactical to operational military scenarios.

NGA seeks to evaluate quantum gradiometer technology for high-precision maritime bathymetric mapping to fill critical gaps in ocean floor coverage. This effort will assess whether quantum sensors can generate bathymetric products meeting GEOINT standards and complement existing collection methods like SWOT and multibeam systems.

This RFP seeks a desktop testing instrument to measure boresight error in infrared tracking systems across varying incident angles and temperature conditions. The device would enable cost-effective laboratory evaluation of protective window materials for interceptor vehicles operating in supersonic and hypersonic flight environments.

SABER seeks algorithms that optimize communications and sensing in decentralized radar networks by processing data locally and transmitting only compressed features. This addresses the Joint Force's need to balance imaging fidelity with bandwidth constraints in distributed maritime operations.

This RFP seeks monolithic integration of photonic and electronic circuits on a single chip to dramatically improve infrared imaging performance. The goal is to reduce power consumption and increase data transmission speeds for cryogenic detector systems while maintaining reliability in demanding environments.

The Army seeks a high-throughput manufacturing process for achromatic infrared meta-optics—flat optical components that replace bulky traditional optics. This capability would enable compact, lightweight IR systems for military applications like UAV surveillance and portable thermal imaging while overcoming current production bottlenecks.

The Army seeks autonomous and minimally-manned ground and aerial systems for sustainment and recovery in contested environments where GPS and communications are degraded. Solutions must operate with minimal oversight across payload transport, power generation, refueling, and vehicle recovery to reduce soldier exposure and maintain mission continuity.

The Department of War seeks a ground-based, affordable mass (G-BAM) precision payload delivery system using commercial technologies to provide cost-effective, high-volume alternatives to expensive hypersonic systems. This initiative addresses the need for sustained "magazine depth" capability against peer adversaries while maintaining operational affordability.

The Army is seeking innovative technologies in sensors, AI/ML, immersive wearables, and contested logistics to gain disruptive advantages in military operations. Small businesses can compete through xTech|Search 10 to potentially qualify for subsequent SBIR funding.

The Army is seeking innovative small businesses developing sensors, AI/ML, immersive technologies, or contested logistics solutions that provide disruptive advantages for military operations. Selected finalists from this competition will be eligible to submit SBIR or STTR proposals addressing critical Army priorities.