2026 Navy SBIR Topics Delayed — Repost Expected April 15–22 | 80 Topics with AI Summaries

The Navy seeks RF photonic front-end architectures that use fiber-optic and light-based technologies to improve communications and navigation resilience in contested electromagnetic environments. Solutions should reduce noise, resist jamming, and automatically suppress interference while maintaining reliable performance on maritime platforms.

This RFP seeks robotic systems to automate expeditionary airfield matting assembly, currently a manual and hazardous task performed by Marines. The solution should handle heavy mat manipulation on austere terrain while reducing personnel risk and improving operational readiness.

This RFP seeks a lightweight dual-wavelength LiDAR and passive imaging system for Group 2 UAVs to rapidly characterize shallow coastal environments. The integrated solution addresses limitations of current single-sensor approaches by enabling real-time bathymetry, underwater target detection, and seafloor characterization in littoral zones.

The Navy seeks superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) technology to rapidly store and discharge power for pulsed weapons systems aboard all-electric ships. This high-rate intermittent storage prevents electrical grid disruption and generator damage while supporting emerging naval combat loads.

This RFP seeks automated assessment and adaptive training software for fire support coordination simulation that tailors individual Marine training based on performance metrics. The solution addresses the need for objective, standardized skill evaluation without instructor support while preparing teams for collective operations.

This SBIR seeks an auto-focus signal processing capability for sonar hydrophone arrays that automatically optimizes detection parameters—like focus range and frequency band—to identify maritime contacts with minimal operator workload. The innovation combines multiple processed data volumes to present operators with a single, high-confidence display containing the best signal representation across all detection scenarios.

Water propulsion and operator control improvements are needed for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle to enhance maneuverability in surf zones and reduce operator workload. The solution must simplify the human-machine interface, improve responsiveness, and fit within strict dimensional constraints while maintaining performance in shallow-water environments.

This SBIR seeks to develop robocasting technology for manufacturing large-format textured piezoelectric ceramic sensors with improved performance and lower production costs. The innovation addresses critical supply chain vulnerabilities in undersea sensor components while enabling performance enhancements for Navy sonar applications.

The Navy is seeking VR software that enables engineers to virtually walk through DDG-51 destroyer CAD models for design reviews. This solution would reduce costly construction errors by allowing early detection of layout issues and supporting crew training before deployment.

The Navy seeks innovative hardware, software, or algorithmic solutions to extend the detection range and depth capabilities of existing towed mine countermeasures sonar systems while maintaining strict size, weight, and power constraints. The solution must achieve 90% detection probability with minimal false alarms to enhance undersea mine detection effectiveness.

The Navy seeks a portable, self-powered Underway Replenishment (UNREP) tester/trainer system to validate ship cargo and liquid transfer equipment without requiring pier space or availability of delivery ships. This mobile solution will reduce in-port testing delays while enabling fleet training on UNREP highline operations at various locations.

This RFP seeks an AI/ML-enabled portable diagnostic device to rapidly identify faults in military airborne fiber-optic networks with centimeter-level precision, reducing aircraft downtime and intrusive panel removals during maintenance troubleshooting operations.

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.

The Navy seeks a low-cost, multi-frequency dipping sonar transducer combining anti-submarine and mine countermeasure capabilities for helicopter deployment. This unified system reduces costs, logistics complexity, and mission coverage gaps while maintaining compatibility with existing naval aircraft platforms.

The Navy seeks a compact, high-gain directional sonobuoy array for enhanced anti-submarine warfare detection in deep waters. The system must fit within standard A-size deployment constraints while delivering long-range passive acoustic detection and directional sensitivity for maritime patrol aircraft operations.

The Navy seeks a lightweight, corrosion-resistant beaching ramp system to replace heavy steel alternatives that degrade rapidly in saltwater environments. The solution must support 70-ton vehicle loads, deploy within 30 minutes, and maintain reliability over the 30-year ship lifecycle while operating in extreme marine conditions.

This RFP seeks modular, field-configurable mechatronic vehicle kits to support first responder teams in disaster response. The solution must offer versatile, reconfigurable platforms that overcome current limitations in specialized equipment by enabling rapid customization for logistics, inspection, search and recovery missions.

This SBIR solicitation seeks development of a high-power blue laser (425-475 nm) with extended coherence length and high pulse rates for improved data storage, imaging, and underwater/free-space communication applications. The laser must deliver 10W continuous output with 2000-day operational reliability.

This SBIR seeks a compact, battery-operated mid-wave infrared hyperspectral camera using photonic crystal integration to enable real-time video imaging of hard-to-detect targets. The innovation addresses current systems' bulk, slow frame rates, and power consumption by delivering 500+ spectral bands at video speeds for field reconnaissance and target detection.

The Navy seeks a compact, low-power maritime transceiver using non-RF technology to enable secure, covert communications between moving vehicles and autonomous systems. This addresses adversary detection capabilities by providing low intercept/detection probability communications over 5km+ ranges with high bandwidth and minimal size, weight, and power requirements.

SBIR seeks development of a domain-specific large language model to help military personnel rapidly extract insights from high-volume operational documents, communications, and tactical data. The standalone AI/NLP system must operate securely with full source attribution and traceability for classified environments.

This SBIR seeks regenerative AI-based agents for naval operations that monitor real-time tactical activities, detect anomalies, and autonomously adapt engagement strategies when unexpected events disrupt approved plans. The solution addresses vulnerabilities in human-dependent operational planning by leveraging multimodal intelligence data to maintain mission effectiveness against near-peer adversaries.

This SBIR seeks AI/ML and digital twin tools to optimize additive manufacturing parameters and predict mechanical performance across the entire component lifecycle. The solution addresses rapid production of legacy parts by integrating material selection, build optimization, and performance prediction into a single, system-agnostic platform for Navy manufacturing.

The Navy seeks an advanced passive Structural Health Monitoring system to detect and characterize hull crack severity in real time, replacing current strain-gauge approaches. This automated capability would identify fatigue cracks in ship welds across large areas while reducing false alerts and inspection costs.

This RFP seeks a universal Hold-Up Battery tester with integrated low-voltage alerts for Type 1 encryption devices, reducing costly depot returns and downtime by enabling timely battery replacement monitoring and maintenance.

This RFP seeks AI-driven software modernization solutions to automate refactoring and optimization of legacy Theater Mission Planning Center code. The capability will enhance maintainability, cybersecurity, and system integration while preserving mission-critical operations for Navy planning environments.

This SBIR seeks a wideband digital recording system capable of capturing high-volume sensor data at the tactical edge to support AI/ML algorithm development. The device must fit within compact rack space while meeting strict security and environmental standards for deployment on military platforms.

The Navy seeks development of a throttleable solid-fuel rotating detonation ramjet system to enable high-speed propulsion with superior thermal efficiency and operational flexibility. Research focuses on designing a controllable gas generator and optimized combustion chamber to achieve stable detonation performance across diverse mission profiles.

The Navy seeks innovative dual-band infrared camera technology combining extended short-wave and mid-wave imaging into a single focal plane array to reduce system size, weight, and cost while improving maritime surveillance performance and eliminating alignment issues between separate sensor channels.

The Navy seeks a passive seabed logistics system for secure, long-term supply storage at depths up to 600 meters, reducing costly reliance on surface vessels and specialized underwater vehicles. The cylindrical package must autonomously operate for 24 months while maintaining payload protection and enabling acoustic-based monitoring and retrieval.

The Navy seeks development of a UYK-43 computer emulator using COTS hardware and open-source code to enable land-based testing of Aegis Weapon System updates, since original systems are reserved for operational fleet use and no compatible commercial alternative exists.

The Navy seeks light mitigation technology to reduce bridge lighting's negative effects on night vision and crew situational awareness during darkened operations. Solutions must comply with military human engineering standards and include adjustable work lights and display overlays that preserve crew safety without permanent modifications.

This RFP seeks development of 3D heterogeneously integrated photonic imaging sensors that stack detector, readout electronics, and optical interconnect layers to overcome copper bandwidth limitations in advanced military EO/IR focal plane arrays. The solution enables concurrent wide field-of-view, high resolution, and ultra-high frame rate imaging through innovative vertical integration and cryogenic-compatible design.

The Navy is seeking an innovative, modular software-defined radio system optimized for minimal size, weight, and power to integrate across multiple aircraft platforms. The open-architecture design must support diverse communication waveforms while meeting strict security and electromagnetic compatibility standards.

The Navy seeks domestic production of zirconium and hafnium metal organic precursors (TDMAZ/TDMAH) for microelectronics and advanced ceramics manufacturing. The effort requires establishing a US-based facility producing over 6,000 kg annually at high purity and competitive pricing to reduce supply chain dependence.

This RFP seeks automated flight control technology enabling aircraft to maintain precise formation positions within lead aircraft wake patterns for fuel savings of 10-20%. The solution must achieve robust station-keeping across mixed aircraft types with minimal hardware modifications and no additional data-link requirements.

This SBIR seeks machine learning solutions to enhance passive sonar tracking, classification, and localization for anti-submarine warfare systems. The effort aims to improve detection speed, tracking persistence, and target classification accuracy beyond current algorithmic capabilities.

The Navy seeks neuro-enhanced AI systems that integrate neural and physiological data collection with real-time analytics to optimize warfighter training and decision-making in manned-unmanned teaming environments. This capability will accelerate time-to-proficiency and readiness by embedding adaptive neurofeedback into live and simulated naval training.

The Navy seeks an active electro-optic/infrared sensing technology to detect small, hard-to-spot surface targets obscured by wave clutter and ocean conditions. The solution should complement existing shipboard cameras by reliably identifying low-observable objects like mines and sea drones at 100-500 meter ranges.

The Navy seeks an EO/IR sensing technology to rapidly determine ranges of multiple small, fast-moving airborne targets simultaneously—solving the limitation that current gimbal-mounted systems cannot track numerous maneuvering aircraft fast enough during complex raid scenarios.

The Navy seeks modular, low-cost seabed nodes to support unmanned underwater vehicles with standardized interfaces for diverse payloads like acoustic communications and sensors. These nodes fill a commercial gap by enabling persistent undersea networks capable of operating independently for extended periods in challenging maritime environments.

The Navy seeks a mid-wave infrared detector combining resonant cavity and avalanche photodiode technologies to enable remote material identification and spectral analysis for shipboard imaging systems while operating at cryogenic temperatures with significantly improved sensitivity over current detectors.

The Navy seeks a small, high-frequency omnidirectional acoustic sensor compatible with open architecture telemetry for towed arrays. This sensor would improve undersea detection and localization capabilities while reducing the time needed for bearing determination without complex maneuvers.

This RFP seeks an integrated metal-ceramic matrix coating technology adapted from titanium applications to protect high-strength steel landing gear components. The solution must eliminate current coating limitations (corrosion hiding, poor repairability, wear issues) while improving durability and operational readiness.

This RFP seeks to develop 3D-printed polymer materials with electromagnetic shielding capabilities by incorporating additives that attenuate RF radiation. The research will optimize additive formulations while evaluating impacts on material properties and printing processes for military applications requiring EM attenuation.

This RFP seeks an AI/ML-enabled portable troubleshooting device for military airborne optical networks, capable of centimeter-level fault detection across fiber-optic avionics systems. The solution must reduce aircraft downtime and maintenance burden by providing faster, more precise diagnostics than traditional equipment while supporting field technicians across diverse operational conditions.

The Navy seeks integration of HLG propulsion technology into existing 10-inch rocket motors to boost range and tactical flexibility while increasing total impulse by approximately 30%. This Direct to Phase II effort aims to mature the advanced propulsion approach and raise readiness levels for tactical air-launched rockets.

The Navy seeks domestic production of metal organic precursors like TDMAZ for microelectronics and advanced ceramics manufacturing. This initiative aims to establish a U.S.-based supply chain for critical chemical feedstocks essential to atomic layer deposition and composite material production.

The Navy seeks an advanced passive Structural Health Monitoring system to detect and characterize hull cracks in real time, addressing limitations of current strain-gauge approaches. This automated solution would enable ships to identify structural damage early, reducing inspection costs and operational risks at sea.

This SBIR Direct to Phase II seeks to integrate Highly Loaded Grain (HLG) propellant technology into the 2.75" Mk66 rocket motor to increase range by 30% while maintaining affordability and compatibility with existing systems. The advancement addresses the need for extended-range capabilities in current unguided and precision-guided munitions platforms.

This RFP seeks development of synthetic alkali atom vapor density methods for quantum sensors used in atomic clocks, magnetometers, and inertial measurement. The approach aims to simplify sensor design and reduce size/weight/power requirements by maintaining stable atomic vapor density across varying environmental conditions without complex active regulation systems.

This RFP seeks advanced overlay/bond coatings that resist hot corrosion in Navy marine gas turbine engines. The improved coatings must eliminate salt and sulfur-induced degradation in turbine blades to extend engine service life and reduce maintenance removal cycles.

This RFP seeks development of a next-generation telemetry antenna using K/Ka-band frequencies and satellite relay to enable real-time, high-speed data transmission from Navy SLBM reentry test bodies throughout flight, overcoming current S-band limitations and coverage gaps during midflight and reentry phases.

This SBIR seeks malleable, cost-effective metastructures that protect maritime communications and radar systems while withstanding salt, UV, and water damage. The solution must offer broadband frequency selectivity across multiple bands, conform to complex geometries, and outperform current expensive, manufacturing-constrained alternatives.

This SBIR solicits nonlinear optical dyes embedded in sol-gel glass to protect military EO/IR sensors from frequency-agile lasers and dazzlers. The technology must rapidly switch from transparent to blocking states while maintaining ambient light transmission and surviving 10,000+ pulses without degradation.

The Navy seeks to integrate HLG propulsion technology into existing 10-inch rocket motors to increase range and tactical flexibility by approximately 30% while maintaining compatibility with current systems. This Direct to Phase II SBIR effort aims to advance performance and readiness levels for enhanced air-launched rocket capabilities.

This RFP seeks a modeling and simulation tool for generating high-fidelity, thermally-accurate virtual EO/IR objects—such as clouds and debris fields—to enhance developmental testing of missile warning and infrared countermeasure systems. The solution must support real-time scene generation across multiple resolutions and frame rates for realistic survivability assessments in cluttered battlefield environments.

This Phase II effort seeks to develop highly loaded grain propellant in a compact 2.75-inch form factor, addressing the need for enhanced performance in constrained propulsion applications. The innovation aims to optimize energy density while maintaining compatibility with existing rocket motor systems.

The Navy seeks an integrated multidisciplinary design and optimization framework to accelerate hypersonic boost-glide weapons development by concurrently optimizing aerodynamics, thermal protection, structures, and trajectories. The solution must balance computational efficiency with modeling accuracy to reduce design complexity, development timelines, and costs while supporting early-phase trade studies and manufacturability assessments.

This STTR seeks a portable induction welding system for repairing thermoplastic composite aircraft components aboard naval platforms. The field-deployable technology would reduce maintenance downtime and scrap rates by enabling in-situ repairs without removing material, unlike current depot-only systems.

The Department of War seeks development of high-voltage silicon-carbide MOSFETs (>10 kV) with fast turn-on and high current density capabilities to replace complex COTS device arrays. This advancement enables more compact, efficient switching solutions for high-energy capacitor discharge applications with improved gate-driver requirements.

This STTR seeks a scalable modeling tool to predict frontal polymerization curing characteristics—including front velocity, temperature, and mechanical effects like warpage—across multiple initiation methods and geometries. The solution addresses computational limitations in current simulations while enabling faster composite manufacturing and repair applications.

This STTR seeks a flexible, robot-mounted mass spectrometry system for remote chemical detection of explosives and hazardous materials from standoff distances. The innovation addresses EOD and field sampling challenges by eliminating the need for sample preparation or manual swabbing while enabling robotic manipulation in varied environmental conditions.

The Navy seeks an ultra-compact, low-power computational engine (under 1 lb, 150W) that can process high-bandwidth radio frequency sensor data in real-time for small unmanned platforms. This technology enables rapid RF detection and classification at the tactical edge where network constraints make onboard processing critical.

This RFP seeks thermally tolerant optical fire detectors capable of operating in aircraft nacelle environments exceeding 200°F, addressing current system limitations. Enhanced thermal design and AI/ML-based signal classification will improve detection speed, reduce false alarms, and increase aircraft safety and maintainability.

The Navy seeks advanced manufacturing processes to rapidly produce ruggedized optical components for maritime laser systems, addressing current supply chain delays and high defect rates that impact fleet readiness. Focus areas include automated fabrication of precision mirrors and transmissive optics ranging from 10-100cm diameter using additive manufacturing and innovative materials.

This STTR seeks advanced liquid hydrogen storage systems for Navy and Marine Corps unmanned aircraft, addressing the need for lightweight, high-density fuel solutions that minimize weight and volume while meeting strict safety and durability standards across various UAS platforms.

This RFP seeks a safe, domestic manufacturing process for norbornadiene production to replace conventional methods that rely on hazardous acetylene mixtures. The goal is achieving >500 metric tons annually at <$20/kg using advanced techniques or bio-feedstocks while reducing supply chain dependence.

This STTR seeks to develop advanced digital human modeling tools incorporating Navy/Marine Corps aircrew anthropometric data and posture models to improve protective equipment design, fit, and sizing. The solution addresses poor fit issues affecting aircrew performance and safety by providing accessible, user-friendly modeling capabilities that don't require specialized expertise.

This RFP seeks a modern, modular software suite to replace the legacy Automated Tropical Cyclone Forecast System, enabling tropical cyclone forecasters at DOW, Fleet Weather Centers, and NOAA to analyze, predict, and disseminate storm information more efficiently through containerized architecture and contemporary development frameworks.

This RFP seeks advanced sensing and AI-enabled technologies to detect and monitor corrosion in naval steel structures, enabling predictive maintenance decisions. The solution addresses escalating Navy maintenance costs by providing rapid, nondestructive corrosion assessment across fleet assets to optimize repair scheduling and extend vessel service life.

This RFP seeks an innovative low-power seawater desalination device to provide naval aircrew with reliable drinking water during extended ocean survival scenarios. The solution must produce at least one gallon daily while fitting within ejection seat survival kits and operating across extreme environmental conditions with minimal physical exertion.

This SBIR solicitation seeks robust denoising technology to suppress noise in RF and acoustic sensing systems while preserving signal integrity. The Navy requires a solution achieving 10+ dB improvement that adapts to complex, non-stationary noise patterns on aircraft without extensive retuning.

The Navy seeks improved colloidal quantum dot nanocrystals for mid-wave infrared imaging sensors that can be directly deposited onto silicon substrates. This technology aims to reduce manufacturing costs and complexity by eliminating expensive hybrid bonding processes while achieving performance comparable to traditional infrared detectors.

The Navy seeks a portable, universal automatic cable tester capable of testing copper, RF, and fiber optic cables across 2,900+ ship interfaces. This solution would significantly reduce manual testing time during DDG 51 Class Ship modernization while maintaining cost efficiency and real-time data reporting.

This STTR seeks adaptive behavioral nudging software integrated with commercial wearable sensors to improve sleep quality and operational performance in military personnel. The system must use AI/ML algorithms with cognitive-behavioral theory to deliver personalized, real-time interventions that promote sustained positive sleep behaviors.

This RFP seeks automated software test generation and augmentation technology to improve debloating specifications. The solution must help developers identify and remove unnecessary code dependencies while ensuring critical functionality remains intact, addressing high failure rates in current debloating transformations.

The Navy seeks novel anti-fouling coatings for submarine topsides that prevent marine growth without being slippery or toxic to crew. The solution must remain effective for 6-8 years, survive alternating wet/dry conditions, and withstand foot traffic while maintaining propulsion efficiency.

This RFP seeks development of lightweight, flexible thermoelectric cooling films using organic materials for personal and large-area applications. The solution must achieve sub-one-inch bending radius and conformal contact to curved surfaces while prioritizing flexibility and cost over efficiency for niche cooling needs.

The Navy seeks an innovative waste heat recovery system to capture thermal energy from LM 2500 engine exhaust and convert it to electrical power, reducing fuel consumption and emissions while operating within strict DDG 51 Class constraints on space, weight, and radar signature.