Three axis stabilized environmentally sealed infrared search and track payload

Name: Three axis stabilized environmentally sealed infrared search and track payload — proposal window
Start: 2026-05-27
End: 2026-06-24

SBIR topic from AFWERX, solicitation 26.BZ. Closes 2026-06-24.

Component (WERX): AFWERX
Agency: USAF
Program / Phase: SBIR
Solicitation #: 26.BZ
Topic #: DAF26BZ02-DV011
Status: Closed
Pre-release date: 2026-05-06
Open date: 2026-05-27
Close date: 2026-06-24 · Add to calendar · See all deadlines
Set-aside: —
NAICS: —

AFWERX / SpaceWERX open-topic brief

Topic brief

AFWERX / SpaceWERX-style open topics reward clear dual-use technology and a crisp problem framing. Treat DAF26BZ02-DV011 as a customer-problem essay tied to Air Force / Space Force mission pull — not a generic SBIR dump.

WERX open-topic focus: Lead with the mission problem and dual-use path. See also AFWERX open topics and the monthly DSIP guide.

Who this is for

Dual-use tech firms targeting Air Force or Space Force end users
Teams that can show commercial traction or dual-use path
Companies following the monthly DSIP / WERX open-topic cadence

Capture playbook

Frame the warfighter / operator problem in one paragraph before tech
Show dual-use or commercial path alongside defense application
Check peer AFWERX open topics closing the same cycle
Use the monthly open-topic digest to avoid missing the drop
Run match + scorecard before allocating proposal bandwidth

pWin cues

Specific end-user pain and measurable outcome
Technology maturity appropriate to the phase
Evidence of speed — AFWERX culture rewards execution

Watch-outs

Generic dual-use claims without a named mission thread
Missing the monthly cycle because you only checked SBIR.gov weekly
Ignoring related open topics that dilute or concentrate competition

Topic brief FAQ

Where are AFWERX open topics listed?

Live lists are on /afwerx-open-topics and the opportunities feed; monthly digests summarize the open cycle.

How does the monthly DSIP drop work?

DoD SBIR/STTR topics often release on a monthly cadence via DSIP. See the AFWERX DSIP guide on the blog.

Is open topic the same as a traditional SBIR topic?

Open topics are broader problem statements; traditional topics are often more narrowly specified. Read evaluation criteria carefully.

Readiness scorecard Capability match Monthly open-topic digest All topic briefs

Go / No-Go decision pack

One-click pack: competitive field, conversion signal, related awards, and (Pro) a full GO / MAYBE / NO-GO verdict against your capability.

Open scorecard Match my capability

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Incumbent detector

No adjacent award history found for this topic yet. Use the decision pack and scorecard to build your own go/no-go case, and re-check after the next data refresh.

Description

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. Develop a low cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) environmentally sealed pointing and stabilization solution for infrared search and track (IRST) payload for Group 2/3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to support detection and tracking of small UAS (sUAS) at extended range.

View / apply on DoD DSIP ↗

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