SBIR Signal

Creating a Mobile L-Band Linear Accelerator (LINAC)

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

Component (WERX)
AFWERX
Agency
USAF
Program / Phase
SBIR
Solicitation #
26.BZ
Topic #
DAF26BZ02-DV014
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
—
Direct-to-Phase II brief

Topic brief

This looks like a Direct-to-Phase II (or Phase II-heavy) opportunity. Agencies expect a mature prototype path and evidence you can execute without a classic Phase I on DAF26BZ02-DV014.

Direct-to-Phase II focus: Treat maturity and transition evidence as gate criteria. Phase II-scale budget and schedule realism matter more than exploratory R&D framing.

Who this is for

  • Firms with a working prototype or strong TRL evidence already
  • Teams that can fund or evidence prior R&D equivalent to Phase I
  • Companies ready for a larger budget and tighter delivery schedule

Capture playbook

  1. Inventory prior art, demos, and test data that substitute for Phase I
  2. Budget and schedule like a Phase II from day one
  3. Identify transition customer and path before writing the abstract
  4. Study median Phase II award sizes in this agency (competitive intel)
  5. Only bid if you can show execution risk is controlled

pWin cues

  • Demonstrated system or subsystem, not a paper concept
  • Credible Phase II cost realism and staffing
  • Named transition stakeholder or follow-on vehicle

Watch-outs

  • D2P2 is not a shortcut for early-TRL ideas
  • Incumbents with prior Phase I on related topics may dominate
  • Underestimating Phase II documentation load sinks first-time bidders

Topic brief FAQ

What is Direct-to-Phase II?

A path that allows firms meeting eligibility and maturity criteria to propose Phase II without a new Phase I award on that topic.

Do I still need a Phase I somewhere?

Rules vary by agency; many D2P2 paths require equivalent prior work. Read the solicitation carefully.

How do I compare award sizes?

Use competitive intel and related awards on this page for Phase II dollar context in the same agency/domain.

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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

Pro unlocks full Go/No-Go verdicts and named incumbents. Compare plans

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 program goal under the offered D2P2 topic is to design and build a transportable L-Band Linear Accelerator (LINAC) with a 20 MeV output. This LINAC would be used as both a standalone nuclear test environment and with other test capabilities to create a combined nuclear test environment for microelectronics. The program would leverage existing components (electron gun, klystrons, accelerator section) retrieved from a previously operated DoW LINAC. Work could include procurement/fabrication of injector system, modulator, beamline and magnetics, beamline diagnostics and support equipment, beamline structure, beamline cooling, power management & distribution system, power supplies, controls, external chillers, computer/software, and RF system. For procurement or fabrication work that cannot be completed under phase II, full drawings and phase III development/operation plan must be included at the end of phase II. This LINAC represents a capability that does not currently exist within the DoW.

View / apply on DoD DSIP ↗

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