This Sources Sought opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on May 29, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.

Top

Commercially-Based Supersonic Aerial Target Solutions

Closed

N00019-27-RFI-PMA208SSTFederal

Submission Closed06/01/2026, 09:00:00 PM UTC

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

Active Opportunities Like This One

NAICS: 54171

New

Federal

Chain Reaction Innovations - Energy Technology Innovation

Solicitation # 6-BB47-P-00203-00

The Chain Reaction Innovations program, managed by Argonne National Laboratory for the Department of Energy, is seeking individual innovators for its 2027 cohort to accelerate the commercialization of high-impact physical science and energy technology. This initiative supports early-stage innovations that align with the DOE mission of advancing national, economic, and energy security. Selected participants are embedded within Argonne National Laboratory for up to 24 months, receiving a personal stipend, travel allowance, and health benefits through an ORISE fellowship. The engagement is structured via non-negotiable Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), beginning with a scope and planning phase of typically less than six months focused on market studies and the development of an Intellectual Property Management Plan. Eligibility is restricted to individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents with at least five years of R&D experience; incorporated entities are prohibited from applying. Evaluation is based on the project leader's technical strength and entrepreneurial drive, the project concept's technical merit and economic impact on the U.S., and the overall fit with laboratory resources. Applicants must submit a comprehensive package via the online portal, including a one-page resume, a five-page technical deck, and detailed narratives regarding their vision and business idea. Continuation into the second year of the program is subject to a midpoint review at the end of the first year to ensure performance meets minimum criteria.

Argonne National Labor - DOE Contractor

POSTED

DEADLINE

Habitable Worlds Observatory Instrument Concept Assessments in NASA Research Announcement (NRA): RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SPACE AND EARTH SCIENCES (ROSES) 2025

Solicitation # NNH25ZDA001N-HWOICA

The Habitable Worlds Observatory Instrument Concept Assessments (HWO-ICA) program, under solicitation NNH25ZDA001N-HWOICA, seeks proposals to mature the HWO mission concept by expanding the exploration of the instrument trade space. The program focuses on analyzing innovative instrument concepts based on scientific opportunity, engineering feasibility, technology maturity, and associated risks. It supports two categories of proposals for a nominal period of approximately two years: Category 1 for U.S.-based institution-led assessments and Category 2 for U.S.-based individuals participating in non-U.S. led programs. Notably, the program supports pre-formulation activities aligned with the HWO Technology Maturation Project Office but does not fund the development of flight hardware or support tools. Proposals are due by October 14, 2026, and must be submitted via the NSPIRES portal. Evaluation will be conducted using dual anonymous peer review. Selected proposals will be funded through firm-fixed-priced contracts or Interagency Agreements. A recent amendment clarifies that unfunded U.S.-based individuals involved in the proposed work may be included as Collaborators for Category 2 proposals. Questions regarding this opportunity are accepted until September 18, 2026, and should be directed to Megan Ansdell.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Announcement for Partnership Proposals: Atmospheric Exploration Observatory

Solicitation # NNH26ZDA015L

NASA Headquarters is seeking innovative partnership proposals under solicitation NNH26ZDA015L for the Atmospheric Exploration Observatory. The initiative aims to collaborate with external organizations to complete the former GeoCarb instrument, integrate it with a spacecraft, and manage its launch and operation. This effort is designed to advance the commercial remote sensing industry and maximize the impact of NASA resources through shared data and collaborative hardware utilization. Interested parties must submit their proposals by December 2, 2026. Full details and the final text of the announcement are available via the NSPIRES system. All preliminary meetings and forums will be conducted virtually, and it is the responsibility of the proposer to monitor the submission website for updates.

POSTED

DEADLINE

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) INNOVATIVE CONCEPT PHASE I AWARD PROGRAM

Solicitation # 75N98026R00109

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is soliciting research proposals from small business concerns for its Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Innovative Concept Award Program under solicitation 75N98026R00109. This high-risk, high-reward program focuses on developing transformative technologies for pediatric and rare cancers, specifically targeting those with a five-year survival rate of less than 50 percent. The scope is divided into two primary topics: the development of therapeutic or preventative technologies and the creation of devices, diagnostic technologies, or digital health tools. The program aims to demonstrate proof-of-concept and feasibility for game-changing R&D, and while preliminary data is not required, proposals must be based on a sound scientific premise and identify a clear development path toward a future product. The total funding available per award is up to 300,000 dollars for base R&D, with an additional 6,500 dollars available for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA). Proposals are evaluated through a multi-stage process involving a preliminary triage and a technical review panel. The weighted evaluation criteria include potential for innovation and impact (50 percent), scientific rationale and approach (20 percent), commercialization potential (20 percent), and personnel and resources (10 percent). Non-exempt human subjects research is not supported under this solicitation. Applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and the SBA Company Registry. Submissions must be uploaded via the electronic Contract Proposal Submission (eCPS) portal in three parts: a technical proposal, a business proposal, and the PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information Form. Following amendments, the Data Management Sharing Plan requirement has been removed, and offerors must include a signed copy of Amendment 3 with their business proposal. The deadline for receipt of proposals is 5:00pm on September 21, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Solicitation # N0016425SC001

The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) is utilizing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under solicitation N0016425SC001 to rapidly identify and acquire innovative commercial products and services. The objective is to bridge capability gaps through a three-phased competitive process consisting of a Solution Brief, a Pitch session, and a final written proposal. The program focuses on three primary technological areas: Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions, and Electromagnetic Warfare. Awards are issued on a fixed-price basis and may be executed via FAR-based contracts, Purchase Orders, or prototype Other Transaction (OT) Agreements. Successful completion of a prototype project may lead to follow-on production contracts without further competition. Specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) currently include the development of a Miniature Aiming System for .338 Norma Magnum Light Machine Guns, a Small Modular Optic and Laser Designator, and various weapon systems such as the Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR), the Flyweight Assault Machine Gun (FAMG), and a lightweight 7.62 NATO belt-fed weapon. Additionally, the program seeks a Modular Kinetic Lethal Drone (MKLD) Vertical Take-Off and Landing aerial loitering munition. Evaluation is based on technical merit, relevance to the AOI, and the feasibility of rapid integration into Department of Defense systems. To be eligible for prototype OT agreements, participants must meet specific criteria, such as including nontraditional defense contractors or providing a one-third cost-share of the project.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Research Opportunities for International Space Station (ISS) Utilization

Solicitation # 80JSC026ISSNRA

NASA Johnson Space Center is soliciting proposals under the open Research Opportunities for International Space Station (ISS) Utilization announcement, identified as 80JSC026ISSNRA, to advance exploration technology demonstration and enhance National Lab utilization on the ISS. Originally issued in November 2012, the notice remains open for submissions, with individual focus areas potentially having distinct deadlines. Proposals may be awarded through various mechanisms including commercial and non-commercial contracts, cooperative agreements, or grants, depending on the nature and scope of the project. The North American Industry Classification System code applicable is 54171, and performance is expected to occur in Houston, Texas. All responsible sources are eligible to submit offers, and there is no specific set-aside for small businesses or other categories. Applicants must register and monitor the NASA Solicitation and Proposal Integrated Review and Evaluation System (NSPIRES) for the solicitation, amendments, and submission requirements, as it is the sole source for official documents. The primary point of contact is Colleen Corbett, with secondary support from Samuel Mcilvoy, and the Center Ombudsman provision under NASA Clause 1852.215-84 is in effect for dispute resolution.

NASA Johnson Space Center

POSTED

DEADLINE

Defense Innovation Unit Commercial Solutions Opening

Solicitation # HQ0845-20-S-C001

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is utilizing a streamlined Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to award funding agreements to traditional and nontraditional defense contractors for prototype projects. These projects aim to enhance military effectiveness and national security through the adoption of innovative commercial technologies, processes, or business practices. Awards are executed as Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2371b, allowing for an iterative prototyping process that includes concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development. The procurement is administered by the DIU in coordination with the Washington Headquarters Service and the Army Contracting Command. The competitive process consists of three distinct phases: the submission of a Solution Brief in response to specific Areas of Interest (AOI), an invitation to a pitch session to demonstrate technical and business viability, and the submission of a full written proposal. Evaluation is based on the merit of the proposed concept, specifically focusing on relevance to the AOI, innovation, uniqueness, and technical feasibility. Eligible respondents must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), possess a DUNS number, and be determined responsible by the Agreements Officer. While the government requires a total price proposal for the prototype project, the Agreements Officer will negotiate final terms, conditions, and payments directly with the selected company, including the potential consideration of company-proposed service or user license agreements.

Defense Innovation Unit

POSTED

DEADLINE

Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

Solicitation # HQ0034259WHSCSO

The Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate is utilizing this Commercial Solutions Opening to solicit innovative commercial products, technologies, and services to accelerate defense capabilities. Managed by the Emerging Capabilities and Defense Prototyping Division, the initiative seeks commercially available technologies, concept demonstrations, pilots, and agile development activities. The process is structured around specific Areas of Interest published on the Government Point of Entry, and the overall opening remains active for five years. Awards are issued as Other Transaction agreements under the authority of 10 U.S.C. sections 3458 and 4022, meaning they are not governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation, although they must comply with federal law and specific non-negotiable terms. The competitive process involves a multi-phase submission sequence consisting of solution briefs, pitches, and prototype proposals. Evaluation is based on the solution concept and business viability, with a particular emphasis on the participation of nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses. All submissions must be unclassified and follow strict formatting guidelines, including a maximum of five written pages or fifteen slides. Project completion is determined by the Agreements Officer based on the achievement of key technical goals or success metrics. For administrative purposes, awarded companies must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management and utilize the Wide Area Work Flow for invoicing.

Washington Headquarters Services

POSTED

DEADLINE

Request for Information (RFI) for Advancing Critical and Emerging Microelectronics Technologies

Solicitation # 26_04

Sandia National Laboratories, under the Department of Energy, has issued Request for Information (RFI) solicitation 26_04 to identify capabilities for advancing critical and emerging microelectronics technologies. The primary objective is to strengthen the domestic semiconductor manufacturing supply chain and maintain U.S. technological leadership. Priority areas for research and prototyping include advanced semiconductor devices such as power electronics, analog and digital signal processing, and communications technologies. The scope also emphasizes microelectronics fabrication and characterization, specifically focusing on advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and the use of digital twins and AI to accelerate domestic manufacturing fabs. Additionally, the RFI seeks innovations in the application of artificial intelligence and quantum technology specifically for microelectronics research and development, including scalable quantum computing and AI-driven autonomous agents for cybersecurity. The initiative also covers the commercialization of federally funded scientific discoveries. Interested parties must submit a response of no more than five pages in PDF or Word format by September 30, 2029. Submissions will be evaluated based on the relevance and completeness of the information, the clarity of the response, the respondent's technical understanding, and their professional qualifications.

POSTED

DEADLINE

LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC)

Solicitation # W911NF21S0009

The LPS Qubit Collaboratory (LQC) is a joint initiative by the U.S. Army Research Office and the NSA's Laboratory for Physical Sciences designed to advance disruptive fundamental research in quantum information science and technology. The program focuses on qubit development for quantum computing and sensing, aiming to overcome long-term technical barriers through collaborative partnerships between government laboratories, academia, industry, and FFRDCs. Research priorities include superconducting qubits, spin qubits, and the improvement of qubit gate fidelity and device design. The program is structured around three proposal categories: Incubator opportunities for single investigators or small groups to develop initial concepts, Collaboratory proposals for multi-sector teams to pursue long-term proof-of-concept projects over one to three years, and QuaCR Research Fellowships for U.S. citizen graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Managed by the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground Research Triangle Park Division, the solicitation is a Broad Agency Announcement with a response deadline extended to April 30, 2027. Awards may take the form of grants, cooperative agreements, or procurement contracts, with durations typically ranging from one to three years depending on the category. Proposals are evaluated by a panel of government scientists based on scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to the feasibility of quantum computing, and the qualifications of the research personnel. Eligible applicants include domestic and foreign institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and both large and small for-profit concerns. The submission process involves a two-stage approach, beginning with a ten-page white paper followed by a full proposal.

POSTED

DEADLINE

AFRL/RX Functional Materials Open BAA

Solicitation # FA8650-22-S-5002

The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is soliciting white papers and full proposals under Broad Agency Announcement FA8650-22-S-5002 to develop innovative functional materials. The program focuses on the entire technology lifecycle, from scientific discovery and characterization to the development of prototypes and transition into warfighting capabilities. Key technical areas of interest include photonic materials, specifically optical materials and processes to enhance electromagnetic capabilities and hardened materials and processing. The solicitation follows a two-step process where selected white paper submitters are invited to provide full technical and cost proposals. The anticipated total program funding has been increased to approximately 500 million dollars, with individual awards potentially reaching 75 million dollars. Most awards are expected to be Cost Plus Fixed Fee contracts with a period of performance ranging from 12 to 72 months. Evaluation is based on a peer or scientific review focusing on technical innovation, transition potential, and cost realism. Due to the sensitive nature of the research, contractors must adhere to strict security requirements, including a Secret level of safeguarding for classified information, compliance with NIST SP 800-171 for cybersecurity, and rigorous security risk reviews for key personnel to mitigate foreign influence. Submissions must follow specific formatting guidelines, including a 21-page limit for technical proposals and the use of quad charts for synopses. All offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management and provide comprehensive representations and certifications. Deliverables include scientific and technical reports delivered in editable formats, and any hardware prototypes exceeding 5,000 dollars in cost must include Unique Item Identifiers. The current submission deadline for white papers is October 26, 2028.

FA8650 USAF Afmc Afrl Pzl Afrl/pzl

POSTED

DEADLINE

Commercial Solutions Opening for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)

Solicitation # FA8612-21-S-C001

The Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), managed by the Air Force AFLCMC/XA Architecture and Integration Directorate, serves as an umbrella solicitation designed to acquire innovative technologies that reduce kill chain and OODA timelines. This streamlined acquisition framework allows the government to solicit specific solutions through subsequent Calls, which may be either Closed or Open Period. These Calls target several Technology Focus Areas, including Digital Architecture, Sensor Integration, Data, Secure Processing, Connectivity, Applications, and Effects Integration. The CSO is open to a wide range of participants, including traditional and nontraditional defense contractors, small businesses, and research institutions, provided they are American entities performing all work within the United States. The acquisition process typically follows a two-step approach where offerors first submit a white paper with a rough order of magnitude price. Those favorably evaluated based on the merit of their concept are then invited to submit a full proposal. Awards may take the form of FAR Part 12 Firm-Fixed-Price contracts, procurements for experimental purposes under 10 U.S.C. 4023, or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. 4021. Recent specific efforts under this CSO have included the solicitation of multi-level security networks for DevSecOps, virtualized SD-WAN solutions, and Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant multi-function processors. Proposed technologies generally require a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of three or higher.

FA8612 Aflcmc C3BM C3

POSTED

7 months ago

DEADLINE

in about 2 months

AI Contract Overview

The Naval Air Systems Command, Program Management Office Aerial Targets (PMA-208), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify commercially available or non-developmental supersonic aerial target solutions capable of meeting Navy threat simulation requirements. This RFI is not a solicitation, nor does it obligate the government to award any contract or agreement; responses are voluntary and will not be compensated. The primary goal is to evaluate mature, commercially-based systems that can demonstrate supersonic performance at Mach 2.0 or greater, integrate with U.S. Navy range infrastructure, and scale to support up to 50 flight events annually starting in the 2030–2034 timeframe. The government is particularly interested in innovative acquisition and business models such as contractor-owned/contractor-operated, pay-per-outcome, or other non-traditional structures. Submitted information may be used to inform the potential award of one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, possibly through the Naval Air Systems Consortium, with a briefing planned for June 25, 2026. Respondents must provide a capability statement detailing technical readiness levels, end-to-end system experience including air vehicles, propulsion, launch systems, software, logistics, and personnel, along with a rough order of magnitude cost estimate. All submissions must be unclassified, limited to 20 pages in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format with 10-point Times New Roman font, and marked with Distribution Statement D. Required corporate information includes company name, address, CAGE code, and Unique Entity Identifier. The deadline for responses is June 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET, and submissions must be sent via encrypted email or, if requested before May 29, through a DoD SAFE link. The government reserves the right to pursue production of successful prototypes following any potential OTA award.

General Info

Navy seeks industry input on commercial supersonic aerial targets for future scalable operations.

Agency

Department Of Defense → Naval Air Systems CommandView Agency

NAICS

54171

Place of Performance

St James, MD, 20670, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(3)

Attachment 1 Frequently Asked Questions

PDF•q-and-a

N00019-27-RFI-PMA208SST Commercially-Based Supersonic Aerial Target Solutions

PDF•rfi

Attachment 1 Frequently Asked Questions Update 5-27

PDF•q-and-a

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

Timeline

3 updates

PhaseClosed

PostedMay 1

Sources Sought

Amendment 1May 15

Contract was updated

Amendment 2May 27

Contract was updated

Amendment 3May 29

Contract was updated

Response DeadlineJun 1

Deadline has passed

Submission Closed

06/01/2026, 09:00:00 PM UTC

Find active opportunities like this

Start your free trial to discover similar active contracts, track opportunities, and build proposals with AI assistance.

Organization & Contact Information

AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Naval Air Systems Command

Contacts2 people available

OfficePATUXENT RIVER, MD, 20670-5000, USA

Organization / Agency

Department Of Defense → Naval Air Systems Command

View Agency Profile

Office AddressPATUXENT RIVER, MD, 20670-5000, USA

Contacts

Joseph Perriello

contact@example.gov

Raymond Cannon

contact@example.gov

Full Description

THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) IS ISSUED SOLELY FOR INFORMATION AND PLANNING PURPOSES AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION. THE GOVERNMENT MAY USE THE INFORMATION RECEIVED TO INFORM A POTENTIAL PROTOTYPE PROJECT UNDER OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY (OTA), PURSUANT TO 10 U.S.C. § 4022. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. ALL INFORMATION SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI IS VOLUNTARY AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT COMPENSATE ANY RESPONDENT FOR ANY COST INCURRED IN DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE GOVERNMENT. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL; YET IS A MARKET RESEARCH TOOL TO DETERMINE POTENTIAL FIRMS CAPABLE OF PROVIDING THE SUPPLIES DESCRIBED HEREIN PRIOR TO AN ISSUANCE OF A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT OBLIGATED TO PAY FOR ANY INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM POTENTIAL SOURCES AS A RESULT OF THIS RFI. THIS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OF ANY KIND. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT OR NON-FAR BASED AGREEMENT (E.G. OTHER TRANSACTION) AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. FAILURE TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE WILL NOT PREVENT A COMPANY FROM PARTICIPATION IN ANY FUTURE COMPETETION RELATED TO PMA208’s COMMERCIALLY BASED SUPRSONIC TARGETS. INFORMATION PROVIDED SHOULD BE UNCLASSIFIED. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED MAY BE REVIEWED AND USED ACROSS THE GOVERNMENT.

The Naval Air Systems Command, Program Management Office, Aerial Targets (PMA-208), is exploring alternatives to the traditional acquisition of supersonic aerial targets. The objective of this RFI is to solicit technical feedback from industry while identifying and assessing mature, commercially-developed and/or non-developmental solutions that can meet Navy threat simulation requirements which improve both affordability and industrial base resilience.

The Government is seeking information on supersonic aerial target capabilities that can be demonstrated in the near term (October 2028 – September 2029) and can be scaled to provide the recurring operational target presentations to support the Fleet starting in the 2030-2034 timeframe. The Government is open to various acquisition and business models, including contractor-owned/contractor-operated, pay-per-outcome, or other innovative structure.

NAVAIR is considering awarding one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTA), pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022 “Authority of the Department of Defense to carry out certain prototype projects,” for Commercially-Based Supersonic Aerial Target Solutions.

The Government reserves the right to pursue production of a successful prototype(s).

Update (15 May 2026) - Please see Attachment 1 Frequently Asked Questions

Update (27 May 2026) - Please see Attachment 1 Frequently Asked Questions (Updated 5-27)

Update (29 May 2026) - The Government is considering utilizing the Naval Air Systems Consortium to potentially award one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022 “Authority of the Department of Defense to carry out certain prototype projects”. This effort will be briefed by the Government at the NASC Membership Meeting on 25 June 2026. This forum is limited to the members of the NASC. For more information about membership as well as the Commercially-Based Supersonic Aerial Target Solutions briefing, please visit nascsolutions.org.