FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 - Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) - Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

The Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) initiative under solicitation FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 seeks transformative technologies to redefine space operations through cyber-cognitive overmatch, focusing on disruptive innovations across the cyber and electromagnetic spectrums, distributed space-ground-link architectures, and advanced human-machine teaming. Proposals must strictly optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP) without compromising the performance of primary satellite systems, ensuring new capabilities are viable within operational constraints. The effort demands more than incremental improvements—it requires groundbreaking solutions capable of enabling entirely new operational paradigms, evaluated against two core metrics: the potential for cognitive and cyber overmatch, and realistic readiness for transition from lab to government or industry implementation. Only domestic universities, small businesses, and non-profit or for-profit entities with fewer than 1,000 employees under NAICS code 541715 may apply; large businesses and federal agencies are prohibited, and foreign-owned organizations are entirely excluded. The solicitation follows a two-step process beginning with a white paper submission due by August 13, 2026, at 1100 MDT via DoD Safe, using a mandatory nine-page template with 11-point font, no alterations to formatting, and no zipped or password-protected files. Proposals must demonstrate Gold Standard Science practices, deliver demonstrable results with measurable benchmarks, align with presidential policy priorities, and comply with strict non-discrimination requirements. Failed compliance with any pass/fail gate disqualifies an offeror. Selected applicants will be invited to submit full proposals under a yet-to-be-determined instrument—potentially a FAR-based contract, grant, or cooperative agreement—with award structure depending on the nature of the proposed research. Cost-type awards require a DCMA-approved accounting system and adherence to FAR Part 31 or 2 CFR Part 200 cost principles, while all recipients must manage property reports for items exceeding $5,000. Project performance spans up to 60 months, including 57 months of technical effort and a 3-month closeout period, with quarterly, monthly, and annual reporting obligations including financial submissions (SF-270, SF-425), progress reports, technical publications, software deliverables, and closeout documentation. Funding is contingent on performance reviews, milestone achievement, schedule adherence, and continued availability of appropriations. All work occurs at the Controlled Unclassified Information (C