SBIR / STTR #SOC26BZ02-NV003

USSOCOM SBIR: Passive SLAM Technology for Terminal Guidance of Group 1 UAS

USSOCOM is seeking small business proposals for research and development of passive Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technology to enhance terminal guidance for Group 1 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). - Government Buyer: - United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), SBIR/STTR Program Office - Products/Services Requested: - Phase I Feasibility Study for passive SLAM navigation systems enabling autonomous terminal guidance of Group 1 UAS - Focus on navigation in complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments using passive sensors and onboard computing - Includes risk assessment and recommendation of best technology options - Phase II Prototype Development and Demonstration (potential follow-on) - Develop, install, and demonstrate prototype passive visual-inertial SLAM navigation systems on NDAA-compliant multi-rotor UAS - Unique/Notable Requirements: - All compute and sensors must be organic to the aircraft (no cloud computing) - Compliance with Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) and industry standard flight controls - CMMC Level 1 cybersecurity compliance - NDAA-compliant multi-rotor UAS required for prototype phase - No government-furnished property or travel costs allowed - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the focus is on R&D services and technology development - Maximum Phase I contract value is $175,000 for a 7-month period - Applications may extend to military and commercial sectors (e.g., drone delivery, unmanned search and rescue)

Description

This solicitation seeks innovative research and development efforts to develop an applied research capability for kinetic One-Way Attack (OWA) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to enhance terminal guidance by passively perceiving and navigating through complex, cluttered, and unstructured environments at mission relevant speeds. The UAS must navigate autonomously to both static and dynamic targets using passive sensors, identify obstacles, and dynamically adjust navigation plans without cloud computing. The project includes a Phase I feasibility study to assess technology readiness and a Phase II prototype development and demonstration. The technology has potential military and commercial applications including drone delivery, search and rescue, and unmanned mapping.

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