# SBIR / STTR #DAF27BZ02-NV014

R&D for a Rydberg-Atom Quantum Sensing Analyzer

**Buyer:** United States Air Force
**Posted:** November 04, 2026
**Respond By:** January 06, 2027
**Identifier:** DAF27BZ02-NV014
**NAICS:** 541715, 334511

The U.S. Air Force is seeking small-business R&D proposals to develop a Rydberg-atom Quantum Sensing Analyzer for defense electromagnetic measurement needs.
- **Government buyer:** Department of War Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, through the U.S. Air Force (USAF)/Department of the Air Force (DAF) and Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC). The Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF) is a key testing site; no specific contracting office is identified.
- **Requested effort:** Develop a quantum-sensing analyzer using Rydberg atomic sensors to make SI-traceable electromagnetic measurements from 1.5 MHz to 40 GHz. No commercial part numbers or item quantities are specified.
- **Development phases:**
  - Phase I: Assess feasibility and provide a preliminary prototype design, including technical analysis and simulated performance.
  - Phase II: Build, integrate, and test a functional prototype in operationally relevant environments, including BAF; target Technology Readiness Level 6.
  - Phase III: Potential transition and further development using non-SBIR funding, with a target of TRL 8 or higher.
- **Applications:** Testing radar, electronic warfare, communications, antennas, and electromagnetic chamber performance; possible commercial uses include electromagnetic compliance testing and telecommunications.
- **Notable requirements:** Evaluate measurement sensitivity, dynamic range, bandwidth, precision, SI traceability, repeatability, noise, interference resilience, and facility integration. The notice lists a CMMC Level 2 (Self) requirement.
- **OEMs and vendors:** No commercial OEMs, vendors, or resellers are named in the provided notice or attachments.

### Description

This is a pre-release DoW Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) topic under the 2027 BAA, Release 2. The agency/component is USAF, with AFMC listed as the command. The topic start/posting date is December 2, 2026, and proposals are due January 6, 2027. CMMC Level 2 (Self) is specified.

[View original listing](https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/)