# AFWERX Awards SBIR Contract for Zero Trust Security

AFWERX has awarded a **$74,292 Phase I SBIR contract** to Prometheus Security Group Global and Zignal Labs to develop an integrated portable Zero Trust physical security solution combined with open source intelligence. This initiative aims to enhance force protection capabilities for the Department of the Air Force by extending security beyond traditional physical perimeters, providing earlier threat warnings and richer operational context to Air Force security forces. The contract was awarded on September 28, 2026, and represents an early-stage research effort to advance physical security technologies aligned with Zero Trust principles.

- **Why this matters:** This contract signals growing Air Force interest in integrating cybersecurity concepts like Zero Trust into physical security, creating new opportunities for contractors specializing in security technology and intelligence fusion.
- Procurement professionals should note the emphasis on portable, integrated solutions that combine physical and digital threat detection, indicating evolving requirements for force protection.
- Companies with expertise in open source intelligence and Zero Trust architectures can position themselves for follow-on phases and related Air Force security modernization efforts.
- The involvement of AFWERX highlights the Air Force's commitment to innovation through SBIR programs, encouraging small businesses and startups to engage in defense technology development.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Cybersecurity
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- AFWERX

### Vendors
- Prometheus Security Group Global (prime contractor)
- Zignal Labs (prime contractor)

### Sources
- [Prometheus Security Group Global and Zignal Labs Selected for AFWERX SBIR Phase I Award](https://finance.yahoo.com/small-business/articles/prometheus-security-group-global-zignal-140000531.html) - Yahoo Finance