# SpaceWERX Awards USAX $1.49M SBIR Contract

SpaceWERX awarded USAX **$1,488,444** through a Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract to advance its Provenance Engine for potential U.S. Space Force applications. Work began August 6, 2026, and the award was announced October 5, 2026. The company says the work may support follow-on Phase III awards, which federal agencies may fund through sole-source contracts; that pathway is not automatic, so agencies and contractors should confirm applicable SBIR rules, contracting requirements, and mission fit before pursuing it.

- The award gives USAX an opportunity to develop its technology toward potential Space Force use; procurement teams can assess whether the capability aligns with mission needs.
- Companies pursuing related SBIR work should distinguish this Phase II award from any future Phase III action and validate eligibility and procurement conditions before relying on a sole-source approach.
- USAX lists **info@usax.com** for company inquiries and capability briefing requests.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 05, 2026

### Government Entities
- SpaceWERX
- United States Space Force (USSF)
- Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)
- Department of the Air Force

### Vendors
- USAX (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> Any Department of War command, PEO, program office, or federal agency can fund one, and its contracting officer can award it directly.
> — Chad J. Grills, CEO of USAX

### Sources
- [USAX Awarded U.S. Space Force Contract to Advance Its Provenance Engine | Ap News | pmg-ky3.com](https://www.pmg-ky3.com/ap/ap_news/usax-awarded-u-s-space-force-contract-to-advance-its-provenance-engine/article_447a4056-2a27-5aaf-997a-296be58d1682.html) - pmg-ky3.com