OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Advanced Infrastructure & Advanced Manufacturing; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
OBJECTIVE: xTechSearch is seeking novel, disruptive concepts and technology solutions with dual-use capabilities that can assist in tackling the Army’s current needs and apply to current Army concepts. The intent is to provide the Army with transformative technology solutions while enabling cost savings throughout the Army systems’ life cycle. Critical technology focus areas include Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML); Advanced Materials; Advanced Manufacturing; Cyber; Electronics; Human Performance; Immersive; Network Technologies; Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT); Power; Software Modernization; and Sensors.
DESCRIPTION: The U.S. Army is seeking innovative technology solutions from eligible sole proprietors and small businesses across the U.S. through the Expeditionary Technology Search (xTechSearch) competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to pitch novel technology solutions—whether a new application for an existing technology or an entirely new technology concept—to the Army. It also provides a chance to engage with the Department of Defense (DoD), earn prize money, join an accelerator program, and potentially submit a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology recognizes the importance of strengthening partnerships with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of ‘world-class’ commercial technologies that could benefit the DOD (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoD Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoD.
Join us for an exciting Ask Me Anything (AMA) session! This is a unique opportunity for interested companies to engage with experts, ask questions, and learn more about the xTech competition and how to participate. The meeting will take place May 21, 2025 at 1500 ET, you can access here via MS Teams.
The white paper submission deadline for xTechSearch 9 is June 4, 2025at 5pm ET. White papers must be submitted by following instructions provided at the xTechSearch 9 competition site here: https://www.xtech.army.mil/competitions/.
NOTE: White papers are NOT submitted to DSIP. Small business concerns that do not submit a concept white paper to the xTechSearch 9 competition before the June 4, 2025 deadline will be ineligible to compete or submit a full SBIR proposal to DSIP.
PHASE I: Companies will complete a feasibility study that demonstrates the firm’s competitive technical advantage relative to other commercial products (if other products exist) and develop concept plans for how the company’s technology can be applied to Army modernization priority areas. Studies should clearly detail and identify a firm’s technology at both the individual component and system levels, provide supporting literature for technical feasibility, highlight existing performance data, showcase the technology’s application opportunities to a broad base of customers outside the defense space, a market strategy for the commercial space, how the technology directly addresses the Army’s modernization area as well as include a technology development roadmap to demonstrate scientific and engineering viability.
At the end of Phase I, the company will be required to provide a concept demonstration of their technology to demonstrate a high probability that continued design and development will result in a Phase II mature product.
PHASE II: Produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army units for further evaluation by the soldiers. In addition, companies will provide a technology transition and commercialization plan for DOD and commercial markets.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Complete the maturation of the company’s technology developed in Phase II to TRL 6/7 and produce prototypes to support further development and commercialization. The Army will evaluate each product in a realistic field environment and provide small solutions to stakeholders for further evaluation. Based on soldier evaluations in the field, companies will be requested to update the previously delivered prototypes to meet final design configuration.
REFERENCES:
1. https://www.xtechsearch.army.mil
KEYWORDS: Electronics; Human Performance; Open Topic; Prize Competition; Dual Use; Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML); Advanced Materials; Advanced Manufacturing; Cyber; Electronics; Human Performance; Immersive; Network Technologies; Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT); Power; Software Modernization; Sensors
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