DON26BZ01-NV009 TITLE: Open Architecture for a Low Volume Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Navy Aircraft
COMPONENT TECHNOLOGY PRIORITY AREA(S): Advanced Computing and Software;Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems
PROJECTED CMMC LEVEL REQUIREMENT: Level 2 (Self)
The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws.
OBJECTIVE: Design, develop, and demonstrate an innovative airborne radio system with a reduction compared to current airborne radios. The solution will incorporate a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to ensure seamless integration across Navy and Marine Corps platforms including fixed wing, rotary wing and UAV aircraft.
DESCRIPTION: The Navy seeks an innovative, open-architecture airborne radio system optimized for a minimal Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) to ensure seamless integration across a wide range of NAVAIR platforms, such as the SH-60, F/A-18, E-2D, and MQ-4C.This system will leverage a MOSA to ensure future adaptability and significantly reduce the cost and complexity of radio upgrades. The goal is to provide a pathway for future modifications without impacting existing platform infrastructure.
Developing aircraft radio systems presents significant challenges due to stringent SWaP constraints, harsh environmental conditions, and demanding Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards. Equally critical is robust cybersecurity, requiring adherence to standards like NIST SP 800-53 and the integration of security measures throughout the system design lifecycle.
The objective of this SBIR topic is to design, develop, and demonstrate an innovative airborne radio system optimized for SWaP efficiency. The system must satisfy current security and operational demands, while providing a modular, scalable architecture that accommodates future technology upgrades and supports evolving communication waveforms.
An open architecture is also critical to sustain radio systems through their lifecycle. The MOSA leverages a robust ecosystem of established standards, including Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) and Modular Open RF Architecture (MORA) that enable modularity and interoperability. Additionally, applying an MBSE to radio system design will enhance system understanding, enable early defect detection and improve documentation.
Additionally, the resulting radio system architecture should adhere to the following technical goals:
• Fit within the tight size constraints of two VNX+ standard cards (78 mm x 89 mm x 19 mm each). Note that a VNX+ power supply, backplane and I/O connectors will be external to the solution.
• Support two separate Transmit and Receive RF channels. One RF channel capable of 30MHz to 6HGz operating frequency and the other capable of supporting 30MHz to 31GHz
• Support at least 60MHz instantaneous bandwidth
• Support transmit power amplifier capable of reliably delivering an average 25 Watts of RF power on transmit channel 1 and 1 Watt of RF power on transmit channel 2
• Interoperability with MORA devices for control and I/Q data sharing
• Capable of Digital Pre Distortion (DPD)
• Capable of programmable RF waveforms including VHF/UHF communications waveforms including AM/FM, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Public Safety, Have Quick II, SATURN, SINCGARS, DAMA, MUOS, JPALS, and Automatic Direction Finding (ADF), Link-16
• Capable of 1024-QAM OFDM modulation with 1000 subcarriers
Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. owned and operated with no foreign influence as defined by 32 U.S.C. § 2004.20 et seq., National Industrial Security Program Executive Agent and Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been implemented and approved by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) formerly Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances. This will allow contractor personnel to perform on advanced phases of this project as set forth by DCSA and NAVAIR to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material during the advanced phases of this contract IAW the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM), which can be found at Title 32, Part 2004.20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
PHASE I: Develop an initial design for a novel SwaP-optimized airborne radio system utilizing MOSA and MBSE principles that is readily integrable across Navy and Marine Corps platforms, encompassing fixed wing, rotary wing and UAV aircraft. Provide analysis to determine the feasibility of the design by meeting the technical goals defined in the Description.
The Phase I effort will include prototype plans to be developed under Phase II.
PHASE II: Develop a prototype that includes the high-risk technology elements previously identified. Continue to refine the MBSE design developed in Phase I and demonstrate prototype functionality in a laboratory environment.
Work in Phase II may become classified. Please see note in Description section.
PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Further develop/refine the prototype(s) generated in Phase II for inclusion in a tactical radio for Navy and Marine aircraft that includes qualification and flight testing.
By identifying radio technologies adaptable to harsh Navy and Marine aviation environments, this research benefits the private sector by enabling more reliable and robust commercial solutions. For example, technologies proven resilient in demanding military aircraft environments can be applied to industries such as mining, oil and gas exploration, or even emergency services communication, leading to improved performance and reduced downtime in these challenging conditions.
REFERENCES:
KEYWORDS: Radio; Modular; Communications; Open; Signal
TPOC:
NAVAIR SBIR/STTR POC
navair-sbir@us.navy.mil
** TOPIC NOTICE ** |
The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the Navy Topics in the DoW FY-26 Release 1 SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoW Topic website at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations for any updates. The DoW issued its Navy FY-26 Release 1 SBIR Topics pre-release on April 13, 2026 which opens to receive proposals on May 6, 2026, and closes June 3, 2026 (12:00pm ET). Direct Contact with Topic Authors: During the pre-release period (April 13, through May 5, 2026) proposing firms have an opportunity to directly contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) to ask technical questions about the specific BAA topic. The TPOC contact information is listed in each topic description. Once DoW begins accepting proposals on May 6, 2026 no further direct contact between proposers and topic authors is allowed unless the Topic Author is responding to a question submitted during the Pre-release period. DoD On-line Q&A System: After the pre-release period, until May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET, proposers may submit written questions through the DoW On-line Topic Q&A at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login/ by logging in and following instructions. In the Topic Q&A system, the questioner and respondent remain anonymous but all questions and answers are posted for general viewing. DoW Topics Search Tool: Visit the DoW Topic Search Tool at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/ to find topics by keyword across all DoW Components participating in this BAA.
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