AFWERX

The 24.4/D Specific Topic opportunity is now open and accepting submissions! This solicitation seeks to find technologies or solutions for Materials, Information Systems, Electronics and more. If your technology can help solve a defense need for the United States Air Force, learn more about this solicitation and apply by noon ET on November 6: https://ow.ly/cuCA50TxgVS . . . #AFWERX #AFVentures #SpecificTopic #funding #opportunity #SBIR #STTR #innovation #technology #USAF #DAF #DoD

VerdeGo Aero has been awarded a $1.9M Sequential Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract with the United States Air Force to build and test the first prototype VH?3 (185 kW) hybrid-electric powerplant that conforms to a production-intent configuration. The award was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Mobility Directorate (AFLCMC/WLM) in cooperation with AFWERX, supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The contract will result in the completion and trialing of the first production VH?3 hybrid powerplant that builds on refinements from full-scale prototypes operational since 2020. Following the testing of this version, VerdeGo will have the capability to deliver small volumes of hybrid power sources to clients requiring energy for their ground and flight test programs. Learn more: https://ow.ly/IrTj50Txk3y . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AglityPrime #hybridelectric #powerplant #SBIR #TACFI #prototype #AFLCMC #AFRL #innovation #technology

Prime - Electra Conducts Multiple Flight Demonstrations of Ultra Short Aircraft for U.S. Military: Prime partner, Electra, held successful flight demonstrations of its hybrid-electric Ultra Short prototype for military stakeholders. The demonstrations, held at United States Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico and at Felker Army Airfield at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, showcased the aircraft's dual-use capabilities for logistics operations in austere environments. "AFWERX is committed to supporting the accelerated development of the dual-use Ultra Short technology. This aircraft's efficient, quiet, and sustainable operations align with military objectives for contested and expeditionary logistics," said Jacob Wilson, AFWERX Agility Prime acting branch chief. "Its hybrid-electric propulsion system provides extended range and endurance, making it suitable for Agile Combat Employment missions in austere locations with compromised or nonexistent runways. Electra continues to expand the Ultra Short aircraft flight envelope during the ongoing flight test campaign. The technology demonstrator is providing critical data to inform the development of Electra's nine-passenger piloted production aircraft, which is being developed under an active STRATFI contract with AFWERX. Learn more: https://ow.ly/XlYM50Txgjn . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AgilityPrime #prototype #flightdemo #ACE #STRATFI #futureofflight #technology #innovation

??? BREAKING NEWS from the Autonomy Prime team: With over 50 proposals received, the Autonomy Prime First Fly-Off (Call 001) is now closed! The team is diligently working to evaluate these alternate navigation solutions for small UAVs, award contracts, and start flying! ??? Find more information about the Autonomy Prime program here: https://ow.ly/cEup50Txfyv . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AutonomyPrime #FlyOff1 #UAV #navigation #autonomousflight #futureofflight #innovation #technology

?? The 24.7/E Open Topic Phase I solicitation is only open one more week! Now is the time to make final preparations for your submission. Be sure to review proposal structure, submission requirements and other guidance documentation and submit your proposals by October 10 at noon ET here: https://ow.ly/REFz50Tx78p The Open Topic team created an informative overview for 24.7/E Open Topic Phase I. Review the slide deck for proposal structure, submission requirements, common causes for non-selection and more here under “Resources”: https://ow.ly/mnec50Tx78r . . . #AFWERX #AFVentures #OpenTopic #SBIR #STTR #USAF #DoD #innovation #technology

??? JOIN THE TEAM: AFWERX Capital Initiatives is seeking a data-driven Due Diligence Operations Manager. Responsibilities include working with a team of civilian and contractor analysts conducting critical due diligence reviews mandated by the SBIR and STTR Expansion Act of 2022. This pivotal role oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring rigorous analysis and fostering collaboration with United States Department of Defense and interagency stakeholders. ??? Open to all US citizens; apply by October 7. https://ow.ly/QmCh50TvHEj . . . #AFWERX #CapitalInitiatives #duediligence #operations #manager #SBIR #STTR #USAF #DAF #DoD #innovation #jobhiring #newopportunity #jointheteam #hiring #growth

The Air Force Research Laboratory is on track to meet or exceed its small business performance metrics from the previous fiscal year, according to Brian McJilton, director of the AFRL Small Business Office, who recently spoke at the enterprise-wide Small Business Summit held at Dayton Tech Town in Dayton, Ohio. AFRL reported increased engagement with small businesses compared to fiscal year 2023. Small businesses benefit from partnering with AFRL through substantial contracts that drive growth and innovation, along with support programs that diversify their customer base and strengthen their market position, often leading to continued growth of the company or potential acquisition by larger companies. While AFRL’s small business outreach efforts have been extensive, AFWERX, an AFRL directorate, also plays a vital role as the innovation arm of the United States Department of the Air Force working with small businesses to bring cutting-edge ingenuity from small businesses and startups to deliver Air and Space capabilities and connecting commercial solutions with defense needs. AFWERX manages and executes the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer funding programs. Learn more: https://ow.ly/Mwv250Tvqku . . . #AFWERX #AFRL #smallbusiness #government #partnership #nationaldefense #innovation #technology #SBIR #STTR

AFWERX Prime partner Reliable Robotics has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract leveraging the company’s dual-use technology to provide advanced automation to United States Air Force airlift and refueling aircraft. The contract is also a vehicle for AFWERX and Reliable Robotics to explore partnerships with other branches of the military and combatant commands to scale and transition Reliable’s advanced automation technologies for specific use cases. "Aircraft autonomy is a mission critical capability for the United States Department of the Air Force. This IDIQ contract is driven by demand from Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces and commands that want to employ advanced aircraft automation in their fleets as soon as possible," said Lt. Col. Josh Fehd, AFWERX Autonomy Prime branch chief. Learn more: https://ow.ly/fNja50TvpWK . . . #AFWERX #Prime #AutonomyPrime #partner #autonomousflight #futureofflight #technology #innovation

The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a required process for any software or hardware that connects to a United States Department of Defense (DoD) network or processes DoD data. It involves the creation of artifacts to be reviewed by an authorizing official who grants an Authority to Operate (ATO). Understanding RMF is crucial because it represents one of the most significant barriers a solution must overcome before transitioning from prototyping to production. The RMF process is lengthy and complex, often acting as a greater impediment to technology adoption than the technical merits of the solution itself. Hear about the how United States Department of the Air Force is staying agile with RMF and the actual process they use.

Airmen across the United States Department of the Air Force strive to foster a culture of innovation and improvement at the bases they serve, encouraging the contribution of ideas that enhance operational effectiveness and quality of life. Their contributions provide both a voice and a conduit to turn powerful ideas into game-changing operational realities! ?? AFWERX is proud to highlight the successes of fellow DAF innovators such Senior Airman Devon Word, out of the RAF Lakenheath 48th Munitions Squadron. Word introduced an innovative solution that could save the 48th Fighter Wing and United States Air Force over 750 man-hours annually. SrA Word created a 20 mm replenisher table insert designed to prevent ammunition jams during loading, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of operations. After months of testing and adjustments, his innovation is in regular use within the squadron and has proven to drastically reduce machine malfunctions, resulting in a significant reduction in time spent reloading 20 mm ammunition. Learn more: https://ow.ly/sALA50Twb5R . . . #AFWERX #Spark #DAF #DoD #ammunition #prototype #innovativeAF #innovation #technology