The Hatch Report (Issue #26)
DoD Opportunities
1. Some Eye-catching SBIRs
Army A254-019 Phase I for Generative AI-Enabled Tactical Network
Open Date: 06/12/2025Objective is to create a realistic modeling and simulation environment using Generative AI for NGC2, the Army’s new approach to a data-centric C2 architecture.
Army A254-021 Direct to Phase II for Ruggedized Sensors to Increase Driving Visibility and Vehicle Safety
Open Date: 06/12/2025Seeks mature solutions to ruggedize and integrate commercial sensor tech for ground vehicles operating in degraded visual environments. Only xTech Ignite prize competition winners eligible to submit.
Army A254-022 Direct to Phase II for AI-Enabled Source Selection for Contract Proposal Evaluation
Open Date: 06/12/2025Seeks mature SaaS solutions to automate and standardize Army source selection and evaluation processes. Only xTech Ignite competition winners eligible to submit.
Army A254-027 Direct to Phase II for Low-Altitude Passive Detection System
Open Date: 04/23/2025
The desired solution must rapidly detect and classify low-altitude threats (0–6,000 feet AGL), provide identification and friend-or-foe discrimination within three minutes, and integrate with existing Army systems like the Tactical Assault Kit via an intuitive GUI.
It should be air/ground platform agnostic, leverage a modular open systems approach, support payload compatibility with Group 1 or tethered UAS, operate autonomously for at least two weeks, and include tamper-proofing with remote zeroization—utilizing a mix of sensor types including optical, RF, and acoustic.
Air Force AF252-0008 Autonomous UAS ISR-T
Open Date: 04/23/2025Seeks low-SWaP solutions for Group 2 or 3 UAS to autonomously detect and track camouflaged or concealed ground targets without GPS, C2, or video signals—resistant to jamming and spoofing.
Must fuse EO/IR and RF sensing to support ATR algorithms, with enough pixel density to maintain accuracy despite motion blur.
Phase I focuses on algorithm development and simulation; Phase II will demonstrate tracking in live flight tests.
Air Force AF252-D008 Direct to Phase II for Advanced Low-Latency Peer-to-Peer Protocols for Autonomous Collaborative Platforms
Open Date: 04/23/2025Enables autonomous systems to share data, coordinate movement, and maintain connectivity without centralized infrastructure.
Air Force AF252-D010 Direct to Phase II for AI/ML-Enhanced Risk Management Framework
Open Date: 04/23/2025Seeks a prototype software application that applies AI/ML to automate the DoD’s Risk Management Framework (RMF) process for achieving Authority to Operate (ATO).
Platform must integrate with existing DoD systems and demonstrate effectiveness by evaluating a product that previously went through RMF manually.
Air Force AF252-D033 Direct to Phase II for Modern Low-Cost C-UAS Warhead
Open Date: 04/23/2025Seeks development and live-fire testing of a low-cost kinetic warhead to counter UAS and cruise missile threats at scale. Emphasis on system-level integration, including performance trades, component communication, and compatibility with platforms like APKWS.
Non-warhead costs may be excluded, but total cost-effectiveness remains a key evaluation factor. Phase II targets TRL 6 via guided explosive flight testing.
2. SDA Resolicitation for Advanced Fire Control “Gamma” Varient Satellites
Part of Tranche 2 of SDA’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Transport Layer—an evolving LEO satellite network designed to enable resilient data transport, missile warning, and tactical targeting.
SDA seeking proposals for 10 “Gamma” variant satellites, each equipped with a fourth optical terminal and a classified “Warlock” payload designed to support future kill chains. The Gamma variant is developed under the Advanced Fire Control (AFC) Program, which prototypes tactical targeting and fire control technologies for potential integration into future tranches.
The selected vendor will also deliver a mission operations center, integrate with SDA’s ground infrastructure, and provide up to five years of sustainment. All satellites must be delivered by November 2027.
One Gamma contract has already been awarded; this resolicitation is intended to select a second builder-operator team. The government may award fewer than 10 satellites—or make no award. This resolicitation follows a corrective measure stemming from the Viasat v. U.S. protest of the original Gamma award.
SDA’s tranche-based acquisition model generally follows a two-year delivery cadence and relies heavily on COTS/MCOTS components to accelerate capability fielding and reduce costs. (An acqusion approach worth emulating across other DoD efforts!)
Response Deadline: April 22
3. PEO C3N Draft SOO for NGC2
Requesting feedback on draft RWP and CSO docs to help shape the NGC2 initiative. NGC2 is a portfolio of software-defined capabilities built around an integrated data layer and open architectures, supporting all echelons from the enterprise to the tactical edge.
The effort envisions an “as-a-service” acquisition model vs traditional procurement to streamline capability updates at a faster cadence.
Response Deadline: April 14
4. Office of Strategic Capital Sources Sought for Federal Credit Program Legal Support Services
Includes due diligence, document negotiation, collateral structuring, and portfolio management across a wide range of financing transactions. One or more IDIQ awards are anticipated, featuring a five-year ordering period and an estimated total value of $180 million to $200 million.
A dual funding model is planned, under which the Government may pay for services directly or applicants seeking OSC credit may do so via a “Sponsor Pay” arrangement—while OSC remains the exclusive client, preserving attorney-client privilege and shielding the Government from liability for legal fees.
Response Deadline: April 18
5. DARPA BAA for Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE)
Seeks innovative, noninvasive neuromodulation solutions to maintain cognitive performance during extreme sleep restriction—3 hours of sleep per night over 3–7 days. Emphasis on measurable improvements in attention, alertness, and processing speed under operationally realistic conditions.
Aims to replace pharmacological crutches with safer, more effective alternatives that can restore mental agility in combat environments.
Builds on recent neuroscience breakthroughs and could inform future military protocols for resilience and cognitive readiness under sleep deprivation.
Response Deadline: Abstracts due April 14, 2025; Full proposals due June 18, 2025.
6. OSD-IBP RFI for Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Emerging Capabilities
Seeking insights on SRM integration into existing supply chains, scalability for high-volume production, anticipated transition timelines, and cost or investment considerations—
Submissions may inform future prioritization, acquisition, and funding strategies across DoD. RFI is in response to Section 866 of the FY25 NDAA.
Response Deadline: April 11
7. Joint Staff J7 RFI for Joint Theater Level Simulation–Global Operations (JTLS-GO) Support Services
JTLS-GO is a classified, web-enabled simulation environment used to support the development and evaluation of contingency plans, operations plans, and joint tactics across the Services, CCMDs, and coalition partners.
Current support is being provided by Valkyrie Enterprises under contract N0018922CZ025. The anticipated follow-on will be awarded as a CPFF contract. Est total LoE (O&M + RDT&E) is 85,560 hours over three years (one base year plus two option years).
Response Deadline: 28 April
8. PEO STRI RFI for Persistent Cyber Training Environment (PCTE) Software Application Project
Seeking modular, scalable solutions to support cyber range development and realistic training scenarios. Platforms should enable red/blue team exercises, multi-user collaboration, LMS integration, custom scenario automation, and standards-based tracking (xAPI/CMI5), while securely integrating with existing on-prem and cloud-based PCTE infrastructure.
No production system currently exists; past efforts under Cyber Innovation Challenges yielded prototypes, but there is no incumbent or fielded solution.
Response Deadline: April 21
9. AFRL BAA for the Maritime Automated Ingestion for Scene-Aware Identification and Localization (MAINSAIL) Technology Program
AFRL’s Information Directorate seeking R&D support for multi-domain C2 tech.
Program structured around multiple Technical Topic Areas (TTAs) focused on edge processing, distributed AI/ML, cyber-resilient communications, and cross-domain data integration.
Individual Calls will be issued for each TTA, enabling task order awards that support iterative prototyping, lab testing, and capability transition.
Response Deadline: May 15
10. Army Capability Manager Division Artillery (ACM DIVARTY) Sources Sought for Towed Cannon Artillery Expert Services
Seeking contractor support to guide modernization and lifecycle management of Army’s primary towed artillery systems—M777A2 and M119A2/A3—and emerging Mobile Howitzer platforms.
Role includes developing tactics and doctrine, integrating survey systems like IPADS-G and LADS, and ensuring alignment with shifting force structures and acquisition pathways.
ACM DIVARTY leads this effort, acting as the Army's user representative and DOTMLPF integrator for cannon formations in Infantry and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams.
Expected to be a single-award services contract based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, with one FTE position; while no ceiling value is stated, follow-on opportunities may arise depending on evolving system requirements and funding tied to POM cycles.
11. AFLCMC Sensors Division RFI for Capability to Interface Tactical Aircraft Using Low-Bandwidth Equipment
The capability must interface an existing multi-source all-domain awareness tool to stream tactically relevant data BLOS to air platform operators.
Info related to previous testing/R&D efforts and the capability for reuse on other tactical platforms is also desired. Information may be used to identify potential prime contractors or subcontractors.
Response Deadline: April 18
12. DARPA RFI for Expedited Research Implementation Series (ERIS) Submissions
ERIS is digital environment of post-competition video pitches, enabling rapid access to technologies assessed through competitive procedures that meet or exceed DoD OTA statutes. Once deemed “awardable,” these solutions are available for selection, negotiation, and award by DoD activities using the appropriate OT Authority.
The platform allows government users to search, view, compare, and procure breakthrough technologies through streamlined acquisition pathways.
The Applied Research Institute (ARI) serves as the ERIS marketplace manager.
Current topic areas include:
Detection and tracking of elusive objects across air, land, and space
Low-SWaP-C, high-performance sensing systems
Advanced antennas with improved performance and reduced size
Resilient, efficient technologies for critical infrastructure and military C2 systems across all operational levels
13. Center for Army Leadership Sources Sought for cArmy Enterprise Assessment System (AEAS)
Seeking a COTS solution to manage, deploy, and analyze leader development assessments via the AEAS, which operates in the cArmy IL4 Azure cloud environment.
Supports individual and unit-level self-assessments and multisource (360-degree) feedback with role-based monitoring and secure CAC-enabled access.
Effort includes assessment design, analytics, data safeguarding, and optional subcontractor management.
Response Deadline: May 3
14. AFRL Sensors Directorate Pre-Solicitation for Combat ID and Target Recognition Technology (CATCH)
Focus areas include: (1) exploitation of sensor data across air, ground, and surface domains; (2) fusion of multi-modal sensor inputs—both active and passive—across single and multiple platforms; and (3) integration of third-party and OMS-compliant technologies to enable modular, scalable architectures.
The effort will explore technologies between TRL 3–7, encompassing modeling and simulation, technology development, system integration, test and evaluation, and transition support.
15. USAF Office of Energy Assurance CSO for “Flex Fuel” Power Generation
Must integrate with and augment installation energy infrastructure. Must operate on multiple fuel types—including conventional fossil and variable-purity gaseous fuels—to reduce supply chain risk and adapt to evolving energy landscapes. Must enable seamless fuel switching with minimal downtime.
Initial prototype testing targets systems in the 230–460 kW range. Submissions require a 5-minute video pitch via the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace.
Response Deadline: April 30
16. AFRL Advanced Research Announcement for Multi-Spectrum Defensive Electronic Warfare (MSDEW)
The overarching MSDEW framework will issue targeted calls through 2027, covering areas like electro-optic countermeasures, laser/missile threat warning sensors, and cyber-secure open EW systems.
Estimated total program value is $396.6 million, with individual awards ranging from $20M to $100M.
Response Deadline: Rolling through 13 July 2027 via individual Calls.
17. Platform One Sources Sought for Cybersecurity Solutions via P1SM
Platform One is seeking industry input on cybersecurity capabilities through its Solutions Marketplace (P1SM), with a focus on logging, monitoring, incident response, forensics, and Purple Team testing.
Submissions must address comprehensive security needs across hardware, software, or services and demonstrate potential for mission impact at scale. Only vendors with “awardable” solutions on P1SM are eligible for follow-on contracting opportunities; new vendors must submit video pitches by April 30, 2025, to be considered.
This market research effort may lead to future awards via the P1SM framework, which supports decentralized procurement across the federal government.
Response Deadline: April 30
18. Fires CDID Sources Sought for Concept Development and Force Design Support
Seeking contractor support to augment internal capacity for developing Army and Fires concepts, force design documents, and DOTMLPF-P integration. Work spans concept refinement, participation in wargames and learning events, creation of Force Design Workbooks and Capability Workbooks, and POM support.
Response Deadline: April 10
19. HQDA G-9 Sources Sought for Commercial Utility Program (CUP)
Includes assistance in policy development and implementation guidelines, providing program management support, facilitating ESPC/UESC project and program evaluations, and conducting analyses to evaluate alternatives to upgrade Army energy infrastructure. One-year Base period, with four one-year option periods to be awarded based on the Government’s need at the time.
20. NAVFAC RFP for Cost of Capital Support in Utility Rate Interventions
NAVFAC's Utility Rates and Studies Office seeks contracted expert assistance to support Navy and DoD participation in regulatory proceedings that impact utility costs. Services center on Cost of Capital analysis—preparing discovery, expert testimony, and cross-examination in electric and water utility rate cases before state, local, and federal commissions. Support is required due to limited in-house capacity and the increasing complexity of issues like deregulation, privatization, and rate design. Final deliverables include briefs, cost avoidance reports, and order evaluations, all under compressed timelines tied to regulatory deadlines.
Response Deadline: Not specified; task orders issued as needed under contract.
Contract Awards
21. Masslight Inc getting 2-year contract extension from OUSD Comptroller for budget tool support
CXE is a web-based tool used by OUSD(C) and DTIC to prepare and transmit standardized budget exhibits—such as R-2 and P-40 forms—to Congress in XML format.
Hosted in AWS GovCloud, it supports data validation, version control, and audit trails. Sole-source award justified to avoid delays and redundant redevelopment costs. Contract extends current support through June 2027.
22. Army to Award DataPath $25M TO for SATCOM Terminal Sustainment
Five-year sole-source TO under the Army’s $37.4B RS3 IDIQ for C4ISR support. Follows current contract that ended March 2025.
Covers depot maintenance, LRU repairs, obsolescence management, and field tech support for 183 Satellite Transportable Terminals (STT 208)—towable, high-throughput SATCOM nodes used in the Army’s Tactical Network Transport-On The Move (TNT-OTM) system.
Award justified due to lack of Government-owned technical data. DataPath is the original equipment integrator and sole holder of the technical data, test procedures, and integration knowledge required to sustain the terminals. STT 208s are deployed globally with units including the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne, and 10th Mountain Divisions.
23. RANE sole-source justification to provide NDU Geopolitical Intelligence Platform
NDU to renew its subscription to the RANE Worldview (formerly STRATFOR) platform. Requirement supports NDU’s strategic forecasting and global affairs curriculum. One-year base period starting June 2025, with four 12-month option years.
RANE Worldview offers IP-authenticated access to proprietary open-source intelligence, including expert-written geopolitical analysis, daily and weekly briefings, and searchable archives of forecasts, maps, and graphics.
Market research found no comparable provider offering equivalent scope, format, and non-partisan strategic content.
24. Naval Surface Warfare Center awards Turkish and Canadian companies $67.6M for LM2500 turbine depot overhauls
IDIQ FFPC with firm-fixed-price task order provisions. Work to take place at TEI’s facility in Eskişehir, Turkey, and TCT’s facility in Calgary, Canada. FY25 O&M (Navy) funds, competitively awarded, 3 offers received.
Production of the LM2500 began in 1969 by the General Electric Co. The engines were first used by the Navy to power Spruance and Kidd-class destroyers in the 1970s. A decade later, installation of the reliable engines expanded to include Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
A typical engine overhaul requires about 3,000 man-hours.
Industry Activity
25. Construct Capital raises $300M Fund III to scale bets on defense and industrial tech
Construct Capital has closed a $300M third fund to invest in early-stage startups modernizing sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and defense. The Washington, D.C.-based firm, founded in 2020 by Dayna Grayson (ex-NEA) and Rachel Holt (ex-Uber), continues to capitalize on renewed interest in defense tech and domestic production capacity.
Past investments include Hadrian, which builds automated factories to supply precision parts to defense and aerospace primes, and Veho, a last-mile delivery platform. The new fund follows a $225M Fund II and a $75M opportunity fund, both raised in 2022.
26. Lux Capital targets $200M for first defense-focused fund
Lux Capital is raising $200M for Lux Defense Leaders, its first dedicated fund targeting defense tech, according to a regulatory filing. The move signals a deepening commitment to the sector by one of deep tech’s most prominent investors, following early bets on Anduril, Hadrian, and Saildrone.
The new vehicle comes amid rising investor interest—VCs deployed $1.5B into defense and aerospace startups in the first two months of 2025 alone. Historically focused on frontier areas like biochemistry, robotics, and space, Lux’s shift reflects defense tech’s emergence as a mainstream investment theme.
27. Applied Minds, led by ex-Disney Imagineer, brings creative prototyping to defense innovation
Bran Ferren’s Applied Minds operates as a rapid concept and prototyping partner for U.S. defense agencies, helping design advanced command centers, immersive simulators, robotic vehicles, and next-gen user interfaces. With deep roots in both engineering and theatrical design, the company enables the Pentagon and other clients to visualize, test, and iterate on future capabilities—often before formal requirements exist. Some examples of past work include:
Expeditionary Labs: For the Army, Applied Minds created mobile engineering labs that could be deployed to combat zones. These workshops allowed soldiers and engineers to 3D-print parts, fix equipment, and build field solutions without waiting on long logistics chains.
TALOS exosuit project: Applied Minds contributed to SOCOM’s effort to build a real-world “Iron Man suit” to protect special operators. While the full suit was never fielded, the project spurred useful advances in wearable tech, heads-up displays, and powered armor design.
Command center design: The company has helped shape major U.S. military control rooms—like the U.S. European Command headquarters and the Joint Space Operations Center—focusing on layout, visibility, collaboration tools, and visual storytelling.
28. Turbine raises $22M to offer LPs credit against venture fund stakes
Turbine has emerged from stealth with $22M in equity funding and $100M in credit capacity to help limited partners borrow against their appreciated positions in venture funds. The platform, created by Exactuals founder Mike Hurst, aims to offer liquidity without forcing LPs to sell their stakes at a discount on the secondaries market.
Backers include Alpha Edison, TTV Capital, Fin Capital, B Capital, and Sozo Ventures. Interest rates around 9%. First users are LPs in funds managed by Turbine's investors. Target customers: family offices and individuals facing capital calls or liquidity crunches.
29. Leidos demos Small Cruise Missile from AC-130J, expands SOCOM integration
Leidos successfully conducted a guided flight test of its Small Cruise Missile, Black Arrow, from an AC-130J, validating platform integration, in-flight retasking, and compatibility with the Naval Surface Warfare Center's battle management system. The 200-lb missile is designed for modular upgrades and multi-platform deployment, including ramp ejection, palletized launch, and conventional store release.
Developed under a CRADA with USSOCOM and AFSOC. Supports affordable mass and rapid kill chain closure. Ongoing testing funded under SOCOM contract through 2025. Designed using the Air Force Research Lab’s Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), enabling faster, more cost-effective integration and future upgrades across platforms.
30. Shift5 wins NAVAIR contract to test V-22 predictive maintenance
Shift5 will pilot its onboard operational tech observability platform on USMC V-22 Ospreys under a new contract from NAVAIR’s PMA-275 program office. The effort focuses on testing predictive maintenance capabilities—continuous OT data capture, serial bus monitoring, and custom detection rule development—to improve aircraft readiness and safety.
31. Palm Springs PD deploys MatrixSpace radar for drone program, largest of its kind in U.S.
Palm Springs Police Department has expanded its Drone as First Responder (DFR) program using a citywide network of MatrixSpace 360 radars, enabling BVLOS operations without human observers. The system supports remote drone launches from multiple sites and provides low-altitude airspace awareness to safely deconflict with general and commercial aviation.
Ten radar nodes now cover 37 square miles—largest radar-enabled municipal drone ops area in the U.S. FAA BVLOS waiver pending. System unlocks night and all-weather flights, future scalability for CUAS, drone delivery, and air mobility.
32. Runway raises $308M Series D to scale GenAI video platform and studio arm
Runway has secured $308M in Series D funding led by General Atlantic, with participation from Fidelity, Baillie Gifford, Nvidia, SoftBank, and others. The company develops generative AI tools for video and media production, including the newly released Gen-4 model, which supports consistent character, scene, and object generation across shots.
Funding will support R&D, hiring, and expansion of Runway Studios, its in-house AI film production unit. Competing with OpenAI and Google in the video GenAI race. Targeting $300M in ARR. Total funding raised: $536.5M.
33. Leidos wins NSA contract for SIGINT systems support
Worth up to $390M over five years to provide signals intelligence engineering, analysis, and sustainment support. Work includes developing and modifying SIGINT tools, managing testbeds and labs, and delivering systems integration, deployment, training, and lifecycle support.
34. Temporal raises $146M to scale microservices orchestration for agentic AI
Series C round led by Tiger Global. Originally built to manage complex microservices workflows, Temporal is positioning itself as critical infrastructure for emerging agentic AI use cases, where LLM-based agents must reliably interact with many external systems. Funding will support AI-focused R&D, global expansion, and rollout of Nexus, its new modular cloud orchestration feature. Customers include Nvidia, Snap, Stripe, and Instacart. Valuation: $1.72B post-money. Total raised: $350M.
35. TracPlus launches FireFlyte SaaS platform for aerial firefighting
A modular, cloud-based platform. The system enables live tracking of aircraft operations, mission performance (e.g., fill rates, drop volumes), SOP deviation alerts, and 3D terrain analysis to enhance safety and coordination. Additional tools automate daily flight summaries, track engine cycles, monitor costs and downtime, and provide financial reporting for budgeting and reimbursement.
Integrates with existing systems. Deployable agency-wide in under 4 months.
Designed to replace siloed, manual processes with a unified operational view.
36. Aventura Private Wealth closes $9.5M SpaceX-focused SPV
Gives clients exposure to SpaceX’s private shares—an increasingly in-demand asset class amid limited access to top-tier private tech. The raise was completed in just nine days. This fundraise marks the first of many planned investment vehicles from Aventura Private Wealth.
37. Agile Defense acquires IntelliBridge, partners with Second Front to expand AI and DevSecOps offerings
Agile Defense is integrating Second Front’s Game Warden platform into its innovation ecosystem to accelerate secure software delivery across government networks. Game Warden streamlines the software accreditation process, enabling faster deployment of SaaS applications in classified and regulated environments. Agile will leverage this capability to enhance its AI-enabled workforce transformation initiatives and digital modernization efforts.
38. iBase-t partners with Articul8 to bring GenAI to A&D manufacturing
iBase-t is integrating Articul8’s autonomous Generative AI platform into its Solumina Manufacturing Operations suite to enable AI-driven automation, expert-level reasoning, and real-time process intelligence for aerospace and defense customers. iBase-t contributes the domain-specific software ecosystem used by primes like Lockheed and GE Aerospace; Articul8 brings a full-stack GenAI platform built for regulated industries.
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