6 Top Government Contracts Won by AFWERX
Top government contracts won by AFWERX propel pilot startups of entrepreneurs who often find difficulty in funding, marketing, and initial customers for their products and services. AFWERX is a U.S. Air Force and the Department of Defense (DoD) program that promotes small business technological innovation.
These innovations get funding via competition in the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), encouraging startups to research and develop products and services. The U.S. Air Force powers innovation through AFWERX, a team of technological advisers that pilot the agency’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
The Top Government Contracts Won by AFWERX
Here are the 6 top government contracts won by AFWERX recently.
Edgybees’ SBIR Phase 2 Contract to Enhance Situational Awareness
In December 2019, Edgybees won multiple contracts from AFWERX for its innovative augmented reality (AR) software, Argus, to improve situational awareness in complex environments. Argus enriches live videos with real-time geospatial data to help commanders easily understand operational environments. The software also improves planning, communication, and situational awareness for air and ground teams.
In March 2020, Edgybees obtained its largest situational awareness contract focused on situational awareness. This agreement builds upon Edgybees’ previous contract with AFWERX.
Asylon Robotics’ SBIR Contract to Develop Universal Vehicle Robotic Automation Kits
In December 2022, Asylon Robotics won a $1 million contract award from AFWERX, opening an opportunity to partner with the 45th Security Forces Squadron. Under the contract, Asylon Robotics transforms its DroneCore platform into a mobile asset, equipping ruggedization capabilities suitable for maritime environments. The upgrade features a universal vehicle robotic automation kit, allowing nontechnical users to remotely operate a drone from various trucks.
necoTECH’s STTR Contract to Advance Asphalt Repair Technology for the Department of Defense
In April 2020, necoTECH won an STTR Phase I contract to evaluate its Hot Patch On Demand (HOTPOD) product for repairing critical infrastructure for the Department of Defense. necoTECH sought support from Ohio Wesleyan University as its research institution partner and obtained assistance from community members at the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center for the Phase I efforts. necoTECH’s goal was to find a better solution for repairs in infrastructure pavement, with improved performance, execution, and turn-around time.
The STTR Phase II contract followed this in October 2020, where necoTECH examined its Hot Patch On Demand (HOTPOD) product to repair pavements at Air Force Bases. This implies a better position for necoTECH to progress to a phase III contract over the next two years.
McQ’s SBIR Phase II Contract to Develop a Military-Grade Iridium Certus 100
In August 5, 2022, McQ won an SBIR Phase II contract to develop a military-grade version of its McQ CONNECT Iridium Certus 100 satellite terminal. The newly designed McQ CONNECT MIL is expected to address problems faced by the Air Force and other military organizations. The integrated McQ CONNECT MIL significantly scales the Air Force’s understanding of adversarial activities and stops hostile threats.
Shield AI’s SBIR Contract to Develop AI Software
Logo from Shield AI
In September 2020, Shield AI won an estimated $7.2 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Air Force through the AFWERX. Under the contract, Shield AI collaborated with the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Strategic Capabilities Office to enhance artificial intelligence capabilities. The upgrades were to reduce the risk and increase the effectiveness and lethality of U.S. Army aviation units in GPS-compromised environments.
The work included was to apply reinforcement learning (RL) to develop and advance fully autonomous behaviors for groups of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The software helped human warfighters to gain and extend access to complex environments through persistent airborne ISR.
Safire Group’s SBIR Phase II Contract for Battery Technology Innovation
In March 2023, Safire Group won an estimated $1.25 million SBIR Phase II contract to modify its Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, SAFe Impact Resistant Electrolyte (SAFIRE™), for the safety and high performance of the Department of the Air Force’s tactical electric dirt bikes and multifunctional body armor. The modification prevents fires and explosions with enhanced thermal stability and performance in extreme environments.
Category: Articles
Tags: contract award government contracting technology
