TL;DR: AFWERX and SpaceWERX have released 25.5/E Release 10 Open Topic Phase I (Learn More Here). Contracts up to $75K (SBIR) or $110K (STTR) are on the table. A simplified proposal template is now available to ease the submission process. Apply by Tuesday, August 5, at noon ET.
AFWERX is at it again, rolling out another competitive opportunity for early-stage dual-use technology through its 25.5/E Release 10 Open Topic Phase I solicitation. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a seasoned small business innovator, this round is designed to be more accessible than ever. A brand new proposal template just dropped to simplify the process and get your breakthrough tech one step closer to a Department of the Air Force (DAF) contract.
The Open Topic model remains one of the most founder-friendly doors into defense contracting. Unlike traditional solicitations tied to narrow requirements, this one gives you room to make the case for how your tech fills a critical capability gap or boosts operational readiness for Airmen or Guardians. In short: if your innovation works for both the commercial market and national defense, AFWERX wants to hear from you.
What’s New in 25.5/E Release 10?
This cycle is packed with updates. Most notably, the DAF has released a user-friendly proposal template, which is now required for submission. The new format is meant to reduce time spent writing while still capturing the information evaluators care most about. AFWERX and SpaceWERX will also host an Ask Me Anything webinar on Thursday, July 10, at noon ET to walk you through the template and answer your questions in real time.
Don’t miss this if you’re looking to:
- Break into DoD contracting with an SBIR/STTR Phase I award
- Align a commercial product with military use
- Access future non-dilutive Phase II+ follow-on funding
- Strengthen your position in the dual-use innovation pipeline
The award ceilings for this release are $75,000 for SBIR and $110,000 for STTR, a solid start to completing technical feasibility work with strong commercialization potential.
Why This Matters
AFWERX is not just another government office. As the innovation arm of the DAF, it’s backed by a $1.4 billion annual budget and has executed more than 10,400 contracts totaling $7.24 billion since 2019. SpaceWERX, its U.S. Space Force counterpart, has brought in another $897 million in contracts since 2021. These are not just small checks—they are strategic entry points into a defense ecosystem hungry for transformative solutions.
Apply Now
Submissions for 25.5/E Release 10 are open now and will close on Tuesday, August 5 at noon ET.
- 📄 Proposal Template (Required)
- 🧠 Register for the July 10 AMA Webinar
- 🚀 Submit via DSIP Portal
- 💡Learn More Here
AFWERX continues to prove that it values speed, agility, and entrepreneur-friendly processes. If your tech can improve mission readiness or operational effectiveness, this Open Topic could be your next big win.
Got questions or want a second set of eyes on your pitch before submitting? We’re tracking this solicitation closely and can guide you through a competitive response.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
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