DESCRIPTION

​​The U.S. Army is seeking innovative quantum sensor and photonics solutions from eligible small businesses across the U.S. through the xTech|Phantum competition. This platform offers participants the opportunity to engage with stakeholders from the U.S. Department of War (DoW), earn prize money, and submit a Phase I Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Proposal. 

​The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) is partnering with the Army Directorate for Strategy & Transformation (DAMI_ST) to deliver the xTech|Phantum competition. The Army recognizes that the DoW must enhance engagements with U.S. small businesses by (1) understanding the spectrum of world-class technologies being developed commercially that may benefit the DoW; (2) integrating the sector of non-traditional innovators into the DoW Science and Technology (S&T) ecosystem; and (3) providing expertise and feedback to accelerate, mature, and transition technologies of interest to the DoW.  

​The xTech|Phantum competition will consist of three parts:  

1. ​Call for concept white papers;  
2. ​Final pitch event/technology showcase; and 
3. ​Opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal​ 

​The competition will award up to $200,000 in cash prizes to selected participants. Up to 16 finalists will receive a cash prize of $2,500 each and an opportunity to pitch their innovative technology solutions to a panel of Army and DoW subject matter experts (SMEs) in July 2026, at a Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (SWMAC) facility in Arizona. The Army intends to select up to eight (8) winners of the competition to receive an additional cash prize of $20,000 each. Final winners of the competition may submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 that should support proof-of-concept demonstrations with a period of performance not to exceed six (6) months. Additional details on prize structure can be found in Section VII of the RFI.    

​The xTech|Phantum competition is conducted in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4025, which authorizes the use of prize competitions to stimulate innovation and identify promising technologies for national security applications. Requirements for competition under 10 U.S.C. § 3201 are satisfied upon completion of the challenge and use of prize authority. As such, this competition serves as a competitive down select mechanism that enables government organizations to engage with finalists and winners through a variety of follow-on acquisition pathways, including but not limited to: 

• ​10 U.S.C. § 4114 – Selection of contractors for prototype projects 
• ​10 U.S.C. § 4022 – Prototype projects 
• ​10 U.S.C. § 4023 – Procurement for experimental purposes 
• ​10 U.S.C. § 4001 – Research and development 
• ​10 U.S.C. § 4021 – Other Transaction Authority (OTA) 
• ​10 U.S.C. § 3458 – Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and commercial services using general solicitation competitive procedures 
• ​15 U.S.C. § 3703 – Technology innovation partnerships 
• ​15 U.S.C. § 638 – Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs

​Government organizations are encouraged to consider leveraging these statutory authorities to pursue follow-on awards with companies identified through the xTech competition process. This approach supports rapid technology maturation, accelerates the transition of innovative capabilities to the field, and promotes collaboration with non-traditional and small business performers.

​While the authority of this program is 10 U.S.C. § 4025, the xTech|Phantum competition may generate interest by another U.S. Army, DoW or United States Government (USG) organization for a funding opportunity outside of this program (e.g., submission of a proposal under a Broad Agency Announcement). The interested organization may contact the participant to provide additional information or ask for a request for proposal in a separate solicitation. Finalists of the prize competition may be invited to submit a separate proposal for further development of their proposed technology solution based on the needs of the Army. The Army may use a contract mechanism of their choice and will notify the participants accordingly.  

​ All xTech|Phantum competition submissions are treated as privileged information, and contents are disclosed to government employees or designated support contractors only for the purpose of evaluation and program support.  

​ The xTech Program intends to provide feedback from evaluators to participants during each part of the competition. The purpose of providing this feedback is to help accelerate the transition of the technology to an Army end-user by providing insight into the best applications for the technology, suggestions for product improvement for Army use and recommended next steps for development. However, the Government may not respond to questions or inquiries regarding this feedback. 

​Problem Statement 

​The U.S. Army is interested in cutting-edge technology solutions that will drive significant advancements in military capabilities while addressing complex challenges and enhancing national security. The competition seeks white papers for research and development efforts to prove the feasibility and commercialization potential of technology solutions that fit within one of the following topics areas: 

• ​Topic 1: Quantum Sensors and Quantum Clocks for Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) 
• ​Topic 2: Quantum Radio Frequency Sensors 
• ​Topic 3: Quantum Electromagnetic Sensors 
• ​Topic 4: Photonics 

​Topic descriptions can be found in Appendix A of the RFI. Final Winners will have the opportunity to submit a Phase I Army SBIR proposal worth up to $300,000 to conduct a feasibility study.​

SCHEDULE AND PRIZES

ELIGIBILITY

​​Small, for-profit, independent U.S. businesses. Restrictions exist about (1) the type of firm; (2) its ownership structure; (3) the firm’s size in terms of the number of employees; and (4) prior, current, or pending support of similar proposals or awards, as follows:  

(1) Type of Firm: An eligible firm must be organized as a for‐profit concern and meet all the other small business requirements in 13 C.F.R. § 121.702. Non‐profit entities are not eligible.

(2) Ownership and Control: A majority (more than 50%) of an eligible firm’s equity (e.g., stock) must be directly owned and controlled by one of the following:

a. One or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.; 

​b. Other for‐profit small business concerns (SBCs) (each of which is directly owned and controlled by  individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the U.S.); or  

​c. A combination of (a) and (b) above.

​Note: If an employee stock ownership plan owns all or part of the concern, each stock  trustee and plan member is considered an owner. If a trust owns all or part of the concern, each trustee and trust beneficiary is considered an owner. 

(3) Size: An eligible firm, together with the affiliates, must not have more than 500 employees.

(4) Prior, Current, or Pending Support with Similar Technology: Proposals submitted in response to this prize competition must not be substantially the same as another proposal that was funded, is now being funded, or is pending contract award with another federal agency. Small businesses with any questions concerning prior, current, or pending support for similar proposals or awards must disclose those as early as possible to the xTech Program Office.