By Sarah Hepburn, Army Innovation Programs, including xTech and the Army SBIR|STTR Program

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army xTech Program, in collaboration with Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier, announces the xTechSoldier Fire Control competition to drive innovation in Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control Module-X (NGSW-FC M-X) technology. With up to $300,000 in cash prizes, this competition seeks cutting-edge solutions that enhance accuracy, lethality and situational awareness for Close Combat Force. The final winner will have an opportunity to secure a follow-on contract worth up to $5,000,000 under the Experimental Purposes Authority (10 U.S. Code § 4023).

The xTechSoldier Fire Control provides businesses a platform to drive next-generation weapons innovation, enhance Warfighter lethality in high-stress environments, and enhance Soldier protection and survivability on the battlefield.

Competition Overview

The Army invites nontraditional innovators worldwide to participate, engage with DoD experts, and refine their solutions to meet Army needs.

Part One: Concept White Paper (Feb. 27 – Apr. 24, 2025)

• Eligible vendors must submit a five-page concept white paper and an optional three-to-five-minute video outlining their technology, viability, and its benefit to the Army.
• Up to five applicants will receive a $10,000 cash prize and an invitation to the next round.

Part Two: Technology Pitches (June 2025)

• Semi-finalists will participate in an in-person pitch event in June 2025, showcasing their technology concepts, designs, models, and data to a panel of Army and DoD experts.
• Up to three teams as finalists, each receiving a $50,000 cash prize and an invitation to the final demonstration event.

Part Three: Final Demonstrations (January 2026)

• Finalists will conduct a final proof-of-concept demonstration, where they will test their systems live before a panel of Army and DoD experts.
• One team will receive $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity for a follow-on contract or agreement of up to $5,000,000 to deliver their technology.

For more competition details and to view the detailed problem statement, visit the xTechSoldier Fire Control competition page.

Eligibility Requirements

xTechSoldier Fire Control is open to non-profit and for-profit organizations, including large and small businesses, in both domestic and foreign territories. Vendors must obtain a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code or North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code to process payments and should be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the U.S. or a foreign country.

Vendors must not be U.S. Federal Government entities, foreign government entities, or employ a U.S. Federal Employees acting within the scope of their employment. Additionally, vendors must not be currently under contract, agreement, or providing other similar capabilities to the Government for work.

About the xTech Program

Established in 2018, the Army xTech Program offers participants unparalleled exposure to Army laboratories, program executive offices, and program managers. Participants receive valuable feedback from Army DoD stakeholders and gain access to training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, aligning their solutions with Army needs. The xTech Program hosts several competitions annually, including open-topic competitions like xTechSearch and technology-specific competitions addressing critical Army requirements.

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Get ready to innovate and make a difference.