How does the Open Topic process determine if a solution is useful to a U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force problem?

Open Topic proposals are evaluated on three key criteria:

• Defense Need: The proposed solution must address a significant problem or capability gap within the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force.
• Technical Merit: The approach must be scientifically sound and have a clear plan for developing a prototype.
• Commercialization: The solution must have strong potential for both military and commercial use, ensuring its long-term viability.