2026-09-04

AFWERX SBIR/STTR Program Supports Faster Software Deployment

DAYTON, Ohio — Modernized software has the capability to transform existing military hardware into agile systems that bolster Department of the Air Force missions. However, commercial companies often encounter barriers within the acquisition process, limiting opportunities for software modernization and allowing capability gaps to persist.

Traditionally, Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) served as an alternative and specialized competitive pathway. CSOs were typically confined to specific agencies and used sparingly to seek rapid prototypes through Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

On March 6, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth underscored the importance of shifting the acquisition framework from a hardware-centric model to a software-centric approach. The initiative focuses on performance-based outcomes that deliver capabilities to the warfighter at speed and scale.

Innovation and prototype development remain a top priority for senior government leaders seeking to strengthen warfighter capabilities. Delivering those modernized advancements into operational use is the greatest barrier to mission capacity. Many technologies never progress beyond development because the software delivery process cannot keep pace with operational demands.

As threats continue to evolve across air, space, and cyber domains, streamlining access to emerging technologies will enable Airmen and Guardians to rapidly adapt, improve decision-making and maintain a competitive advantage against United States adversaries.

Rise8 Software Delivery Organization (SDO)

With support from AFWERX, Rise8, a Tampa, Florida-based digital transformation and software development firm, is supporting software delivery efforts focused on autonomy, software transition programs and other government initiatives.

Rise8’s AFWERX Software Delivery Organization (SDO) SBIR began with a Phase I award in November 2022. The efforts were geared toward validating how Rise8’s modern software delivery methods, DevSecOps practices, cloud-native engineering approach, and enablement model could be adapted for government.

In 2023, Rise8 worked with AFWERX Autonomy Prime to derive, extend and complete the proposal through a SBIR Phase III Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract (IDIQ) with an initial $100 million ceiling.

In 2024, Rise8 developed the Blitzar satellite communication resource request portal under an open topic, Direct-to-Phase II SBIR contract. Blitzar works across multiple spectrum bands and provides support to combatant commands globally, allowing their personnel to request satellite communications resources. Rise8 later received a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) to continue maturing the capability, and the effort ultimately transitioned into a Phase III task order under Rise8’s AFWERX SDO IDIQ.

In 2025, Rise8 secured an increase from $100 million to $499 million for the AFWERX SDO Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle. Rather than waiting months or years for major software releases, program managers can deploy incremental updates based on operational feedback and changing mission requirements. The SDO contract vehicle helps transition prototypes into production software through funded task orders and interactive software delivery. Organizations that have issued task orders through the IDIQ include:

United States Air Force Kessel Run
United States Air Force Unified Platform
United States Air Force 309th Software Engineering Group
United States Air Force AFWERX
United States Space Force System Delta 84 Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution
United States Space Force System Delta 88 Enterprise Management and Control
United States Space Force Combat Forces Command Space Operations Command/Combat Force Enhancement
United States Space Force Mission Delta 2 15th Space Surveillance Squadron
United States Space Force Space Launch Delta 45
Department of Veteran Affairs OIT Lighthouse

The collaboration between AFWERX and Rise8 illustrates one approach to transitioning software capabilities from prototype development into operational use. This partnership has guided ideas across the “valley of death” and into operational impact. Both organizations recognized that one of the biggest barriers to DoW software innovation is not a lack of ideas. It’s the inability to deliver software into production at speed and scale.

Rise8 is currently working on refining the vehicle to ensure it remains useful to the government. Future work under the contract is expected to support government efforts related to responsible artificial intelligence adoption, enablement, and implementation.

*Disclaimer: References to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of War or Air Force endorsement of any company or organization.