Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM)

The United States currently faces an "unprecedented" military buildup by China and increasing air and missile threats that demand a robust deterrent. However, the current inventory of long-range strike weapons is dominated by high-cost, low-volume systems or aging strategic assets like the Minuteman III, which dates back to the 1960s. The lack of a cost-effective, ground-launched payload delivery system prevents the Joint Force from achieving producibility at scale, leaving the U.S. vulnerable in high-intensity, multi-domain environments where high-end munitions would be rapidly depleted. The objective of this topic is to facilitate innovative research on low-cost, rapidly manufacturable, payload delivery systems.

The Department of War (DoW) is pivotally shifting toward "affordable mass" to counter peer adversaries who are rapidly expanding their military capabilities. While hypersonic systems offer high speeds, their exorbitant costs—exceeding $50 million per round—limit the military's ability to achieve the "magazine depth" necessary for prolonged conflict. This project proposes a ground-based, non-hypersonic, long-range precision payload delivery system that leverages low-cost production methods and commercial technologies to provide a scalable, high-volume alternative that is a tenth of the price of current high-end munitions. NOTE: The following topic number, ARM26BX04-DV011 – Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM), in this release is tied to a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) Challenge Commercial Solutions Openings. The DIU G-BAM Challenge will be used to identify small business concerns that meet the criteria for a potential SBIR Direct-to-Phase II (DP2) award under this topic. Winners selected from the DIU G-BAM Challenge will be the only firms eligible to submit an SBIR DP2 proposal under this topic. Proposals submitted to this topic by non-winners of the DIU G-BAM Challenge will not be evaluated.

How to Apply: Visit the DIU Open Solicitations page to read the full Challenge Announcement, topic details, and application instructions here:

https://www.diu.mil/work-with-us/open-solicitations

This topic is accepting Direct to Phase II submissions for a cost limit up to $2,000,000 and an 18-24-month period of performance.

This topic is a DP2 topic. In order for proposers to submit a DP2 proposal, they must provide justification documentation to substantiate that the scientific and technical merit and feasibility described above has been met and describes the potential military and/or commercial applications. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. This justification must be provided during the DIU G-BAM Challenge in order to be selected as a winner and eligible to submit a DP2 proposal under this topic The results from the DIU G-BAM Challenge demonstration event, will be used to determine eligibility for DP2.

The objectives during Phase II are to produce prototype solutions that will be easy to operate by a Soldier. These products will be provided to select Army or other Department of War (DoW) units for testing and experimentation with end Users in a realistic field environment. Feedback from testing and experimentation will be provided directly to Small Businesses to iterate rapidly on recommended modifications or improvements for Army operational use. In addition, companies will work with Army partners to develop a draft technology transition and commercialization plan for DoW and commercial markets. Prototype capabilities sought include:

• Cost Efficiency: Cost-per-effect below $500K based on system reliability and mission success rate, with a sub-$250K all-up flyaway cost at scale.

• Producibility: Demonstrate a company manufacturing process capable of producing 100+ units monthly (1,200+ annually), or a credible path to that rate.

• Operational Range: Validate a ground-launched range with an objective of 600+ nm, consistent with DIU’s Area of Interest (AoI) Statement stated preference for extended-range effects.

• Employment: Should not require the Army to develop or modify other systems for employment. Should be a “plug and play” system that easily integrates with existing transport, targeting, and situational awareness systems.

• Payload: Deliver a payload capacity of at least 35 pounds, with a strong preference for greater than 100 pounds.

• Survivability: Demonstrate mission-capability in Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) and electronic-warfare (EW)-contested environments.

Reliability: Demonstrate reliability and mission success under representative operational conditions.

The sub-system technologies developed for low-cost, long-range payload delivery have significant applications in the civilian/commercial aerospace and logistics sectors. The artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous navigation systems required for these munitions can be adapted for commercial cargo delivery drones and autonomous maritime vessels. Additionally, the push for additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping in the Indo-Pacific region to support these systems can revitalize domestic high-tech manufacturing, providing private companies with advanced production techniques that reduce costs for civilian infrastructure projects. Additionally, this space lends itself to the potential for development of low-cost alternate fuel technologies. Companies participating in the shoot-off are encouraged to propose tech development for manufacturing methods materials/guidance/seekers/alt propulsion, etc. to enhance their products. These are the primary opportunities for commercialization.