AFWERX and SpaceWERX have launched the Manufacturing Challenge—a bold new initiative to strengthen domestic supply chains and revolutionize defense manufacturing!
Open for submissions from June 4 to July 9, the Challenge aims to accelerate the production of cost-effective, high-quality technologies and scale advanced manufacturing to strengthen national security. By uniting manufacturers, small businesses, academics, and government experts, it addresses critical gaps in the United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Space Forces’ (USSF) industrial base.
Submissions will be managed through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP), with separate eligibility criteria for SBIR and STTR programs.
The submission window closes on Wednesday, July 9.
New To AFWERX Challenges?
The AFWERX Challenge program was developed to solve complex problems through innovation and collaboration among the nation’s top subject matter experts. Whereas the standard government contracting process can span multiple years, solutions vetted through the Challenge model move from selection to formal agreement in 12 weeks, on average.
To stay updated on AFWERX Challenge activities moving forward, sign up for AFWERX Alerts.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: afwerx.com.
About SpaceWERX
As the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force and a unique division within AFWERX, SpaceWERX inspires and empowers collaboration with innovators to accelerate capabilities and shape our future in space. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SpaceWERX employs 40 military, civilian and contractor personnel executing an annual $457 million budget. Additionally, SpaceWERX partners with Space Systems Command’s Commercial Space Office (COMSO) as a collaborative program. Since it was aligned under AFRL in Aug. 2021, SpaceWERX has executed 1,106 contracts worth more than $897 million to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: spacewerx.us.