The Demand Signal: Robotics

Procurement intelligence from OODA · Reading what government intends to buy.

Survivable & Affordable Lens Technology (SALT)

Department of War · Office of the Secretary of Defense · SBIR Topic · 26.BZ

posted 1 July 2026 · closed 19 August 2026

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Summary

The Department of War is seeking SBIR proposals to develop low‑cost alkali‑halide infrared lens technology for use in attritable unmanned drone vehicles equipped with uncooled thermal sensors. The effort focuses on replacing expensive traditional infrared materials with cheaper salt optics while meeting durability, manufacturability, and performance requirements.

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