The U.S. Army has unveiled the latest iteration of its xTechSearch prize competition to identify new technologies from small businesses and deliver innovative capabilities designed to improve warfighter readiness.
What Is xTechSearch 9?
The service branch said Tuesday xTechSearch 9 is an open topic competition that seeks to identify breakthrough platforms that demonstrate strong commercial viability, technical feasibility and the potential to bring transformative capabilities to the Army.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology oversees xTechSearch 9 in collaboration with the Army’s Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, and Small Business Technology Transfer Program.
Through the competition, the military branch wants proposals from vendors that may not have previously worked with the Department of Defense but can explain how their proposed tech platforms can address a relevant Army challenge.
“The Army understands the importance of maintaining a tactical edge over our adversaries, and keeping the force equipped with new, disruptive technologies is one step of the process,” said Matt Willis, director of Army Innovation Programs. “By hosting open-topic competitions like xTechSearch 9, the Army actively partners with U.S-based small businesses to explore emerging technologies that could significantly impact our modernization priorities.”
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Structure of the xTechSearch 9 Competition
Small businesses must submit a three-page white paper outlining their tech concept, dual-use potential, feasibility and relevant to Army needs. Proposals are due June 4.
A panel of DOD experts will evaluate the submissions and select up to 60 companies that will move to the finals and join the xTechSearch 9 Accelerator Program. Under this phase, each selected vendor will receive $5,000 in cash prizes.
For the second part of the competition, the finalists will demonstrate their tech concepts and transition plans to a panel of DOD and Army experts. The panel will pick up to 24 winners and award each an additional $25,000 in cash prizes.
Under the third phase, the selected vendors will have the opportunity to submit an Army Phase I proposal in October. The winners will receive developmental and assessment-based feedback from Army subject matter experts to help evaluate and further develop proposed tech platforms in practical settings.
