Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Novel Innovation Pipeline for Enhanced Resilience (SNIPER)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force has issued a Special Notice regarding the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Novel Innovation Pipeline for Enhanced Resilience (SNIPER). This initiative is a process to support multiple-award prototype efforts for innovative software tools aimed at improving existing SDA systems. It is not a direct contract but will leverage various contract vehicles.
Scope of Work
The SNIPER efforts intend to advance rapid prototyping from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 up to TRL 8 for potential operational fielding. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, machine learning (ML), automation, or other artificial intelligence (AI) applications or prototypes of applications for SDA. The goal is to enable the fastest transition of innovations to operational use.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (process leveraging CSOs, OTAs, SBIRs)
- Funding: $5-7M over the next 3 years for innovation
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published: February 6, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice provides an update following industry responses to an RFI posted in Sep-Oct 2025. The Government program team is currently reviewing RFI responses and engaging with vendors most aligned with SSC priorities. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.