Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract to enhance the U.S. Air Force's tactical communications capabilities.
Lexington, KY (January 7, 2024) – Faradine Systems, a leader in developing rugged and reconfigurable hardware solutions, announced today that it has been selected by AFWERX for a $1.25 million SBIR Phase II contract to develop and produce a smart signaling device designed to further enhance the U.S. Air Force's tactical communications capabilities in partnership with goTenna, the world's leading mobile mesh networking platform and Bunker, an industry leader in device ruggedization, human-centered design/engineering and equipment manufacturing. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations that the DAF funded. Since the notification of the award on April 19, 2024, Faradine Systems, goTenna, and Bunker Supply started their journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
Based on Phase I research, the SBIR Phase II contract will develop a smart, mesh-networked signaling device for air-to-ground friendly force identification. This technology aims to enable low-profile communication, reduce human risk, and distinguish friendly forces from enemies in contested environments.
Since 2014, Faradine has designed and integrated remote diagnostic monitoring hardware and software across various industries, enabling customers and organizations to identify and resolve some of the largest communication gaps within their respective lines of work. goTenna's advanced tactical communications solutions complement Faradine's innovations by enhancing the network, extending connectivity beyond the line of sight, and ensuring maximum situational awareness and safety for the operator. Bunker's expertise in developing IP67, MIL-STD-rated environmentally hardened, end-user-focused products will ensure the device will be reliable and applicable to a wide variety of mission sets. This collaboration will provide a monumental upgrade to military communications in an expedited timeline.
The SBIR Phase II contract will build upon the robust feasibility study conducted in Phase I and introduce a dynamic method of military communication designed to address the need to maintain a low profile in areas where signals are easily lost. Faradine, goTenna, and Bunker Supply will leverage their combined past performance to successfully execute the development and production of this cutting-edge technology in hopes of eliminating the risks to human life when attempting to distinguish friendly forces from opposing ones in contested environments. The technology will deliver a higher degree of situational awareness for the Air Force and satisfy the mission-critical need to identify and assist troops quickly in high-pressure situations. The capabilities developed by Faradine, goTenna, and Bunker will provide dual-use commercialization solutions to address the needs of the government and defense industry at large.
"We are thrilled to continue our work with Faradine to bring real innovative solutions to the Air Force. AFWERX is a forward-leaning program actively seeking cutting-edge technology to tackle warfighter issues. goTenna takes pride in being a trusted partner that can pivot based on mission needs," said goTenna CGO Andrea Garrity. "This is a key example of the industry and government working together to foster an environment for small businesses and start-ups to deliver."
"In collaboration with our strategic partners goTenna and Bunker Supply, we are pleased to announce our success in securing an Air Force Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract. This achievement signals a significant milestone in our continued efforts to advance and innovate within Kentucky's military and defense sector," said Faradine Systems CEO Chris Mitchell.
About Faradine Systems
Faradine Systems is a Lexington, KY-based company founded by CEO Chris Mitchell in 2014 as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). The company has developed and deployed remotely connected devices in many industries, including integrated hardware on the International Space Station, Space-X Dragon Capsule, and the Northrop Grumman Cygnus, as well as thousands of IoT-connected devices operationally deployed across the United States and abroad. The Faradine team has over a decade of experience working together to take ideas from conception to deployment in the harshest environments found on the planet and beyond. For more information, visit: faradinesystems.com
About goTenna
goTenna is advancing universal access to connectivity by building the world's most intelligent and scalable mobile mesh networks. goTenna is the world's leading mobile mesh networking company, providing off-grid connectivity solutions for smartphones and other devices and augmenting traditional communications networks. This technology enables mobile, long-range connectivity without cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite connectivity. goTenna's drive to create resilient connectivity began during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when approximately a third of cell towers and power stations in affected areas failed. goTenna's products are currently used by over 300 law enforcement, military, and public safety agencies worldwide. goTenna is backed by investors, including Union Square Ventures, Founders Fund, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Vanedge Capital, ONE9, Moore Capital, Comcast Ventures, MentorTech Ventures, Walden Venture Capital, and Anchor Capital. For more information, visit gotenna.com
About Bunker
Bunker Supply is a design-forward U.S. military contractor that develops and manufactures optimized equipment for agents in the field. With expertise in environmental MIL-STD hardening and IP68 water/dust protection, Bunker exists to optimize operator capabilities and safety through innovation and human-centered design. With a diverse background in industrial design, engineering, supply chain management, and manufacturing, the Bunker Supply team combines and leverages a variety of skills to produce critically effective equipment for dual-use applications with the Air Force, Army, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, Public Safety Agencies, as well as commercial market customers. Bunker's product development expertise and the ability to build compelling product lines and brands, such as their Mission Awareness Accessory Kit (MAAK) Ecosystem, www.maakoutdoor.com, create compelling product stories that invite consumer engagement and brand loyalty. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, the team behind Bunker Supply has designed, engineered, manufactured, and commercialized hundreds of products across multiple industries, including sporting goods, medical, consumer electronics, and personal protection. For more information, visit bunkersupply.us
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
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 five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
