Universal Optical Transport for Distributed Laser Weapons | Project No. 26-08

DRAFT REQUEST FOR SOLUTIONS – Posted on 12 August 2026

The Draft RFS for 26-08 Universal Optical Transport for Distributed Laser Weapons has been released for industry review and feedback. This draft release provides industry with an opportunity to review the Government’s anticipated requirements and provide input to help inform the Final RFS. Industry may submit questions and feedback during the 10-day Q&A period through 21 August 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

A Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) is planned for 9 September 2026 to provide industry with an opportunity to engage directly with the Government regarding the effort, objectives, and Draft RFS. Companies interested in participating in a 15-minute Government one-on-one discussion during the TEM may submit a Request for One-on-One Discussion through 17 August 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Following Government review, selected companies will receive registration and scheduling information.

Industry feedback received through the Draft RFS Q&A and TEM will help inform development of the Final RFS.

TEM One-on-One Requests Deadline: 17 August 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
Draft RFS Question Deadline: 21 August 2026 at 12:00 PM ET

You can access the draft RFS by filling out the Key Document Request form on the right.

COMING SOON NOTICE – Posted 3 June 2026

The Office of Naval Research (ONR), in partnership with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, is preparing to release an opportunity focused on developing and demonstrating novel fibers, connectors, and interfaces for distributed laser weapons supporting expeditionary airfield defense and counter-sUAS operations.

Key Areas of Interest include:

  • Distributed laser weapon integration approaches
  • Counter-sUAS and force protection technologies
  • Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) aligned architectures
  • Advanced optics, photonics, and beam delivery technologies
  • Prototype development, testing, and demonstration capabilities

This effort will support advancement of distributed laser weapon technologies through prototype development, integration, and demonstration activities. The prototype development period of performance for resulting Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards will be finalized following release of the Request for Solutions (RFS) and based on the proposed technical approach and performer timelines.

To view the full Coming Soon notice, please fill out the key document request form on the right side of the page.


TEAMING OPPORTUNITIES:

Interested in collaborating on the opportunity? There are multiple ways to connect with potential partners. Organizations can opt into the teaming list to share and receive contact information or explore companies that presented during the virtual Innovator NETWORX teaming event. These resources are designed to help you identify complementary capabilities and form effective partnerships.

Ways to Engage:

  • Innovator NETWORX Teaming Event: The INX teaming event process begins when an opportunity is announced as “Coming Soon,” and the corresponding INX event date is released. During the virtual Innovator NETWORX teaming session held on June 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, organizations had 5 minutes to present their capabilities. You can find the Slide Deck by filling out the key documents form to the right.
  • Join the Teaming List: If you’re interested in teaming for this opportunity, we encourage you to fill out the form below to be added to the teaming list. By submitting your information, you consent to sharing your details with other companies who also request access to the list.
    • Important Note: Note that the teaming list will be updated on a rolling basis, but you will not receive notifications each time a new company is added; you’ll need to revisit the link to see the most recent updates. (26-08) Universal Optical Transport for Distributed Laser Weapons: Teaming List Form

Interested in submitting?

All respondents must have an active NSTXL membership to submit a solution to any S²MARTS opportunity. To apply or check your membership status, contact our team at membership@nstxl.org. Please allow one business day for processing new applications.

NOT A MEMBER? REQUEST TO SEE DOCUMENTS!


PROJECT TIMELINE

Draft Request for Solutions (RFS):

  • TEM Event Day: September 9, 2026
  • Draft RFS Question Deadline: August 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
  • TEM One-on-One Requests Deadline: August 17, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET
  • Draft RFS Released: August 12, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET

Coming Soon:

  • Coming Soon Posted: June 3, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Teaming: 

  • Innovator NETWORX: June 17, 2026 2:00 PM ET