Definitive Contract N0002426C3016

Applied Research In Acoustics LLC, operating as Aria, was awarded a $2.998 million cost-plus-fixed-fee definitive contract on January 5, 2026, under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II program, Topic N191-016. This total small business set-aside award is funded by the Naval Sea Systems Command and supports the Space Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) program, a Major Defense Acquisition Program managed by the Department of Defense. The contract extends through January 4, 2029, with performance conducted at the company's headquarters in Madison, Virginia. Aria is a small business specializing in applied acoustics, signal processing, and cognitive science research, with extensive experience supporting defense agencies through SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards focused on advanced technology development.

SBIRS High is a critical satellite-based system that provides persistent infrared surveillance and missile warning capabilities for national security purposes, encompassing both space and ground segments that require significant technological innovation in infrared sensors, data processing, autonomous systems, and machine learning applications. Aria's Phase II award builds upon prior SBIR Phase I research and will advance specialized technical solutions in support of this major defense acquisition program. The company has a demonstrated track record of successful federal contract performance, with prior awards ranging up to nearly $4 million and frequent collaboration with academic institutions including the University of Colorado and University of Minnesota on cutting-edge defense technology initiatives.