Forward Photonics LLC

Forward Photonics LLC is a Woburn, Massachusetts-based manufacturer specializing in advanced photonics and laser technologies for defense applications. As a self-certified small disadvantaged business, the company has established itself as a prime recipient of federal contract and grant awards from the Department of Defense and its subordinate agencies. The company's core expertise centers on the development and production of high-performance laser systems, including mid-infrared laser illuminators, wavelength beam combination systems, and related photonics solutions that support critical national security objectives.

Forward Photonics has secured multiple prime federal contracts totaling approximately $4.38 million across several Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program phases. The company's contract portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on advanced laser technology development, with recent awards including a $1.999 million SBIR Phase II contract from the Office of Naval Research (awarded August 2025) for cost-plus-fixed-fee research extending through August 2029, and a $1.690 million SBIR Phase II contract from Naval Sea Systems Command (awarded July 2024) supporting research and development of high-brightness mid-infrared laser illuminators and wavelength beam combination systems related to the Space-Based Infrared System High (SBIRS High) Major Defense Acquisition Program. Additional contract awards include a $239,999 SBIR Phase I contract from the Office of Naval Research (awarded July 2024), a $149,999.52 firm fixed-price purchase order from the Defense Contract Management Agency (awarded April 2023) for high-brightness mid-infrared laser illuminator development, and a $239,992 STTR Phase I contract from the Office of Naval Research (awarded July 2022). All of these contracts carry total small business set-aside designations. Forward Photonics has also served as a subcontractor to Dynetics, Inc., providing Quantum Blade Heavy (QBH) mid-wave infrared lasers rated at 50 watts along with associated laser controllers and power supplies for federal defense programs.

Forward Photonics has received one prime federal grant award through a Cooperative Agreement with the Research Development and Engineering Command (awarded September 2022 with a completion date of February 2026) focused on wavelength beam combination technology for ultrabright pumps, issued under Broad Agency Announcement W911NF-17-S-0003. This cooperative agreement represents the company's engagement in longer-term, collaborative research initiatives with the Army's research and development community to advance next-generation photonics capabilities for military applications. The cooperative agreement structure indicates a partnership approach wherein Forward Photonics works directly with government stakeholders to develop and transition advanced laser and photonics technologies to operational use.

Forward Photonics will produce high power, high brightness semiconductor lasers based on the revolutionary technology of Wavelength Beam Combination, which was invented at MIT Lincoln Laboratory.