Phase Four, Inc.

Phase Four, Inc., a small disadvantaged business manufacturer headquartered in Hawthorne, California, specializes in developing advanced electric propulsion systems and related technologies for spacecraft. The company has established itself as a key innovator in the aerospace and defense sector, focusing on high-efficiency propulsion solutions that enhance in-space maneuverability and operational capabilities for small satellites and space vehicles. Since registering with SAM.gov in February 2015, Phase Four has built a strong track record of successful federal contract performance, primarily through research and development initiatives funded by defense and space-focused federal agencies.

Phase Four's federal contract work has been predominantly funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, with awards ranging from Phase I through Phase III of the Small Business Innovation Research program. The company's contract portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on electric propulsion technologies, including the development of catalytic propellant decomposition chambers for multi-mode propulsion systems, solar electric propulsion solutions, and high delta-v electric propulsion systems tailored for small satellite applications. Notable SBIR awards include a $1.8 million Phase II contract awarded on September 18, 2025, for flight development of an ascent propellant, a $1.8 million contract from April 7, 2025, for general propulsion development, a $1.78 million Phase II award from September 13, 2023, for catalytic propellant decomposition chamber maturation, and a $1.69 million Phase II award from February 18, 2023. Additionally, Phase Four received a $979,135 Phase III SBIR contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in January 2022 under the "Transforming the Battlespace" broad agency announcement, which was performed at the company's El Segundo, California facility. Earlier contracts included a $748,598 Phase II award in March 2021 for high delta-v electric propulsion research and a $45,795 Phase I award in April 2021 for low-cost, high-power solar electric propulsion systems. The majority of Phase Four's awards have been designated as total small business set-asides, reflecting the company's status as a certified small disadvantaged business and the Air Force's commitment to supporting innovative small business solutions in advanced propulsion technology development.

Phase Four currently holds a substantial Other Transaction Indefinite Delivery Vehicle awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency on March 7, 2024, with a ceiling value of $14.87 million. This IDV, which carries no set-aside restrictions, provides Phase Four with a flexible contracting mechanism to deliver advanced electric propulsion systems and related technologies for spacecraft across multiple DARPA research programs and projects. The IDV scope encompasses continued maturation of catalytic propellant decomposition chambers, solar electric propulsion system development, space pitch day services, and prototype manufacturing efforts. The vehicle builds directly upon Phase Four's prior successful SBIR work with the Air Force Research Laboratory and demonstrates DARPA's confidence in the company's technological capabilities and program execution performance. This significant federal research and development vehicle positions Phase Four to support strategic objectives in advanced space propulsion technologies and represents a substantial expansion of the company's engagement with federal defense and space research agencies beyond its traditional AFRL partnership base.