U.S. Air Force: ~$9.5M for AI "network visibility and real-time threat detection" — MixMode (SBIR Phase III) (USAspending)
The U.S. Air Force (DoD) is funding AI-based network visibility and real-time threat detection to protect data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and designated systems against attacks on friendly networks. SBIR Phase III (commercialization stage); recipient MixMode Inc; value ~$9.5M ($9,511,740).
Contract key facts
- RecipientMIXMODE INC
- Contract value$9,511,740 (≈$9.5M)
- Awarding agencyDepartment of Defense
- Awarding sub-agencyDepartment of the Air Force
- Award typeDEFINITIVE CONTRACT
- Period of performance2025-09-26 〜 2026-09-25
- Contract ID (PIID)FA830725CB031
Contract scope (original)
MIXMODE SBIR PHASE III - ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR NETWORK VISIBILITY AND REAL-TIME THREAT DETECTION FOR PROTECTION OF DATA, NETWORKS, NET-CENTRIC CAPABILITIES, AND OTHER DESIGNATED SYSTEMS RESPONDING TO ATTACKS AGAINST FRIENDLY NETWORKS.
Key points
- The U.S. Air Force funds AI network visibility and real-time threat detection (protecting friendly networks)
- SBIR Phase III = deploying research results into actual operations or commercial use
- Recipient: MixMode Inc; definitive contract; September 2025 – September 2026
- Value ~$9.5M ($9,511,740) — AI cyber-defense entering operations via small-business tech
- SBIR runs Phase I proof of concept, Phase II prototype, Phase III operational or commercial use; this is Phase III.
1SBIR Phase III as commercialization
SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Phase III is the commercialization stage that deploys research results into actual operations or commercial use (after Phase I proof of concept and Phase II prototyping).
2Protecting friendly networks
This contract shows AI for cybersecurity "network monitoring and threat detection" — protecting data, networks, and net-centric capabilities against attacks on friendly networks — entering government operations via small-business technology.
3The three stages the programme runs through
SBIR proceeds in stages, and the stage changes the character of a contract. This one sits at the last of them.
- 1Phase IConfirming through proof of concept that the idea holds
- 2Phase IIBuilding and validating a prototype
- 3Phase IIICarrying results into operational or commercial use. This contract sits here
Much research and development stops at the prototype, and Phase III exists in the programme as the vessel that keeps it from ending there. It shows AI for network monitoring and threat detection entering government operations through the technology of a small business.
Why it matters
A real example of government demand for AI in cyber defense (threat detection / network monitoring). For those in SOC, NDR, threat detection, and AI security, a useful read on U.S. government demand and the SBIR path to deployment.
FAQ
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Sources (primary)
This article is an independent organization based on the U.S. official spending data below. Verify the exact, latest details with the official source.
- USAspending (award details)
- Contract ID (PIID)：FA830725CB031