Little Place Labs is Awarded a $1.8M AFWERX STTR Phase II Contract to Revolutionize
Air Force Intelligence: Advancing Space-Based Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance and In-Orbit Machine Learning Computing
Houston, Texas – Little Place Labs announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a STTR
Phase II contract in the amount of $1.8 million dollars focused on Revolutionizing space-
based ISR through decentralized systems; in-orbit ML computing for near-real-time
intelligence to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process
by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines,
changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and
eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in
contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which
expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on February 16, 2024, Little Place
Labs will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the
national defense of the United States of America.
“We are deeply honored to be chosen to revolutionize national security capabilities through this
partnership with the Department of the Air Force. This opportunity marks a pivotal point in
advancing space-based capabilities and in-orbit machine learning, underscoring our commitment
to redefine the limits of space analytics and data processing. Our work with the Air Force will not
only enhance operational effectiveness but also set new benchmarks for innovation in national
security. This moment in our journey at Little Place Labs highlights our dedication to
transforming space intelligence and addressing the complex challenges of today and tomorrow.” –
Bosco Lai, CEO of Little Place Labs.
“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or
position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”
About Little Place Labs
Little Place Labs specializes in near-real-time space analytics for terrestrial and space
applications, leveraging machine learning solutions designed for satellites and space
infrastructures. We remove the data bottleneck by processing raw data in orbit and our
applications service both commercial and national security sectors by significantly enhancing
response times and decision-making for threats against civilians, national assets, and our
guardians. Delivering actionable insights within minutes, we are committed to transforming data
analysis and usage in space, paving the way for innovation and discovery. For more information,
visit www.littleplace.com.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for
the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery,
development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and
cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40
other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology
ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more
information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory,
AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address
the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military,
civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget.
Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 6,028 new contracts worth more than $4 billion to
strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational
capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.