AFWERX Autonomy Prime Challenge Day

## TEE Take

**AFWERX** Challenge Days are where the **Air Force** stress-tests commercial autonomous systems in operational environments. Unlike PowerPoint-driven industry days, the **Air Force** flies your hardware and scores it. Teams that perform well here get fast-tracked into Autonomy Prime contracts — the **USAF**'s accelerated acquisition pathway for autonomous systems.

This is the rare government event where technical performance directly translates to contract awards. No lobbying. No incumbent advantage. Just: does your system work in the desert?

## Insider Tip

The field evaluation criteria aren't published in advance, but they weight operational reliability over raw performance. A system that works 95% of the time in wind and dust beats one that works 100% of the time in a lab. Bring spare parts and a field-repair kit — the evaluators notice which teams can fix problems on the flight line. **Kirtland AFB**'s altitude and dry heat are harder on electronics than most teams expect.

## What to Expect

Two days of live demonstrations at **Kirtland AFB**. Day 1 is setup, calibration, and initial runs. Day 2 is the formal evaluation under operationally relevant conditions. Categories typically include small UAS, ground autonomy, and autonomous logistics. Expect 15-25 competing teams per category.

## Who Should Attend

Autonomous systems startups ready to demonstrate technology in field conditions. This isn't for pre-prototype companies — you need working hardware. Companies with **AFWERX** SBIR Phase I awards are particularly well-positioned; the Challenge Day can serve as their Phase II transition event.