Will submissions require a signed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)? Will your team help matchmaking for project sponsors?

No, an MOU is not a part of the AFWERX Challenge process. The AFWERX Challenge is completely independent from the AFWERX SBIR program. However, previous AFWERX Challenge topics have transitioned solutions and solution providers into SBIR open topics with the lead AFWERX Challenge sponsor becoming the SBIR sponsor (MOU signer) or a facilitator to other USAF signers. Although the programs are independently run and managed, there are obvious synergies between them which are leverages when and where it makes sense to do so.