SBIR Open Topics

SBIR

Next Application Period

  • Scheduled for Sept. 23 to Oct. 22

For 20.1 Companies

SBIR 20.1 Phase II Soliciation

Now’s the time to do business with the Air Force


Through a competitive awards-based program, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

AFWERX, in partnership with Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), and the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), developed the SBIR Open Topics to increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and transition rate of the SBIR program.

Affiliated with a research institution? Check out the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Open Topic.

How it Works


The following opportunities are available through AFVentures and the SBIR Open Topic:

  • Small Bets (Phase I) - Up to $50,000 per award | 1000-1500 awards per year | Three solicitations per year
  • Medium Bets (Phase II) - Up to $1.5M per award matched funding encouraged | 300-500 awards per year | Live & Virtual Matching
  • Big Bets (Stategic Financing) - Up to $15M (SBIR) Awards | 20+ Awards per year | 1:1:2 Program-SBIR-Private Matching | Annual Solicitation

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How to Apply


1. Determine if your company is eligible

To be eligible for the SBIR Open Topic program, companies must:

Review the full eligibility guidelines here.

2. Browse Air Force focus areas

While the SBIR Open Topic allows any businesses that meets the SBIR criteria to apply, we encourage applicants to view the list of Air Force focus areas to help to determine if your product or service might already be desired by a certain unit.

These will be released during each application period.

3. Review application requirements and prepare to submit required materials

Start by applying for a Small Bet (Phase I SBIR contract) on the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). The application materials will be released during the next application cycle.

4. If selected for a Phase I contract, find an Air Force customer

To be able to apply for a Medium Bet (Phase II), you must locate an Air Force customer and have them sign a customer memorandum signifying their intention to work with your company.

To find a customer, browse Air Force focus areas for a point of contact and attend AFWERX events like Spark Colliders and AFWERX Fusion.

5. Apply for a Phase II contract

If you find a match between your product and an Air Force end-user, you can apply to receive up to $3 million for a trial period of your solution with your Air Force user.

6. Progress to contract with any U.S. Federal Government Agency

After the trial, you are eligible for a contract that doesn't require additional competition with any agency in the U.S. Federal Government. These contracts move beyond the SBIR Open Topic process and are not executed by AFWERX.

Pitch Days

The introduction of the pitch day concept marked a dramatic shift in the Air Force’s acquisition strategy, creating a faster, smarter method to get cutting-edge technologies and capabilities into the hands of warfighters. Designed to speed up the investment process, the event has continued to expand its reach and scope.


Upcoming Pitch Days

STRATFI Program

The Air Force's strategic financing program aims to bridge the gap between experimentation and implementation, help find your unicorn and grow the national economy.

This program does the following:


  • Big Bets - Requires some buy in, but allows you to leverage SBIR and private capital to buy down the risk of trying something new.
  • Plan & Partner - STRATFI endorsements must show strong intent to transition — program planning, establishment of requirements, etc.
  • Broaden Horizons - Encourage your teams to open up to a broader solution space.

    • STRATFI Debut

    Questions? Contact Us

    If you have any questions, join us for our weekly AFWERX webinars, check out our video resources, or reach out to us at afsbirsttr-info@us.af.mil.

    Important Dates

    • July
      24

      SBIR 20.1 Phase II Application Period Opens

      These Phase II instructions apply to Topic J201-CS01 only.
    • Aug
      24

      SBIR 20.1 Phase II Application Period Closes

      These Phase II instructions apply to Topic J201-CS01 only.
    • Aug
      25

      SBIR 20.3 Topic Pre-Release

      Use this time to ask questions of the topic sponsor
    • Sept
      23

      SBIR 20.3 Applications Open

      Submit Proposal Online
    • Oct
      22

      SBIR 20.3 Applications Close

      Award Announcement approximately 30-45 days after close

    *Note: The Air Force has removed itself from the 20.2 SBIR and 20.B STTR solicitations. View the Air Force SBIR/STTR website for more information.