Special SBIR Topics

How to Get Involved

Phase I Application Resources

SBIR 19.2 Open Topic Description (PDF)

Instructions

• SBIR 19.2 DoD Instructions
• SBIR 19.2 Air Force Instructions
• Recording of Friday, 7 June SBIR Ask Me Anything (AMA)

Broad Focus Areas and Specific User Needs for 19.2 Open Topic

• 19.2 Open Topic Technology Focus Areas (correspond to Pitch Days and other funding opportunities)
• Need IDs (opportunities and unmet needs identified by Air Force end-users)

Other Resources

• SBIR Phase I Proposal Walk-Through (A how to apply guide)
• Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
• Sample Application Pitch Deck
• SBIR Eligibility Guide
• Review this quick video series for tips and insights into the special SBIR topic

Phase II (and Direct to Phase II) Application Resources

Direct to Phase II Open Topic Description

Instructions

• Direct to Phase II Instructions
• Apply directly to Phase II here

Other Resources

• Reference the walk-through, common mistakes to avoid, sample pitch deck, eligibility guide, and video series in the ‘Phase I Application Resources’ section
• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Template (for AF Customers to indicate interest in your solution; this is REQUIRED for you to be awarded Phase II or Direct to Phase II)
• Milestone Template (fill this out *in addition to* the milestones in the MOU - they should be the same; this streamlines the contract award process)
• Description of SBIR Open Topic (for companies to send to prospective AF customers)
• Orientation Webinar for companies currently executing a Phase I SBIR
• If your Phase II (or III) customer requires you to work with classified information, please see this guide Classified Contracts: The Facility Clearance Process & Expectations on gaining a classified contract

Phase III Resources

Companies: One of the most valuable traits of a SBIR/STTR contract is that after a company has received one, they can then transition the solution *sole-source* (without jumping through many hoops) to any agency in the US Federal Government via a SBIR Phase III. This is the end goal for all of our companies that go through the SBIR/STTR process and we encourage all companies to stay focused on making it to Phase III.

Government: The SBIR Phase III contracting tool might be one of the best 'hidden not-so-secrets' in the acquisition world. If you are working with a company who has a Phase I or a Phase II SBIR contract, then you can acquire the solution *sole-source* using a pre-approved (Justification and Approval) J&A. This Phase III contract can be done by nearly any contracting shop, and if you don't have the contracting resources, you can work with GSA through their pilot program.

What's the catch: While SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II are managed and mostly funded by the SBIR/STTR office, the Phase III is quite different in the fact that the SBIR/STTR process need not manage the process at all, and the SBIR/STTR office does not provide funds for the SBIR Phase IIIs. In a sense, "Phase III" is a misnomer, it could be better described as 'Sole-Source Government Purchase'. In general Phase III (Sole-Source Government Purchase) can use nearly any color of money (i.e. R&D, O&M, etc), they have NO limit to the dollar amount, and have NO time limit on when they can be enacted (i.e. it is okay if the company received the SBIR award many years ago).

Another way of looking at is as follows:

• Phase I = Feasibility Study
• Phase II = Trial your Solution with the Air Force
• Phase III = Sole-Source Government Purchase

Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR/STTR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR/STTR program. Once a company has received a Phase I or II award, sole-source Phase III awards may be made to the company, since competition requirements were satisfied under Phase I and II.

• Phase III Overview
• Phase III Advanced Information
• GSA AAS Phase III Pilot Program (just one option available to assist you)

Student Teams and Researchers

Don't have a product yet, but have a promising idea or technology? We still want to work with you! The pathway to do this is through our 'Open Topic' Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) topic.

Investors

If you are an investor or other government stakeholder interested in working with one of our awardees, please review our portfolio companies here. They may be eligible for 1:1 private investor matching or 4:1 government customer matching.

Review our archived SBIR resources here.

Want to Offer your Products/Services to Phase I SBIR Companies?

We want to give those companies the greatest possible chances for success. One way we can do that is by making them aware of the full suite of services and tools that are available to help them on their journey (both free and paid). We want to do this in the most ethical way possible (without appearing to endorse any one product, service or brand), so we created this form to allow any organization to offer up their services. Additionally, if you would like to offer deals and perks to these companies (cloud credits, trial platform access, etc.), you can specify that in this form as well.

If interested, please fill out THIS FORM.