Small Business Innovation Research
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program implements 15 U.S.C Section 638 to maximize the creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses to solve technological problems. AFWERX administers the Department of Air Force (DAF) SBIR/STTR program with a vision to empower an innovation ecosystem that delivers disruptive Air & Space capabilities. AFWERX accelerates agile and affordable capability transitions by teaming innovation technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent. AFWERX accomplishes this through (1) connecting diverse, innovative industry, academia, and Government entities; (2) creating capability options and prototype opportunities for the DAF; (3) facilitating streamlined acquisition processes; and (4) fostering a culture of innovation. Funding is spread across multiple focus areas that change from year to year based on known and emerging technology gaps, warfighting demand signals, and broader assessments of the military industrial base in light of its reliance on foundational commercial industries. SBIR/STTR investments will be made in Open Topic, Specific Topic, and TACFI/STRATFI programs based on demand signals, timeliness of funds allocation and availability, and changes to strategic guidance or priorities. The DAF SBIR/STTR program implements three different approaches to provide funding and opportunities to small businesses. Open Topic: The Open Topic Program uses a technology-agnostic solicitation which encourages commercial industry to submit dual-use technology solutions without having a known end-user. It is used to capture the best capabilities and emerging technologies and allows industry to bring novel solutions to the DAF. Specific Topic: The Specific Topic Program seeks innovative solutions for SECAF identified Operational Imperatives and defined problem sets by a DAF end user or customer. Specific Topics have clearly-defined requirements and a known DAF customer built into the topic solicitation. STRATFI/TACFI: The STRATFI (Strategic Funding Increase) and TACFI (Tactical Funding Increase) Programs help to scale Phase II efforts to the level needed to achieve technology transitions. These programs de-risk development through syndication with multiple transition-focused partners and leveraging outside investment.
FY2027 planned work If reauthorized, FY 2027 SBIR/STTR funds will continue to align with USAF priorities and needs while continuing investments in the emerging technologies that may result in future capabilities. Investment allocations will be made in Open Topic, Specific Topic, and TACFI/STRATFI programs and associated administrative costs based on demand signals, timeliness of funds allocation and availability, and changes to strategic guidance or priorities.
FY2026 plans — current year If reauthorized, FY 2026 SBIR/STTR funds will continue to align with USAF priorities and needs while continuing investments in the emerging technologies that may result in future capabilities. Investment allocations will be made in Open Topic, Specific Topic, and TACFI/STRATFI programs and associated administrative costs based on demand signals, timeliness of funds allocation and availability, and changes to strategic guidance or priorities.