SBIR Challenge Admin
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR/STTR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's research and development (R&D) arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets specific research and development needs. The SBIR/STTR programs are executed in three phases. The purpose of Phase I is to determine the scientific technical and commercial merit, and feasibility of ideas submitted under the SBIR/STTR programs. Phase II is the principal research or research and development effort and is expected to produce a well-defined deliverable prototype. Phase III SBIR/STTR efforts derive from, extend or conclude Phase I or Phase II efforts, and are not funded with SBIR/STTR R7D dollars. Under Phase III, companies participating in the SBIR/STTR programs are expected to obtain funding from the private sector and/or non-SBIR/non-STTR government sources to develop the prototype into a viable product or non-R&D service for sale in military and/or private sector markets. Phase III provides a competitive acquisition advantage to American small businesses as it allows for a sole-source avenue to contract award. This Program funds the administrative support to the SBIR/STTR programs including: policy development and oversight; surveillance of program execution for participating DoW agencies; outreach and training; hosting, operation, improvement, and maintenance for the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP); planning and execution of the OSW SBIR/STTR portfolio; reporting and data analytics; financial management, planning, and execution; strategic communication of the DoW technological needs; transition; oversight and implementation of the DoW Due Diligence Program; and the liaison between Congress, SBA, and the GAO.
FY2027 planned work -Provide updates to counter emerging foreign threats, sustain, and provide oversight of the Due Diligence Program; -Continue development of the DoW-wide SBIR/STTR guidance on program implementation to streamline processes, remove barriers, and decrease award timelines; -Implementation of any new reporting and policy directives from the FY 2026 SBIR/STTR program reauthorization; -Move away from the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) to a new platform focused on improved user experience, better data analytics, and overall life cycle management of proposals and awards; -Undertake comprehensive reviews of existing policies to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with…
FY2026 to FY2027 change The increase of $3.024 million between FY 2026 and FY 2027 includes a program increase of $3 million for SBIR Phase III training for contracting officers. The increase of $24 thousand between FY 2026 and FY 2027 is required for continued administrative support services.
FY2026 plans — current year Sustain and provide oversight of the Due Diligence Program; -Continue development of the DoW-wide SBIR/STTR guidance on program implementation to streamline processes, remove barriers, and decrease award timelines; Implementation of any new reporting and policy directives from the FY 2026 SBIR/STTR program reauthorization; - Enhance the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) for improved user experience, better data analytics, and more efficient management of proposals and awards; - Undertake comprehensive reviews of existing policies to identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment with evolving DoW priorities and legislative requirements; - Continue to expand strategic…
FY2025 accomplishments - Implement the due diligence program and provide small businesses with the revised foreign disclosure form; - Continue development of DoD-wide SBIR/STTR guidance on program implementation in order to help streamline; processes, remove barriers and decrease award timelines; - Continue implementation of and reporting on new requirements introduced in the SBIR/STTR program reauthorization; - Attend outreach events to promote program opportunities, encourage participation and clarify reauthorization program updates; - Incorporate reauthorization language into Phase III guidance for response to DoDIG-2014-049.