Small Business Innovation Research
Abstract
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's mission is to transition agile, affordable, and accelerated capabilities by teaming commercial technology developers with Airmen and Guardian talent. AFWERX will accomplish this mission through (i) connecting diverse, innovative industry, academia, and Government entities; (ii) creating capability options and prototype opportunities for the Air Force and Space Force; (iii) facilitating streamlined acquisition processes; and (iv) fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, this Program Element (PE) has a direct tie to PE 64317F (Technology Transfer) Project 646030 (AFWERX) and PE 64858F (Tech Transition Program) Project 640858 (Agility Prime) as this program improves Air Force and Space Force capabilities by connecting innovators, simplifying technology transfer, and accelerating results. This document reflects actual FY 2021 3600 funds aligned to the SBIR/STTR program in accordance with the legislative authority to direct 3.65% of enacted funds anticipated for extramural awards to the program. Funding is spread across multiple focus areas and 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. Expected proportional execution of SBIR/STTR funds in each fiscal year's focus area, as well as a description of each of these areas, is provided below. Actuals may vary depending on allocation of actual funds received, timeliness of funds availability, or changes to strategic guidance or executive priorities. Legacy funding accounts for pre-existing topics (i.e., prior to FY 2020) that either have select notices for Phase IIs or would like to release a Request For Proposal for a Phase II award. This budget allocation category will be phased out by FY 2023. Specific topics funding is dedicated for defense-focused technologies that do not have clear non-defense potential in the near term. Open Topics are an opportunity for any qualified small-business offeror to seek product-market fit within the DAF, demonstrate value to early-adopter communities, and scale their solution to meet market demand. This program is in Budget Activity 6, RDT&E Management Support because this budget activity includes research, development, test and evaluation efforts and funds to sustain and/or modernize the installations or operations required for general research, development, test and evaluation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 663005_0605502F_6_3600_PB_2023
Related Documents
- Root: Small Business Innovation Research
- Child Accomplishment: Small Business Innovation Research & Small Business Technology Transfer