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 administers the 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. Additionally, this Program Element (PE) has a direct tie to PE 0604009F (AFWERX Prime) as this program improves DAF capabilities by connecting innovators, simplifying technology transfer, and accelerating results. 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. 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. 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. 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, 2025
- Source ID
- 663005_0605502F_6_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Small Business Innovation Research
- Child Accomplishment: Small Business Innovation Research & Small Business Technology Transfer