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. In January 2021, the Secretary of the Air Force named the AFWERX Director as the Chief Commercialization Officer and aligned the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) SBIR and STTR Programs to AFWERX. In conjunction with the establishment of the United States Space Force (USSF), AFWERX stood up SpaceWERX to execute SBIR and STTR funds for the space portfolio. SpaceWERX's mission is to identify, acquire, and integrate innovation capabilities into the USSF while cultivating partnership among the nation's Space Guardians and top problem solvers. SpaceWERX will accomplish this mission through (i) connecting diverse, innovative industry, academia, and Government entities; (ii) creating capability options and prototype opportunities for the USSF; (iii) facilitating streamlined acquisition processes; and (iv) fostering a culture of innovation. Additionally, this Program Element (PE) has a direct tie to PE 0604317F, Technology Transfer, Project 646030, AFWERX, and PE 0604858F, Tech Transition Program, Project 640858, Prime, as this program improves Air Force and Space Force capabilities by connecting innovators, simplifying technology transfer, and accelerating results. This Program is a parallel effort to United States Air Force PE 0605502F, Small Business Innovation Research. This document reflects actual FY 2021 3620 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 topic 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_1205502SF_6_3620F_PB_2023
Related Documents
- Root: Small Business Innovation Research
- Child Accomplishment: Small Business Innovation Research & Small Business Technology Transfer