Department of Defense (DOD)
AFWERX Open Topic. What, Where, When?
Do you have an innovation that the Department of Air Force (DAF) needs, but they don’t have a specific topic that fits your technology? The Air Force has released their tentative schedule for Open Topics. Open Topics allow small businesses to submit their technology...
Fast Facts
- See the current Solicitation dates
- DOD is a “contracting” agency
- Component initiated topic-driven projects
- Army – United States Army- Navy – United States Navy- Air Force – United States Air Force- CBD – Chemical and Biological Defense- DARPA – Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency- DHA – Defense Health Agency- DLA – Defense Logistics Agency- DMEA – Defense Microelectronics Activity- DTRA – Defense Threat Reduction Agency- MDA – Missile Defense Agency- NGA – National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency- OSD – Office of the Secretary of Defense- USSOCOM – United States Special Operations Command
- Offers both SBIR and STTR programs
- Fund $2.3 Billion in SBIR/STTR topics
- Three scheduled Broad Agency Announcements (BAA) as well as a “As Needed” BAA
- Proposals only accepted in response to a BAA topic
- DOD has 2 types of topics (Specific/Focused and Open Topics). A Specific/Focused Topic is written by a Technical Point Of Contact (TPOC) and is based on specific technology gaps. An Open Topic is one that the SBC identifies a problem and solution relevant to the Defense Needs. Each component of the DOD must participate in Open Topics.
- Phase I: 3-12 months $75,000-$306,872 Phase II: 18-24 months $750,000-$2,000,000
- Read solicitation instructions very carefully since these are subject to change and are different for each DOD Component
Step 1: Pre-Release
DOD announces new topics with a “Pre-Release” period. The pre-release period is a time period where the BAA is issued but not open to accepting proposals. You may contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for the SBIR/STTR topic. We recommend emailing the TPOC and requesting a 20-minute phone call. This call will help you determine your fit for the project.
Step 2: Open-Period
You must submit your Full Proposal during the “Open-Period”. During the Open-Period proposal, submissions must be made through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal or DSIP. You and your small business concern must register with DSIP if you wish to submit a proposal in response to any DoD Component topics. Questions can be asked to the component on the Topic and Topic Q&A (SITIS).
Step 3: Close
Proposals are reviewed by the component for technical merit, qualification of the team, and commercial impact. You will be notified 1-3 months after your respective submission window closes whether your proposal is accepted or declined. You must wait for contract award to begin work on a DOD SBIR/STTR.
Proposal Assistance
BBCetc’s team are DOD experts who offer one-on-one assistance with proposal development. To start working with BBCetc, please complete and submit our online Assessment Form.Then we will set up a free call to talk about your project, answer questions and decide on next steps.
Jerry Hollister
Executive Consultant
Monique Branham
Principal Consultant
