Accelerating Commercial Innovation for the Department of the Air Force
AFWERX manages the Department of the Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Since 2020, AFWERX has awarded more than 9,000 SBIR and STTR contracts totaling $7.31 billion to startups and small businesses developing dual-use technologies that strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and support Air and Space Force missions.
SBIR/STTR: America's Seed Fund for Innovation
Established by Congress, the SBIR/STTR programs provide competitive, nondilutive funding to help U.S. small businesses develop innovative dual-use technologies and transition them into operational capabilities that address Air and Space Force mission needs.
SBIR vs. STTR
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR):
- Established in 1982.
- Supports research and development conducted by eligible U.S. small businesses.
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR):
- Established in 1992.
- Supports collaborative research between small businesses and nonprofit U.S. research institutions, such as universities.
Eligible Applicants
Open Funding Opportunities
Discover how your small business can partner with AFWERX to solve critical challenges.
Solicitations
PRE-RELEASE: 1 JULY 26
OPEN: 22 JULY 26
CLOSE: 18 AUG 26
PRE-RELEASE: 5 AUG 26
OPEN: 26 AUG 26
CLOSE: 23 SEPT 26
PRE-RELEASE: 5 AUG 26
OPEN: 26 AUG 26
CLOSE: 23 SEPT 26
Dates subject to change
AF – Solicitation includes U.S. Air Force topics
SF – Solicitation includes U.S. Space Force topics
Funding Avenues by Phase of Development
Phase I: Feasibility Study
Demonstrate the technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of an innovative solution for a Department of the Air Force stakeholder.
KEY DETAILS
Period of Performance: Up to six months
Maximum Award: Up to $323,000
Requirement:
Companies that successfully demonstrate scientific and technical merit, along with commercial potential, may compete for Phase II funding.
Phase II: Prototype Development
Phase II supports the development and refinement of a prototype in collaboration with a Department of the Air Force technical point of contact and end user. Companies with a mature solution and an identified DAF customer and end user, and a signed Customer Memorandum may apply directly through the Direct to Phase II (D2P2) pathway.
KEY DETAILS:
Period of Performance: Up to 24 months
Maximum Award: Up to $2.1 million
Requirements:
Develop and demonstrate a prototype aligned with Department of the Air Force mission needs
Complete milestone deliverables in accordance with the approved Proposal Milestone Schedule
Collaborate with the DAF customer and end user to advance technology transition
Sequential Opportunities
KEY DETAILS – STRATFI:
Helps companies bridge the “Valley of Death”
Accelerates transition from prototype into operational capability
Aligns technology with acquisition strategies while attracting private capital
ELIGIBILITY:
Small Business Concern
Current or recent Phase II
No previous STRATFI/TACFI for the same technology
FUNDING:
$3–15 million in SBIR/STTR funding
Matched by $30 million or more in government/private investment
84% of STRATFI companies have transitioned to Phase III
KEY DETAILS – TACFI:
Supports tactical innovations with shorter transition timelines
FUNDING:
$375,000–$2 million
1:1 cost sharing
69% of TACFI companies have transitioned to Phase III
PERFORMANCE:
Up to 24 months
Strategic Breakthrough
KEY DETAILS
Strategic Breakthrough (SBT) accelerates proven SBIR/STTR technologies from successful Phase II development to operational use. It combines government and private-sector investment to deliver mature solutions addressing critical defense needs.
ELIGIBILITY
Successful Phase II performance
Validated operational need
Strong acquisition interest
Credible transition and commercialization strategy
FUNDING
Federal award of up to $30 million
Required 1:1 funding match
At least 20% of the match from non-SBIR/STTR Department of War program funding
Up to 80% of the match from private investment or other eligible non-SBIR/STTR federal funding
PERFORMANCE
Up to 48 months
Phase III: Commercialization
Transition your technology to operational use for the DAF or into the commercial market, funded by non-SBIR/STTR sources.
KEY DETAILS:
Funding: No direct SBIR/STTR funding.
Source: Funded by other government contracts or private investment.
Benefit: Completing Phase I/II can lead to sole-source Phase III contracts.
Eligibility & Information
System for Award Management (SAM)
Before a contract can be awarded, you must be registered in the System for Award Management, or SAM. SAM replaced the Central Contractor Registration (CCR), the Online Representations and Certifications Application, and the Excluded Parties List System. SAM allows firms interested in conducting business with the federal government to provide basic information on their business capabilities and financial information. Register HERE. If you had an active record in CCR, then you have an active record in SAM. You will receive email notifications 60, 30, and 15 days prior to the expiration of the record. You can search for registered entities in SAM by typing the business name or DUNS number into the search box.
Proposal Submissions
A SBIR or STTR Phase I, Phase II or Direct to Phase II (D2P2) proposal for any DoW component must be submitted through the online DoW Submission website (DSIP Portal).
Proposal Select and Award
If your firm’s proposal has been selected for an award, the principal investigator and corporate official indicated on the proposal cover sheet will be notified by email.
You will receive an email for each selected proposal. Please read each email carefully, paying close attention to the proposal and topic numbers. The email will emphasize that no work is to be performed at this time and that a Government Contract Negotiator or Contracting Officer will be contacting you.
Proposal Receipt and Status
The Air Force is not responsible for ensuring email receipt by small businesses that have changed their email addresses since submission of the Phase I proposal without proper notification. If your email addresses have changed since proposal submission, please send an email to afrl.rgv.SBIRSTTR@us.af.mil with the change.
Risk Based Analysis
All proposals being considered for funding during the selection process will be put through AFWERX’s Risk Based Analysis to ensure companies are compliant with government requirements and regulations prior to being awarded.