Interested in Partnering with the DoD?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
are federal initiatives that fund small businesses in developing technologies and solutions for federal use.
These programs typically start with Phase I. According to SBIR.gov, the purpose of Phase I is to "establish
the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R/R&D efforts and to assess
the small business’s ability to perform before providing further federal support in Phase II." Successfully
navigating this phase sets your business on the path to prototyping in Phase II and eventually full-scale
production in Phase III.
Unlocking Success in Phase I and II: Objectives, Benefits, and Pathways to Government Funding
All you need to know about Phase I:
Once an opportunity within the DoD has been identified, you must apply by the specified deadline to secure Phase I funding. Typically, the DoD has two deadlines per year, and AFWERX also participates in this process. Inspiralia will support you with all necessary documentation to ensure your company obtains SAM.GOV registration and prepares the initial Phase I application. The heavy lifting is done by our dedicated team, which includes a scientific writer, often with a PhD background, and a Senior Innovation Consultant who is an expert in the specific solicitation. After submission, the timeline for receiving results varies, but for the DoD, it is typically around 8 weeks.
The primary goals of Phase I include:
- Fully understanding the end user’s problem
- Clearly articulating how your innovative solution meets the warfighter’s needs
- Demonstrating the technical feasibility of integrating your solution into the end user’s mission
- Conducting customer discovery to identify additional stakeholders
Specifically, for AFWERX, the Phase I Overview includes:
- Period of Performance: 3 months
- Award Maximum: $75K (SBIR) and $110K (STTR)
- Contract Focus: Conducting Technical Feasibility
- Deliverables: Preliminary & final reports
- Preparation: Phase II application
- Objective: Secure a DAF Customer & End User’s signed Customer Memorandum for the Phase II proposal
Inspiralia will support with the writing aspect of the proposal as well as obtaining the DoD stakolder required to preesnt the Phase II.
And for all DoD solicitation the Phase I AwardsPhase I awards generally range from $75,000 to $250,000, with SBIR projects lasting 6 months and STTR projects lasting up to 1 year.
All you need to know about Phase II:
Ready for SBIR/STTR Phase II?
At Inspiralia, we take care of all the preparatory work as well as we did for the Phase I!
PREPARATION FOR PHASE II : This phase includes all the necessary activities to prepare you for Phase II:
In-depth project analysis
Assistance in developing the work plan
Writing and submission of the Phase II proposal
Pre-award activities
Relationship management support with Federal Program Managers before and during Phase II
Setup and support with the Payment Management System
Accounting support throughout Phase II
According to SBIR.gov, the objective of Phase II is “to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is contingent on the results of Phase I and the scientific, technical, and commercial potential of the proposed Phase II project.”
In some cases, if a technology or concept is sufficiently developed, a Phase I may be unnecessary. In such instances, a company may opt for Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2).
Phase II vs. D2P2: Phase II contracts through AFWERX can be obtained in two ways:
Following a successful Phase I award and completion
Through a Direct-to-Phase II (D2P2) process when a company has the necessary support and funding to bypass Phase I.
In either case, the proposal requires a detailed and comprehensive submission. AFWERX advises small businesses to apply for this contract if their product aligns with the needs of an Air Force end user.
Typical Phase II Awards A Phase II effort typically lasts up to 21 months with a maximum award of $1.25M. The performance period includes 18 months of technical work and 3 months for final reporting.
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