Awards government money to small businesses (less than 500 employees) to develop innovative solutions
The Air Force is given approx. $600M every year that must be spent on small businesses
Anyone at any level can use the program to partner with small businesses
Can generate prototypes for base-level problems
Can solve real Airmen problems quickly by leveraging other people’s money
Phase 1 and 2: NO Squadron money is needed or committed
SBIR is a phased program that allows innovators to identify small businesses to work with, develop prototypes for innovative solutions, and ultimately streamline procurement of the solution product.
Eligibility: small businesses from any industry may apply.
Applicants must demonstrate non-defense commercial traction.
Phase 1: Customer Discovery - the company is given $50K/3 months to determine if their solution addresses an Air Force need and to plan out a phase 2 trial with the Air Force customer.
Phase 2: Proof of Concept - the company is awarded up to $1.5M/27 months to make necessary adaptations and developments on their existing non-defense solution to be useful to the Air Force customer.
Companies may receive additional funding during the course of phase 2 to perform additional work and scale their solutions.
Phase 3: Streamlined procurement – The solution developed in phase 1 and/or 2 may now be purchased sole source by any federal agency. All funds must come from the purchasing organization (i.e. squadron, wing, program office, etc.).
Can use any money type and any contract type – talk to your local contracting or finance office for more information about how to purchase out of phase 3.
There are currently 3 SBIR application cycles per year.
Why:
Airmen don’t always have enough time, expertise, or discretionary money to accomplish and new innovative things.
SBIR can provide quicker solutions and higher quality products to Air Force problems.
How do I get involved?
I have a problem and I am looking for a solution
Search through database of existing companies (Link)
If you find a company in phase 1 w/ whom you would like to do R&D, fill out an MOU to get them into phase 2
Develop MOU signatory process for Phase 1 and 2s (Spark Cell reps and commanders/commander designees)
If you find something COTS, go directly to phase 3
Fill out an operator need on ideascale (SBIR20x). It’s EASY! (Link)
Companies will compete to solve your problem
A company came to me with a solution already in SBIR, what do I do?