The Department of Defense (DoD) is gearing up to release its 25.1 SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and 25.A STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) solicitations, offering small businesses a pathway to secure funding for innovative research and development projects with defense and dual-use applications. These programs provide critical non-dilutive funding to foster technological advancements that align with DoD’s mission and priorities.
With the pre-release scheduled for December 4, 2024, and applications opening January 8, 2025, now is the time to start planning your submission.
Key Dates
- Pre-Release Period: December 4, 2024
- Applications Open: January 8, 2025
- Submission Deadline: February 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST
Why Participate in the DoD SBIR/STTR Programs?
The DoD SBIR and STTR programs are designed to engage small businesses in federal R&D with strong commercialization potential. They support innovative technologies that address the challenges faced by the military while offering opportunities to adapt these solutions for broader markets.
Program Highlights:
- SBIR 25.1: Targets early-stage R&D projects that meet DoD-specific needs, fostering groundbreaking innovations that can be further developed for military or commercial use.
- STTR 25.A: Focuses on collaborations between small businesses and research institutions, enabling academic research to transition into practical applications.
What to Expect
During the pre-release period (December 4, 2024 – January 7, 2025), you can review topics of interest and connect with the topic authors to ask technical questions. Once the solicitation opens on January 8, direct communication with the topic authors will no longer be allowed, so use this period wisely to refine your approach.
The DoD SBIR/STTR programs prioritize topics that address key defense challenges, including emerging technologies in areas such as:
- Advanced materials
- Artificial intelligence and machine learning
- Cybersecurity
- Energy Solutions
- Sensors and Surveillance
- Space technologies
Why Start Early?
The competition for DoD funding is fierce, and preparing a strong application requires time and attention to detail. Starting early allows you to:
- Review solicitation topics to ensure alignment with DoD priorities.
- Refine your technical approach and commercialization strategy.
- Engage with topic authors during the pre-release period.
- Navigate necessary registrations, including SAM.gov and the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP).
Act Now
With applications closing on February 5, 2025, the clock is ticking to take advantage of this opportunity. The DoD SBIR/STTR programs offer a critical pathway to funding that can accelerate your innovation while opening doors to potential military and commercial markets.
Visit the DoD SBIR/STTR Opportunities website for detailed information on the solicitation and topics.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.