Preparing for DOD SBIR/STTR solicitations involves strategic planning and proactive steps during both the pre-release and the open periods.
Key Dates for SBIR 24.3 and STTR 24.C: The proposal submission system will stop accepting proposals at 12 pm Eastern. This is a firm deadline (no grace period). If your submission is late, you will not be able to submit again until the next window and only if there is a matching topic. Proposers are strongly urged to submit well in advance of the deadline.
Pre-Release Date – August 21, 2024
Open Date – September 18, 2024
Close date – October 16, 2024
Here is what you can do to get ready for the pre-release on August 21st. During the pre-release period, typically about a month before the official opening of the solicitation, start focusing on the following activities:
- Research and Identify Relevant Topics:
- Review the pre-released topics carefully to identify those that align with your technology or business focus. Understanding the specifics of each topic can help you decide where to allocate your efforts.
- Utilize resources such as the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) to search for topics by keywords, component, or technology area (Defense SBIR STTR).
- Engage with Topic Authors:
- During the pre-release phase, agencies often allow direct communication with topic authors. Take advantage of this opportunity to clarify technical questions and gain insights into the topic’s requirements and expectations.
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask topic authors that will help refine your understanding and potentially improve your proposal.
- Evaluate Company Capabilities:
- Conduct a thorough internal review to ensure that your company has the necessary technical capabilities, resources, and experience to address the topic requirements.
- Identify gaps and consider partnerships or subcontracting arrangements that might strengthen your proposal.
- Register and Prepare Documentation:
- Ensure your company is registered in all necessary databases and platforms, such as the System for Award Management (SAM) and the DSIP. This step is crucial for eligibility and proposal submission.
- Gather and update essential documents such as company capabilities statements, past performance, and technical resumes that may be required for the proposal.
- Develop a Proposal Outline:
- Start drafting a high-level outline of your proposal, including the technical approach, potential innovations, project timeline, and budget.
- This outline will serve as a foundation to be refined once the solicitation officially opens.
Solicitation Schedule (Dates are subject to change)
| FY 2024 DoD SBIR/STTR Solicitation Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation Cycle | Announcement Period | ||
| Pre-Release Date | Open Date | Close Date | |
| STTR 24.A/SBIR 24.1 | |||
| STTR 24.B/SBIR 24.2 | |||
| SBIR 24.3/STTR 24.C | Aug 21, 2024 | Sep 18, 2024 | Oct 16, 2024 |
| FY 2025 DoD SBIR/STTR Solicitation Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Solicitation Cycle | Announcement Period | ||
| Pre-Release Date | Open Date | Close Date | |
| SBIR 25.1/STTR 25.A | Dec 4, 2024 | Jan 8, 2025 | Feb 5, 2025 |
| SBIR 25.2/STTR 25.B | Apr 2, 2025 | Apr 23, 2025 | May 21, 2025 |
| STTR 25.C/SBIR 25.3 | Aug 19, 2025 | Sep 16, 2025 | Oct 14, 2025 |
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