The Department of Defense (DoD) is offering exciting funding opportunities through its SBIR and STTR programs, aimed at fostering innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies. These programs are designed for small businesses that can deliver cutting-edge solutions while meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The two latest solicitations, AFX247 and AFX24E, are now open, and we’re here to help you navigate this lucrative opportunity.
Air Force CSO SBIR X24.7 (AFX247-PCSO1)
The AFX247 solicitation calls for proposals addressing dual-purpose technologies that align with specific needs identified by Air Force stakeholders. This Phase I Open Call is a fantastic chance for small businesses to demonstrate how their innovative solutions can contribute to both defense applications and broader commercial markets.
Air Force CSO STTR X24.E (AFX24E-TPCSO1)
Similarly, the STTR X24.E opportunity focuses on dual-purpose technologies with significant Air Force applications. This is an ideal pathway for small businesses with academic or research institution partnerships, which is a hallmark of the STTR program. Whether you’re looking to refine a cutting-edge technology or adapt existing innovations for defense purposes, this open call could be your entry into the DoD’s expansive network of support.
Budget and Key Dates
These funding opportunities are highly competitive, with a critical need to adhere to deadlines. Below are the key dates and guidelines:
- September 11, 2024: The CSOs open, and proposals can begin to be submitted via the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP).
- September 25, 2024: The Topic Q&A portal closes for new questions at 12:00 p.m. ET. Make sure to clarify any technical queries by this date.
- October 10, 2024: The CSOs close at 12:00 p.m. ET. All full proposals must be submitted by this time.
A few essential points to note:
- This release includes an open topic, which means each small business can only submit one proposal per topic. Be sure to read through the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) carefully for details on submission requirements.
- The Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries must now be completed via a web form under Volume 7 in DSIP. Failure to complete this step will result in an incomplete proposal submission, so pay close attention to these new requirements.
Stay Informed and Be Prepared
The DoD SBIR and STTR programs are highly structured, so staying informed about changes to the solicitation process is critical. For example, note that the Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations are no longer accepted as PDF uploads. Instead, all information must be entered directly into DSIP. Make sure that your corporate official is prepared to certify and submit the full proposal after all sections, including Volume 7, are properly completed.
Access Additional Resources
Navigating the DoD’s SBIR and STTR process can be complex, but there are resources available to help. You can find job aids, help videos, and detailed instructions within DSIP’s Learning & Support section. Additionally, the Topic Q&A is a valuable tool for submitting technical questions and reviewing answers throughout the open period. Remember, questions are limited to technical information, and administrative or programmatic queries will not receive a response.
Need Assistance?
If you need help with specific Air Force SBIR/STTR questions, contact the USAF SBIR/STTR One Help Desk at 1-855-855-5360 or email them at usaf.team@afsbirsttr.us. For any issues related to DSIP submissions, email DoDSBIRSupport@reisystems.com.
The Air Force SBIR and STTR programs are critical pathways for small businesses seeking to contribute to national defense while growing commercially. With the right preparation, these funding opportunities can significantly propel your business forward. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—start your proposal preparation today, and ensure that your submission meets all the requirements by the October 10 deadline.
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