The Department of Defense (DOD) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process offers opportunities for innovative small businesses to engage in research and development projects with potential military applications. Understanding the steps involved in this process is essential for businesses seeking funding from DOD.

Step 1: Pre-Release:The DOD announces new topics through a "Pre-Release" period, during which the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) is issued but not open to accepting proposals. Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) for the SBIR/STTR topic of interest. It is advisable to request a 20-minute phone call with the TPOC during this period to discuss the project and determine its fit with the agency's objectives.

Step 2: Open-Period:The submission of Full Proposals occurs during the "Open-Period," which follows the Pre-Release period. Proposals must be submitted through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). Both you and your small business concern must register with DSIP to be eligible to submit a proposal in response to any DOD Component topics. During the Open-Period, applicants can seek clarification and ask questions regarding the topic and proposal submission process through the Topic and Topic Q&A (SITIS). This platform allows for direct communication with the DOD component responsible for the SBIR/STTR topic.

Step 3: Close:After the submission window closes, proposals are reviewed by the respective DOD component for technical merit, the qualification of the team, and commercial impact. The review process aims to identify projects with the potential to address defense-related challenges effectively.