Small Business Innovative Research

The Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), is a key Department of Defense (DoD) initiative aimed at leveraging the innovative potential of small businesses and research institutions to address technological challenges and national security threats. The overarching goals of this program element are to stimulate technological innovation, increase private sector commercialization of federal research and development (R&D), and foster participation by minority and disadvantaged firms. By supporting high-priority projects across DoD Components, the SBIR/STTR programs contribute to the modernization, readiness, and lethality of the Joint Force.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) (Project 500) focuses on fostering partnerships between small business concerns and research institutions through DoD-funded research and development efforts. The objective is to support cooperative R&D projects that generate innovative solutions and drive economic growth, ultimately providing decisive military advantages. In FY 2024, the STTR program funded topics for organizations such as the Army Research Office, Defense Logistics Agency, Defense Microelectronic Activity, United States Special Operations Command, DARPA, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Research areas included artificial intelligence and machine learning, general warfighting capabilities, microelectronics, and quantum science, with emerging results expected in FY 2025.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) (Project 502) is designed to stimulate technological innovation and increase commercialization of federal R&D by small businesses. The program supports mission-oriented R&D with the goal of delivering advanced capabilities to the Warfighter and fostering a vibrant innovation base. In FY 2024, SBIR topics were funded for agencies such as the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Strategic Capabilities Office, DoD Chief Digital and AI Office, Defense Logistics Agency, United States Special Operations Command, Defense Microelectronic Activity, and DARPA. Key research areas included artificial intelligence, autonomy, quantum science, microelectronics, cybersecurity, general warfighting capabilities, and hypersonics.

SBIR Commercialization Readiness (CR) Program (Project 503) was established under 15 U.S.C. 638 (y) to accelerate the transition of SBIR/STTR technologies to operational use. The OTST program, part of CR, serves as an interim technology maturity phase to meet emerging requirements. In FY 2024, the CR Program supported projects in areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, autonomy, biotechnology, cybersecurity, hypersonics, and microelectronics. Investments included real-time onboard monitoring for the Space Force, virtual reality trainers for DARPA, and collaborative learning systems for the US Marine Corps. The program plans to fund additional projects in FY 2025, including advanced propulsion systems and AI-powered mapping for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

SBIR CRP Administration (Project 504) and SBIR Administration (Project 505) provide funding for the administrative management of the SBIR and STTR programs. These projects ensure effective planning, authorization, and execution of program efforts, including outreach, education, training, reporting, and program planning. In FY 2024, administrative funds supported contractor efforts, success metric studies, and solicitation and award portal support for the Department. A portion of the SBIR budget is reserved for these administrative functions, which are essential for the efficient operation and oversight of the program.

SBIR Due Diligence (Project 506) supports mission-oriented R&D with a focus on providing advanced capabilities to the Warfighter and commercializing innovative technologies. The due diligence process ensures that funded projects meet the necessary standards for transition and commercialization, contributing to a robust small business innovation base and supporting economic growth. In FY 2024, this project facilitated the review and assessment of proposals to ensure alignment with DoD priorities and the potential for successful technology transition.