Small Business Innovative Research

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, coordinated by the Small Business Administration, supports small businesses through contracts or grants. It reserves a portion of the total extramural research budgets of federal agencies with substantial budgets to stimulate technological innovation and foster small business participation in federal research and development. This initiative also encourages the commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D, thereby enhancing the national economy.

Similarly, the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR) aims to expand public/private sector partnerships between small businesses and nonprofit U.S. research institutions. It shares similar objectives with SBIR but places a greater emphasis on collaboration with research institutions. Both programs are crucial in bridging the gap between basic science performance and the commercialization of resulting innovations.

For Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025, there is no specific programming for SBIR and STTR within the Army's planning documents. Instead, funds are redistributed during the execution year from across the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation portfolio. This approach ensures that resources are allocated dynamically based on current needs and opportunities within the innovation landscape.

Projects under this program element include initiatives like SMALL BUS TECH - AMC and SMALL BUSINESS-AMC, which received significant funding in FY 2023. These projects aim to leverage small business capabilities to advance technological solutions that meet Army requirements. By fostering innovation through these initiatives, the Army seeks to enhance its operational effectiveness while supporting economic growth through small business engagement.