TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials, Bio Medical, Chem Bio Defense, Electronics, Ground Sea, Human Systems, Information Systems, Nuclear, Sensors, Weapons, Air Platform, Space Platforms, BattlespaceOBJECTIVE: A Direct to Phase II may be awarded for a maximum period of 15 months, including 12 months technical performance and three months for reporting, at a maximum of $750,000 SBIR funds.The objective of this topic is to explore Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies not be covered by other specific SBIR topics, exploring options for solutions potentially outside the current Technology Areas but useful to the AF.This topic seeks companies with capability to complete a feasibility study and prototype validated concepts under an accelerated Phase II schedule.This topic is aimed at later stage development rather than basic science and research.DESCRIPTION: The Air Force is a large and complex organizations consisting of many functions with similar commercial sector counterparts.The AF is interested in exploring innovative technology domains with demonstrated clear commercial value in the non-defense sector through existing products/solutions for potential AF applications.It is impossible to cover all technology areas with SBIR topics. Thus, this topic is a call for open ideas and technologies covering topics not currently listed.It is important potential solutions have a high probability of keeping pace with technological change.They should be closely tied to commercial technologies supporting solution development.This topic is intended to identify non-Defense commercial solutions to be adapted and expanded innovatively through R/R&D to meet DoD stakeholders' needs in a short timeframe at low cost.Solutions should be focused on the three areas listed below, meeting as many as possible.Financial Sustainability - The offeror(s) should demonstrate financial sustainability for both the solution and the firm. The best solutions demonstrate this by sales to non-Defense clients and other private investment sources.Defense Need - The offeror(s) should demonstrate understanding of the fit between the solution and Defense stakeholders.The best solutions demonstrate this with a signed memo from a specific, empowered AF end-user and customer (likely not the same person) ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial. This should include specific objectives and measurable (quantitative) key results the proposed solution can achieve to meet AF end-user and customer needs.Technical/Team - The proposed approach's soundness, technical merit, and innovation and incremental progress toward fulfilling an AF need and the qualifications of the proposed Principal Investigators/Project Managers, supporting staff, and consultants to execute against the proposed approach.Proposals should demonstrate a product-market fit between an AF end-user and the proposed R/R&D adaptation of an existing or emerging non-Defense commercial solution.This is accomplished most effectively through a proposal with a mature non-Defense technical solution and a clear understanding of its adaptation to meet an AF customer's specific need, supported by documentation from a specific motivated, empowered AF end-user and customer ready and willing to participate in the proposed prototype solution's trial.AREAS OF DEFENSE NEED: There is a significant amount of potential AF defense end-users with interest in the topics found in Section 2.0.Offerors who believe their solution can help address a Technology Area should identify it in the application slide deck.This does not change the requirement to demonstrate the defense need as listed above. Companies with solutions to other problems not listed are also invited to submit under this topic.Technology Areas are simply intended to indicate particular AF interests at this time.PHASE I: This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into a Phase II SBIR.Therefore, a Phase I award is not required.PHASE II: Proposals should include development, installation, integration and demonstration of the proposed solution prototype system. This demonstration should focus specifically on:Evaluating the proposed solution against the proposed objectives and measurable key results.Describing in detail how the installed solution differs from the non-defense commercial offering to solve the Air Force need, as well as how it can be scaled for wide adoption, i.e.,modified for scale.Identifying the proposed solution's clear transition path, taking into account input from affected stakeholders, including but not limited to, end users, engineering, sustainment, contracting, finance, legal, and cyber security.Specifying the solution's integration with other current and potential future solutions.Describing the solution's sustainability, i.e., supportability.Identifying other specific DoD or Governmental customers for the solutionPHASE III: Phase II solutions may transition quickly to Phase III after the product-market fit is verified.The firm will transition the adapted non-defense commercial solution to provide expanded mission capability to a broad range of potential Government/civilian users and alternate mission applications.NOTES: Due to heavy interest in this topic, the AF will not answer questions via email, except in rare cases.Teleconferences will be held to efficiently address all questions.Please monitor https://af-ventures.com/ for specific telecom details.SBIR solicitations result in contracts and Other Transactions for Prototype, NOT grants.Therefore, SAM.gov registration should include the answer 'YES' to the question 'Do you wish to bid on contracts?' Firms registered to compete for grants only will be ineligible for award under this topic.Registration in SAM is required to be eligible for award.Please verify the firm's CAGE code, company name, address information, DUNS numbers, etc., prior to submitting a proposal. In the proposal's 15-slide deck, include a screenshot from SAM.gov showing the company's CAGE, DUNS number, and current business address, with verification the firm is registered to receiver "All Contracts".It is the firm's responsibility to ensure proposal and SAM data are consistent.The firm is required to answer all questions on the SBIR proposal cover sheet and 'DoD SBIR/STTR Programs Funding Agreement Certification' completely and accurately.While awards will firm fixed price, companies must complete the cost volume in the SBIR online application in sufficient detail for the Government to determine costs fair and reasonable.Proposed technologies may be restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls defense-related materials/services import/export, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), controlling dual use items.Offerors must review the U.S. Munitions List, https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/22/121.1, and provide a tentative determination regarding applicability to their proposed efforts.If determined applicable, a certified DD Form 2345, Militarily Critical Technology Agreement, must be submitted with the proposal.Information regarding the application process and instructions for form completion are found at https://www.dla.mil/HQ/LogisticsOperations/Services/JCP/DD2345Instructions/.If subject to ITAR, involvement of foreign nationals may be restricted."Foreign National" is defined in 22 CFR 120.16 as a natural person who is neither a lawful permanent resident (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(20)), nor a protected individual (8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)).It also includes foreign corporations, business associations, partnerships, trusts, societies, other entities/groups not incorporated/organized to do business in the United States, international organizations, foreign governments, and their agencies/subdivisions.Offerors must identify foreign national team members and provide their countries of origin, visa/work permits possessed, and Work Plan tasks assigned.Additional information may be required during negotiations to verify eligibility.Even if eligible, participation may be restricted due to U.S. Export Control Laws.NOTE:Export control compliance statements are not all-inclusive and do not remove submitters' liability to 1) comply with applicable ITAR/EAR export control restrictions or 2) inform the Government of potential export restrictions as efforts proceed.KEYWORDS: Open, Other, Disruptive, Radical, Dual-Use, CommercialReferences:1. FitzGerald, B., Sander, A., Parziale, J. (2016). Future Foundry: A New Strategic Approach to Military-Technical Advantage. Retrieved June 12, 2018: https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/future-foundry2. Blank, S. (2016). The Mission Model Canvas - An Adapted Business Model Canvas for Mission-Driven Organizations. Retrieved June 12, 2018: https://steveblank.com/2016/02/23/the-mission-model-canvas-an-adapted-business-model-canvas-for-mission-driven3. US Department of Defense. (2018). 2018 National Defense Strategy of the United States Summary, 11. Retrieved from: https://www.defense.gov/Portals/1/Documents/pubs/2018-National-Defense-Strategy-Summary.pdf
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