Navy SBIR/STTR

What Is It?

The Navy Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program provides opportunities for small businesses to develop innovative technologies that address high-priority Navy needs. Unlike SBIR, STTR requires partnering with institutional researchers, but both programs encourage partnership with larger firms to help ensure technology transition onto Navy platforms.  

How Does It Work? 

  • Topics are posted quarterly on the Department of Defence (DoD) SBIR site at  www.dodsbir.net.
  •  Phase I awards help determine technical merit, feasibility of the innovation and small business performance. See www.navysbir.com for guidance.
  • Phase II awards mature the innovation by building and testing a prototype. Options are based on strong Phase III transition potential.
  • Phase II.5 funding continues the Phase II development with strong transition opportunities and agreements with an acquisition program.
  • Phase III transitions the SBIR/STTR technology into a DoD application through non-SBIR/STTR funding and other support from government, defense prime contractors or private sources.

The Navy affords opportunities for small companies to contribute to the ongoing development of naval technologies through its SBIR/STTR phased awards programs.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides approximately $50M for SBIR and $27M for STTR research projects annually.

The goal of the Navy SBIR program is to use small business to foster innovative research and development that addresses a Navy need and commercialize that technology into a Navy platform or weapons system. 

Transition Assistance Program: This program, also know as TAP, assists Phase II companies in developing transition strategy tools (e.g., abstract, quad chart, etc.) and then offers a final showcase of products at the Navy Opportunity Forum with attendees from Navy Acquisition program offices and industry.

Navysbirsearch.com Database: This online database allows companies to make  partnering connections and explore the Navy’s current technology investment areas. It includes SBIR award information, success stories, summary reports, points of contact, etc.

Gated Award Process: By using a gated award process, transition potential and commitments are updated and verified at specific funding points to ensure continued “tech pull” and support.

Best Technology Transitions Report & Defense Contractors Partnering Manual: Located on www.navysbir.com, this manual focuses on successful transition strategies you can use to increase the transition of your technology.

Points of Contact:

SBIR: Tracy Frost
(703) 696-3196
tracy.frost@navy.mil 

STTR: Steve Sullivan 
(703) 696-7830
steven.sullivan@navy.mil 

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