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Air Force SBIR/STTR

Air Force SBIR Phase I

Funds United States Air Force and Space Force aligned small-business concepts in early defense feasibility work.

ClosedDepartment of the Air ForceUnited States

Air Force SBIR Phase I is a feasibility-stage competitive award administered by the Department of the Air Force through AFWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) technology acceleration arm, and SpaceWERX for space-focused applications. AFWERX serves as the Department of the Air Force's SBIR/STTR program manager and operates under AFRL, which spans nine technology areas and 40 operations …

Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX priorities across air, space, cyber, autonomy, sustainment, materials, and AI. Open Topic SBIR allows companies to pitch their own technology against broader topic frames.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Multiple per year
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.13 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.6–12 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Cooperative agreement
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$130M

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: www.defensesbirsttr.mil