AFOSR Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

AFOSR STTR Phase II

Supports small business teams extending validated concepts toward robust defense development.

The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) STTR Phase II program provides up to $750,000 over 24 months to small business and research institution teams that have successfully completed a Phase I STTR and demonstrated sufficient technical merit to advance into expanded research and development. AFOSR is the only Air Force component operating an STTR program — it has no SBIR — and administers the effort through AFWERX. Phase II is not open to new entrants; applicants must hold a completed Phase I award from AFOSR under the same topic before applying.

The same work-share rules that govern Phase I remain in force at Phase II: the for-profit small business prime must perform at least 40 percent of the work, and the partnering U.S. non-profit research institution at least 30 percent. The program covers research across AFOSR's two scientific departments — Engineering and Information Science (RTA) and Physical and Biological Sciences (RTB) — spanning quantum information science, photonics, materials, autonomous systems, cybersecurity hardware, and aerospace sciences. The award instrument is a procurement contract or other transaction, and all proposals are submitted through the DoW online submission system at dodsbirsttr.mil.

Phase II focuses on expanding and refining the Phase I findings toward transition readiness and long-term Air Force operational relevance. Outstanding Phase II performers are eligible to apply for STRATFI follow-on contracts (up to $15M with matching funds), administered by AFWERX. Winning proposals must articulate a credible technology transition pathway and demonstrate that Phase I results justify continued investment, as AFOSR Program Officers make selections based on technical merit and alignment with current Air Force research priorities.