AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR/STTR

AFWERX Specific Topic STTR Release 1

Supports research institution partnerships in Air Force technical areas through targeted collaboration pathways.

AFWERX Specific Topic STTR 26.TZ Release 1 is the STTR variant of the FY26 DoW Specific Topic cycle, covering Air Force topics only — Space Force topics are not included in the 26.TZ solicitation. The solicitation pre-released April 13, 2026, opened May 6, 2026, and closed June 6, 2026. Like the SBIR Specific Topic program, each topic defines a known Air Force customer and a discrete capability gap, so no separate Customer Memorandum is required for Phase II applications. The STTR structure requires a formal cooperative research and development agreement between the for-profit small business prime and a U.S. non-profit research institution such as a university.

Award structure mirrors the SBIR Specific Topic program: Phase I up to $200,000 over 6 months for technical feasibility; Phase II and D2P2 up to $2,000,000 over 24 months for R&D prototype development. The small business must perform at least 40 percent of the work; the research institution partner at least 30 percent. Eligibility requires a for-profit U.S. small business with 500 or fewer employees as the prime applicant. SAM registration is required before contract award. Proposals are submitted through the DoW Submission portal (dodsbirsttr.mil).

Winning proposals must directly address the specific topic's problem statement and demonstrate a credible technical approach to the Air Force end user's defined requirement. Phase I produces preliminary and final technical feasibility reports. Strong Phase II performers from the STTR track, like the SBIR track, are eligible for TACFI (up to $2M) or STRATFI (up to $15M) follow-on contracts through AFWERX. The individual topic solicitation documents are the authoritative source for scoring rubrics, page limits, and any topic-specific eligibility conditions.