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DoW SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research)

DoW SBIR — Open Topics

Supports United States defense innovators in AI, aerospace, and advanced systems development.

Between cyclesU.S. Department of DefenseUnited States

The Department of War (DoW, formerly Department of Defense) Small Business Innovation Research program is the primary federal mechanism for contracting early-stage R&D directly with American small businesses. Operating under a $841 billion national defense budget, DoW runs three pre-scheduled BAA/CSO release cycles per fiscal year plus Annual BAAs that allow components to publish topics throughout

Small business R&D contracts across 130+ active defense topics from Army, Air Force, Navy, DARPA, MDA, DTRA, DHA, SOCOM, and OSD, addressing national security challenges via BAA and CSO solicitation mechanisms.

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.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Procurement contract
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.

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