Marine Corps SBIR (via Navy SBIR Program)

Marine Corps SBIR Phase II

Supports MCSC small businesses advancing successful concepts toward larger development contracts.

Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Phase II SBIR contracts fund full prototype development of technologies that demonstrated feasibility under an MCSC Phase I award. Phase II contracts are awarded through the Naval SBIR Program Office to companies that completed an MCSC-sponsored Phase I on the same technical topic, or that qualify under a Direct-to-Phase II pathway by documenting prior equivalent feasibility work. MCSC topics focus on Marine Corps ground systems, amphibious combat vehicles, command and control IT, and expeditionary warfighting priorities. Phase II performance periods run 24 months with awards of approximately $1.7 million, structured as either Firm Fixed Price or Cost-Plus Fixed Fee contracts depending on the technical requirements of the specific effort.

Eligibility mirrors Phase I rules: US small business concern with 500 employees or fewer, at least 51% owned and controlled by US citizens or permanent residents, with all R&D performed in the United States. The small business must perform at least half of the Phase II work. Phase II proposals are submitted through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) in response to the specific MCSC topic under which the Phase I was awarded. Multiple BAA release cycles run throughout each fiscal year, so Phase II solicitations for MCSC topics appear on a rolling basis as Phase I efforts mature. FY26 BAA releases run through September 2026.

Successful MCSC Phase II awardees gain a direct path to further funding through the Navy Catapult program, which allows MCSC program managers to nominate companies for a second Phase II contract valued from $1.7 million to $13 million without a competitive open call. Phase III sole-source follow-on contracts, with no dollar cap, are available after successful Phase II completion and represent the pathway to formal USMC program-of-record procurement. Companies that have demonstrated strong technical results and maintained close engagement with their MCSC program manager sponsor are most competitive for Phase III transition.