AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR

AFWERX Open Topic SBIR/STTR is the broadest entry in AFWERX’s SBIR/STTR portfolio, built for companies that want to propose their own dual-use technology to the Department of the Air Force. It begins with Phase I feasibility, can move into Phase II prototyping, and also allows a Direct to Phase II path when the company already has a signed Customer Memorandum. Phase I lasts three months and supports up to $75,000 under SBIR or $110,000 under STTR. Phase II can run up to 21 months and reach $2 million under either track, while Direct to Phase II can reach $1.25 million under SBIR. The program follows an out-of-cycle solicitation schedule, and the eligible team must be a U.S.-based for-profit small business; STTR proposals also require a U.S. research institution partner. The strongest submissions show that an Air Force end user and customer are real, not theoretical. Companies do best when they can use Phase I to secure the Customer Memorandum and then present a dual-use solution with enough technical merit and transition value to justify prototyping or a direct jump to D2P2.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.