AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR/STTR
Helps AFWERX Specific Topic for solving identified capability gaps with known customer requirements.
AFWERX Specific Topic SBIR/STTR funds pre-defined Air Force or Space Force capability gaps inside AFWERX’s SBIR/STTR portfolio. Unlike Open Topic, the customer and the requirement are built into the solicitation, so the program starts with a narrower problem statement and a known defense user already attached to the topic. Phase I can reach $200,000 over six months, and Phase II as well as Direct to Phase II can reach $2 million over up to 24 months. Solicitations follow the OSD BAA schedule with multiple releases each program year. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based for-profit small businesses, and STTR variants require a U.S. research institution partner performing at least 30% of the work. The best proposals align tightly to the stated requirement and show that the company can solve the named gap without stretching the topic beyond its purpose. Applicants succeed here by matching the specific customer need cleanly, staying inside the topic language, and presenting technical merit that fits the Air Force sponsor already embedded in the call.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.
Supports small business technology opportunities through focused Air Force innovation calls.
Supports a second focused set of Air Force small-business technology opportunities in emerging domains.
Supports research institution partnerships in Air Force technical areas through targeted collaboration pathways.