The Summer of the Open-Topic SBIR
- zev7777
- Jul 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 23, 2024
by Akela Consulting
The summer of 2024 is shaping up to be The Summer of SBIR Open-Topic programs. It's no longer just AFWERX, many other agencies are jumping into the mix including the Army, NSF, Microelectronics Agency, and the Navy.
This summer is bursting with SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) open-topic funding opportunities. These opportunities range from broad, open-ended solicitations where agencies say, "Show us what you've got," to more focused calls targeting specific industries or problem sets. The funding comes from various entities including the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy as well as the Microelectronics Agency and the National Science Foundation.
Before diving into these opportunities, let’s take a moment to understand the SBIR program. If you’re already well-versed in SBIR, feel free to skip this section. SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research, a program that funds American Small Business Concerns (SBCs), essentially U.S.-owned businesses. The major U.S. agencies, including the Department of Defense (DoD), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DoE), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Transportation (DoT), NASA, and National Institute of Health (NIH), all allocate a portion of their R&D budget exclusively for small businesses based in the U.S.
The reason for this funding is twofold. Agencies either support your innovation because it aligns with their goals, such as environmental sustainability for the EPA or energy efficiency for the DoE, or because they are promoting innovation and business growth, like the NSF. They invest in your tech innovations, you contribute to the economy and make impactful advancements. The second reason motivating SBIR funding is so you can make an impact on the funding agency's needs. This comes from agencies like the DoD, the world's largest organization, which has a diverse needs ranging from next-gen AI to efficient energy systems. Thus, a SBIR with the DoD could lead to significant contract with the agency. The same is true for NASA and the DHS.
Now, back to the summer of open-topic SBIRs. There’s a rising trend among agencies to offer open-topic solicitations, likely inspired by the Air Force’s AFWERX program. AFWERX runs a fully open-topic SBIR program where you just need to propose a solution that addresses an Air Force need to win up to $1.2 million (and potentially up to $45 million in venture capital/government match funding). Similarly, the National Science Foundation has an almost fully open-topic program where you need to justify why your technology is disruptive and has a significant market impact. Other programs are more specific, and we'll delve into those next.
Key SBIR Programs Offering Open Topics
1. Army SBIR Program: Focused Open-Topics
The Army offers focused open-topic solicitations within specific industries or technological challenges they aim to address.
Mobile Sustainment Tools Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000
Main Topics: Advanced lifting solutions, field-ready engineering systems, communication and process optimization technologies
Applications Due: September 11, 2024
Shop Tools and Enablers Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000
Main Topics: Smart tools with IoT capabilities, AI-driven exoskeletons, customized cobots, modular production systems
Applications Due: September 11, 2024
Reverse Engineering Equipment Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000
Main Topics: Precision scanning and modeling technologies, integrated design and engineering platform, multi-parameter simulation environments, autonomous design optimization, cyber-secure data management
Applications Due: September 11, 2024
Uncooled Thermal Sensor Component Enhancement and Supply Chain Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000 - $2,000,000
Main Topics: Performance improvement, size/weight/efficiency reduction, cost reduction, supply chain solutions
Applications Due: September 11, 2024
AI/ML Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000 - $2,000,000
Main Topics: Synthetic data generation, data validation and verification, AI risk mitigation, large language models, RF signal detection models, retrieval augmented generation, collaborative AI technologies
Applications Due: September 17, 2024
Hybrid Electric Powertrain, Power and Propulsion Systems (HEPPS) Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000 - $2,000,000
Main Topics: Hybrid electric powertrain and propulsion systems, vehicle systems, fuel economy, operational flexibility, efficient aircraft operation, increased onboard power, military operational requirements
Applications Due: September 17, 2024
Battery Open-Topics
Funding Amount:
$250,000 - $2,000,000
Main Topics: Advanced anode technologies, future electrolytes, critical minerals, power capabilities, thermal stability, extreme temperature functionality, size and weight minimization, charging times, safety standards, production capability metrics
Applications Due: October 15, 2024
2. Navy SBIR Program: Focused Open-Topics
The Navy SBIR program offers focused open-topic solicitations aimed at addressing specific technological challenges and enhancing naval capabilities.
Funding Amount:
Phase I: $75,000 - $100,000
Phase II: ~$1,000,000 - $2,000,000 (estimated)
Main Topics: Advanced robotic automation for Fleet Readiness Center industrial processes, sustainment and obsolescence, advanced data integrity and control methods
Applications Due: September 4, 2024
3. Air Force Open-Topic (AFWERX)
Program: AFWERX
Funding Agency: U.S. Air Force SBIR
Funding Amount:
Phase I: $75,000
Phase II: $1,250,000
VC/Gov Match Funding (STRATFI/TACFI): Up to $45 million
Applications Due: likely in the Fall. Due to release in August
Overview: This AFWERX Open-Topic SBIR, in partnership with SpaceWERX, seeks innovative defense-related dual-purpose technologies/solutions that address a clear need for the U.S. Air Force or Space Force. The program includes a two-phase structure, with Phase I focused on feasibility studies and Phase II on prototype validation. The goal is to explore innovative technologies applicable to both defense and non-defense markets, scale capability, and grow the industrial base for defense. This initiative targets companies capable of completing feasibility studies and prototype validation under accelerated schedules, emphasizing applied research and development efforts rather than basic research.
4. National Science Foundation (NSF) Open-Topics
Program: NSF Open-Topics SBIR
Funding Agency: National Science Foundation
Funding Amount:
Phase I: Up to $305,000
Phase II: Up to $1,250,000
Supplements: Up to $500,000
Applications Due: September 18, 2024 (rolling submissions)
Overview: The NSF Open-Topics SBIR program provides up to $305,000 in non-dilutive funding for research and development (R&D) to build a prototype or proof-of-concept over six to 18 months. During this period, companies receive guidance from NSF program directors who are seasoned entrepreneurs and technologists. After completing the Phase I award, companies can apply for Phase II, which offers up to $1,250,000 over 24 months. Additionally, companies can apply for supplements that may add up to more than $500,000.
5. Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) Open-Topics
Program: DMEA Open-Topics SBIR
Funding Agency: Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA)
Funding Amount:
Phase I: $100,000
Phase II: Up to $1,300,000
Applications Due: August 27, 2024
Overview: The DoD seeks a process control and modeling solution for the start-up and monitoring of a hot-walled Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Silicon Carbide (SiC) epitaxy process. The solution should optimize quality, maximize wafer throughput, and minimize waste and downtime using AI/ML algorithms for real-time adjustments. Phase I focuses on feasibility and design, aiming for waste reduction, cost savings, time efficiency, model accuracy, and defect reduction.
This summer is a great opportunity to get started on or improve your approach to winning SBIR funding. Consider applying to an open-topic. Talk to us at Akela, we can help.
