The Department of Defense has pre-released the Department of the Air Force’s SBIR CSO X23.7 and CSO X23.8, and STTR CSO X23.E. CSOs are now open, and applicants can begin submitting proposals in DSIP until the CSOs application window closes September 28, 2023 12:00 p.m. ET. There is no pre-release period for these CSOs.
Applicants are able to discuss the topics with POCs now until the Topic Q&A closes to new questions September 13, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Review opportunities at the DSIP website: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login
Every applicant is required to complete the “Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries” form and upload the completed form to the corresponding category in Volume 5, Supporting Documents. This includes Phase II proposals and proposals submitted to CSOs. Proposals that do not include the completed Disclosures of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries form in Volume 5 WILL BE DEEMED NONCOMPLIANT and WILL NOT RECEIVE AN EVALUATION.
Before you close that browser—what might you do with the current Broad Agency Announcements?
- Review topics for capabilities alignment: Topics may only come around once. If you see a topic that aligns well with your capabilities and R&D aims, consider applying. The CTC can help and connect you to proposal services.
- Read the solicitation: The next solicitation will arrive in 2024. But the general rules of the program are similar across cycles. Use this solicitation to look ahead to required registrations, prioritization areas, and DoD resources.
- Scour for points of contacts: Component information provides info on current technical focus areas AND points of contact. It is never too early to start networking. But remember, you can only discuss ideas during the pre-release time period. Use a quad chart and/or capabilities statement to facilitate a chat.
- Consider relationships with a non-profit research institution (STTR engagement): It may also be the right time to network with universities and other non-profit research institutions. STTRs are often underutilized. You might have a stronger competitive offering if you apply via the STTR route, which requires this partner. The solicitations highlight historically black universities and colleges as possible collaborating institutions.
For a complete list of topics and details for DoD, visit the DSIP website. Also, visit with CTC this December/January and let us help you customize a competitive approach for any of the eleven agencies participating in the SBIR/STTR program.
