ASBTDC recently hosted “Navigating DoD Funding,” a virtual training event with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. About 30 Arkansas-based small businesses participated.
The three one-hour sessions delivered high-impact insights into the Small Business Innovation Research journey, featuring guidance from Gina Sims, who heads up the Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Program Office, and lessons from successful DoD SBIR contractors. Additionally, three Arkansas companies seeking DoD partnerships received real-time coaching.
Common themes included the agency’s strong emphasis on real-world application, operational readiness, and strategic partnerships in defense innovation.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
Benefits of DoD SBIR/STTR
- Non-dilutive funding
- Exclusive data rights for 20 years
- Potential path to sole-source Phase III contracts with the DoD
Best practices
- Engage early with the Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs)
- Tailor proposals to DoD needs
- Build strong commercialization plans
Common pitfalls
- Weak commercialization plans
- Misalignment with DoD missions
Tips for extending impact beyond DoD funding
- Build relationships with end users (not only with TPOCs)
- Explore licensing or integration with OEMs
- Pursue dual-use markets
- Make use of programs like TACFI (Tactical Funding Increase) and STRATFI (Strategic Funding Increase), which help bridge the gap between prototype and deployment. These are specific to DoD and highlight its robust infrastructure for transitioning innovations into practical defense applications.
Here is a link to the webinar recording.
We thank our partners, Arkansas APEX Accelerator and Forge Institute, for making this event a valuable experience for Arkansas innovators. If you have more questions, email Karen Bergh at kbergh@ualr.edu.
New DoD SBIR and STTR topics are released on the first Wednesday of every month. Visit the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal to learn more.