About SBIR
A SBIR contract vehicle is a rapid way to address your urgent needs.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
The Small Business Administration (SBA) SBIR program awards SBIRs to small businesses to encourage them to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) activities that could potentially be commercialized.
A company’s SBIR activities typically move through Phase I and Phase II development stages before reaching Phase III, where the company’s SBIR product/service is eligible to sell to any Federal agency.
Phase III SBIRs are valuable contract vehicles for both the small business and the Federal agency that uses them, because they make it faster and easier for the Government to get small businesses on contract.
Benefits of Phase III SBIRs
Any Federal agency can use Phase III SBIR.
Funding can come from any non-SBIR source, and there is no limit on dollar value.
The Government gets to sole source while still receiving competition credit.
There are no limitations for subcontracting; a sub can perform more than 50% of the work.
Phase III SBIRs can be any contract type (FFP, T&M, CPFF, etc.).
Phase III can be a direct award, BOA, IDIQ, or TO.
Work can involve supplies or services (e.g., products, production, research).
Any number of teammates can be involved – no business size limits.
SBIR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a novation agreement needed?
No novation agreement is needed. Contact the Air Force (AF) SBIR/STTR Office at AFSBIRSTTR-INFO@us.af.mil or 800-222-0336 to learn more.
What AF procurement offices exist for reach back on SBIR questions?
The AF SBIR/STTR office is a great resource for SBIR questions. Contact them at
AFSBIRSTTR-INFO@us.af.mil or 800-222-0336.
What kind of funding can be used on a Phase III SBIR?
SBIRs can use any type of funding except funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) SBIR/STTR Program. No ceiling exists.
What regulatory/statutory reference can be cited to prove the funding type is satisfactory?
The SBIR Program Policy Directive (4(c) and 7(g)(1)) explains which funding types are satisfactory.
