The Venture Capital Fund of the U.S. Air Force

The Small Business Innovation Research program was established by Congress in the 1980’s with the goal of identifying small businesses that could provide a solution to the warfighter in a faster, more efficient manner than was presently available. Fast forward almost 50 years, and the program is reducing barriers and accelerating processes, seeding the future of the U.S. Air Force through innovation and forward-thinking technology. Learn more about the program here.

How to Apply for an Open Solicitation

Small businesses or startups can respond to Air Force Broad Agency Announcements, three times a year. These topics address a critical need identified by the warfighter. Small business proposals are reviewed and awarded SBIR/STTR contracts based on their likelihood to fulfill the identified need. Learn more about how to apply to an open solicitation here.

Changing the Way We Do Business

With the initiation of open innovation topics, through work with AFWERX, Air Force SBIR contracts are being issued with unprecedented expediency. Small businesses that have been awarded a Phase I open innovation topic contract are being invited to present their solutions for a Phase II contract at Air Force Pitch Day events, where contracts are awarded on the spot. Learn more about the process here.

• Submit/Generate Topics
• Review and Process Topics
• Evaluate Proposals
• Select and Track Awards
• Conduct Reports