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    Open Topic

    Air Force SBIR CSO X24.6 Direct to Phase II (D2P2)
    Open Date: April 24, 2024 Close Date: May 23, 2024
    * Dates are subject to change
    Countdown to Open

    The Open Topic program seeks technologies for transition into the Air Force or Space Force to scale capability and grow the small business non-traditional defense industrial base by exploring innovative solutions applicable to both defense and non-defense markets. This technology-agnostic opportunity particularly serves to capture the best capabilities and emerging technologies to support our Airmen and Guardians.

    Open Topic Phase Information

    The Open Topic operates in a Phase I (followed by a traditional/follow-on Phase II opportunity) and a Direct to Phase II (D2P2) approach.

    What takes place during Open Topic

    Phase I

    ?

    A contract minimum of $75K (SBIR) and $110K (STTR) is awarded to accomplish the following:

    • Three-month period of performance
    • Conduct technical feasibility study
    • Business identifies DAF (Air Force or Space Force) end user (warfighter) and customer (program office)
    • Deliver preliminary and final reports, and prepare Phase II application

    Goal: DAF or joint end user and customer, and DAF technical point of contact (TPOC) sign a Customer Memorandum for Phase II proposal to show intent to work with the small business to transition the technology to the warfighter.

    Next Opportunity
    What takes place during Open Topic

    Phase II

    ?

    Traditional Phase II

    Open to small businesses who successfully completed Phase I of the corresponding topic.

    A contract maximum of $1.25M (SBIR) and $1.8M (STTR) is awarded during this prototyping stage to complete the following:

    • Up to 21-month period of performance
    • Collaborate with the DAF/joint end user, customer, and DAF TPOC who signed the Customer Memorandum
    • Work directly with the DAF TPOC to research, develop, and adapt the dual-use solution to fit DAF needs
    • Deliver milestones in accordance with proposal milestone schedule

    Goal: small business and end user, customer, and TPOC further develop, test, and evaluate work from Phase I to validate the fit between the non-defense commercial product and the DAF market.

    Next Opportunity

    Direct to Phase II (D2P2)

    Open to small businesses who have already conducted “Phase I-like” research (non-SBIR/STTR funding) and have identified a DAF/joint end user and customer despite lack of participation in Phase I of the topic.

    Ability to skip Phase I and be awarded a contract maximum $1.25M (SBIR only) during this prototyping stage to complete the following:

    • Must have a technically feasible solution ready for prototype and adaptation to Air Force needs, identified DAF/joint end user, customer, and TPOC, and a signed Customer Memorandum in hand to be eligible
    • Up to 21-month period of performance
    • Collaborate with the Joint/DAF end user, customer, and DAF TPOC who signed the Customer Memorandum
    • Work directly with the DAF TPOC to research, develop, and adapt the dual-use solution to DAF needs
    • Deliver milestones in accordance with proposal milestone schedule

    Goal: Small business and end user, customer, and TPOC further develop, test, and evaluate work from the Small Business Concerns (SBCs) feasibility study to validate the fit between the non-defense commercial product and the DAF market.

    Next Opportunity

    Customer Memorandum Documents

    Customer Memorandum SAMPLE - For Reference Only

    Customer Memorandum Attachment 1.1

    Customer Memorandum Attachment 1.2

    Customer Memorandum Attachment 1.3

    Customer Memorandum Purpose Letter

    When is your

    Next Opportunity

    ?

    Current Open Topic Solicitation Opportunity: xxxx xxxx xxx.x/x

    Submit Proposal

    Solicitation Description (to be added)

    Air Force SBIR CSO X24.6 Direct to Phase II (D2P2)
    Open Date: April 24, 2024 Close Date: May 23, 2024
    * Dates are subject to change
    Countdown to Open

    Open Topic utilizes an out-of-cycle solicitation schedule offering two Phase I (with Traditional Phase II opportunities) and two Direct to Phase II (D2P2) opportunities a year.

    Open Topic Annual Cycle

    Open Topic Resources

    Direct to Phase II (D2P2) FAQs

    AFVentures Open Topic Overview

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    Technical Point of Contact (TPOC) FAQs

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