Phase III
This phase transitions a company’s SBIR / STTR effort into hardware, software, processes or services that benefit the Air Force acquisition community or the private sector. The SBIR / STTR programs do not fund Phase III.
![A description of Phase III. "Work that derives from, extends or completes an effort made under prior SBIR/STTR funding agreements..., but is funded by sources other than SBIR/STTR set-aside funding."](https://v3.afwerx.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/What-Is-Phase-III-480x246.jpg)
Efforts include products, services, R&D, or any combination thereof, including testing and evaluation of products, services, or technologies for use in technical or weapon systems.
A key SBIR/STTR component is that once a company has received a Phase I, II, or Direct to Phase II award, Phase III awards may be made to the company, without competition, since competition requirements were satisfied under Phases I and II. A Phase III contract may be awarded to a firm that has outgrown the small business size standard, to a novated awardee, or to a successor in interest, such as a large company that acquired the small business.
Key Notes
The Phase III vehicle provides a powerful tool to address key affordability, innovation and other Air Force strategic asset objectives. Phase III, as discussed in the SBIR and STTR Policy Directive, aligns with many Air Force technology transition functions and meets Air Force mission needs, from research and services to production.
Air Force SBIR/STTR Program managers and deputy program managers play an influential role in the DAF SBIR/STTE program in topic development, technical oversight of Phase I and Phase II/D2P2 projects and planning Phase III actions to help integrate a new technology into a Program of Record or other program.