Open Topic FAQs
Are foriegn or non-U.S. based companies eligible to apply?
No, only United States small business concerns are eligible to submit applications to SBIR and STTR solicitations. Program eligibilities can be found at: https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf.
Do SBIR/STTR Phase IIs have the same requirements?
STTR requires 30% of the work completed must be carried out by a University or Not for Profit institution.
Is the proposer required to have an Air Force user for Open Topic?
Identification of a government customer or end user is not required for a Phase I proposal under the Open Topic Solicitations. Phase II proposals must include a signed memorandum by a Customer and End-User and a DAF Technical POC must be identified should the Small Business have an identified customer that demonstrates a defense need.
When is the Funding Agreement Certification due?
All small businesses that are selected for SBIR/STTR award must complete this certification at the time of award and any other time set forth in the Funding Agreement that is prior to performance of work under this award. It can be found at: https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/Portals/60/documents/SBIR%20Funding%20Certification%20-%20May%202021%20JPM.pdf.
What is Direct to Phase II?
A Direct to Phase II (D2P2) allows DoD to make a SBIR/STTR Phase II award to a small business concern with respect to a project, without regard to whether the small business concern was provided an award under Phase I of a SBIR/STTR program with respect to such project. DAF does not guarantee D2P2 opportunities will be offered in all future solicitations.
What is the difference between Phase II Extensions/Enhancements and Phase II Sequential?
Open Topic does not use Extensions or Enhancements. Everything beyond Phase II is run through the STRATFI & TACFI programs. They have replaced a 2nd Phase II contract as was used in the old CRP program.
What is the difference between the STRATFI opportunity and the TACFI opportunity?
Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program is focused on transitioning smaller-scale, tactical capabilities at the operational level. Through TACFI, small businesses can receive from $375,000 to $1.7 million in SBIR/STTR funds over a two-year period. For every dollar of SBIR/STTR funds, companies must also receive at least $1 of other government funding (i.e., non-SBIR/STTR) OR $1 of private funding. Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program is focused on large-scale, strategic capabilities at the DAF level. STRATFI offers small businesses between $3 million and $15 million in SBIR funds over a four-year period. Given the larger dollar size and strategic nature of the program, the matching requirements are more robust. For every $1 of SBIR/STTR funds, companies must also receive $2 of other government funds OR $1 of other government funds and $2 of private funds.