The Department of Defense does not have one pathway to support R&D, contract for prototypes and then into production. The Defense Salon created shows a high-level visual depiction on SBIR, OTA and CRADAs. SBIR, OTAs, experimental procurements, and CRADAs each fill a different role across the R&D to production lifecycle. SBIR funds small-business innovation, research...
By: Margaret M. Cassidy Most companies chasing defense work are hunting for a contract with a dollar value attached, which is an understandable way to break into the Department of Defense (DoD). There is another way into the defense innovation ecosystem, one that does not pay but may still be worthwhile depending on your strategy...
In a year that saw executive orders coming out rapid fire, a FAR revolution and a government shutdown, there is some good news. A Pentagon memo from earlier this year titled Directing Modern Software Acquisition to Maximize Lethality may simplify and expedite the process for companies to have the Department of Defense buy their software....
September 30, 2025, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program lapsed which is really sad because SBIR percolates innovation and small business growth. As of now, SBIR, along with many other programs and funding to run the government, are dead or frozen because of the government shutdown. As for SBIR, it is caught up in...
For small federal government contractors like SBIR, Small Business Innovation Research, contract holders often the goal is to grow so the business will be purchased by another company. When these contractors are in this growth phase, the founders are doing everything: drafting code, drafting engineering specs, developing business, identifying subcontractors, hiring employees, answering the phone,...
The U.S. Government is not known for being agile or innovative. Its procurement processes and programs are complex with legal requirements that are difficult to identify, understand and follow. And, generally speaking, the Government has the reputation for not necessarily being interested in innovative ideas. So, many small, agile, innovative businesses don’t ever think about...
