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 OTAs accelerate R&D outside the FAR, prototype OTAs create a bridge to production, and CRADAs connect industry with federal labs to collaborate and commercialize technology. Together, these authorities provide multiple routes to move promising ideas from research to operational impact.
Check it out and strategize a go-forward plan.
