The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) helps innovators in academia, industry and the government make their technologies a reality and operational. Below are resources to help innovators on their journey through various federal R&D application processes. Please also visit our events page for information on upcoming OFRN webinars and ecosystem events. 


U.S. Air Force/DoD Affiliated Websites

AFWERX

AFWERX runs the U.S. Air Force Phase I open topics and serves as an entry point for industry to do business with the U.S. Air Force. It’s a great place to stay current with happenings in the U.S. Air Force and a good lead-in to the DSIP site.

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)

AFRL reimagines what’s possible by leading scientific research and development for the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

AFRL Small Business Hub

The AFRL Small Business Hub provides excellent information on Pitch Days, events, solicitations and more.

Air Force Tech Connect (AFTC)AFTC is your service to connect with Air Force & Space Force science and technology.

Defense Entrepreneurs Forum (DEF)

The DEF aims to inspire, connect, and empower people by convening events, forging partnerships, and delivering tangible solutions to promote a culture of innovation in the U.S. national security community.

DEF Innovation Ecosystem Map (DIEM)Open-source network map of the current DEF (https://defenseentrepreneurs.org) defense innovation ecosystem.

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Procurement Technical Assistance Program

The DLA Procurement Technical Assistance Program was established to expand the number of businesses capable of participating in government contracts.

Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP)

The Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal for all DoD (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, 4th Estate) SBIR/STTR solicitations, activities and applications.

Federal And State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program

The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides one-year funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards.

"Preserving Our Competitive Advantage" Strategy

The Under Secretary of Defense 2030 Strategy "Preserving Our Competitive Advantage"

U.S. Air Force Phase III Overview

U.S. Air Force overview of Phase III of the SBIR/STTR program.

U.S. Air Force SBIR/STTR

Central point for understanding and keeping up with the overall U.S. Air Force SBIR/STTR programs.

U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Engage SOF (eSOF)

The USSOCOM eSOF assists the command with conducting market research in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10.001, to arrive at the most suitable approach to acquiring and distributing.


Small Business Administration (SBA) SBIR/STTR & Registration Sites

Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program

The FAST Partnership Program provides one-year funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards.

Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) list of FFRDCs that are qualified institutional partners for STTR proposals.

NASA SBIR/STTR Solicitation

The SBIR and STTR solicitations are produced annually in partnership with NASA's Mission Directorates and Centers to focus on the agency's priority mission needs.

NAVY SBIR/STTR

Although the Navy's SBIR and STTR programs are a component of the overall DoD SBIR/STTR program, the Navy's program is targeted at addressing the needs and areas of interest to the Navy and its System Commands (SYSCOMS).

Partnering

A tutorial on partnering for SBIR/STTR.

Policy Directive

The SBA policy directive for SBIR and STTR programs.

Registration Requirements

A tutorial on registration and requirements.

SBA SBIR/STTR

SBA SBIR/STTR provides complete information on the SBIR and STTR programs from the SBA level.

SBA Events FeedView upcoming SBIR/STTR related events on the SBA.gov website.

SBIR/STTR Solicitations

A link to current SBIR STTR solicitation listings.

System for Award Management (SAM)

SAM is required for proposal submissions.


Legal Foundations, Legal Notices & Background for SBIR/STTR

2017 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization

The Small Business Technology Council Summary of 2017 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization outlines reauthorization of SBIR/STTR in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2017.

Public Law 94-471 – October 11, 1976

The authorization Act for the NSF that established the Office of Small Business R&D and initiated the NSF precursor program to the federal-wide SBIR program.

SBA Policy Directive from enactment of NDAA of 2018

The Federal Register announcement of SBA Policy Directive was based on program changes resulting from enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2018. The SBA combines the two directives into one document, clarifies the data rights and Phase III preference afforded to SBIR/STTR small business awardees, adds definitions for data rights and clarifies benchmarks for progress towards commercialization.

SBA Policy Directive May 2019

The Policy Directive published in May 2019 that sets the guidelines for agency SBIR/STTR programs.

SBA Policy Directive, May 2019

A summary of the changes in the latest SBA SBIR/STTR Policy Directive.

SBIR Research & Development (R&D) Enhancement Act

The Small Business R&D Enhancement Act of 1992 established the reauthorization of the SBIR program that included program improvements and also established STTR as a pilot program.

SBIR/STTR Rules and Regulations

Code of Federal Regulations SBA SBIR and STTR size and eligibility details. See sections 121.701 to 121.705

Small Business Innovation Development Act

The 1982 Small Business Innovation Development Act Foundational law established the SBIR program across all agencies in the U.S. government that meet the extramural R&D budget criteria.

Stevenson-Wydler Act

Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1908 was one of the foundational laws established that created the technology development and innovation ecosystem that exists today.

Summary of SBIR/STTR changes inserted into NDAA of 2018

The Small Business Technology Council Summary of enhancements to the SBIR/STTR program and contracting for DoD was made in the NDAA of 2018.


Entrepreneurial and Small Business Resources

Air Force Tech Connect & Space Force Tech Connect

The Department of the Air Force is committed to delivering an effective service to connect industry, academia and the government by expanding and strengthening their partnerships and leveraging the innovation networks within them.

The Air Force Tech Connect is a new product provided by the U.S. Air Force to ensure more external innovations have a transformational impact on the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force.

The Tech Connect team, comprised of Air Force Research Laboratory personnel, connects quality, relevant ideas and technologies with U.S. Air Force subject matter experts. The Tech Connect Team will review submitted ideas and inquiries, provide feedback and establish a dialogue between the submitter and potentially interested U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force programs.

APEX Massive Open Online Courses

The APEX MOOC are free video and web-based courses are available for anyone to enroll. The MOOC content covers:

  • Department of the Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
  • Proposal writing
  • Pitching
  • Traditional and open topics
  • Eligibility
  • Website navigation

And many more topics to help you be successful in the SBIR/STTR program! Review the video to the left for an introduction to the MOOC.

Launch Dayton Business Resources

Resources based on the type of entrepreneur they are designed for and the stage of business where the resource will be most useful.

U.S. Small Business Administration - Events

Provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.


FAA Resources

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Implemenation Plan

Transportation is constantly evolving, and each step forward yields new opportunities that fundamentally change how people and goods are being transported. A new era of aviation once only portrayed in movies or science fiction is taking off. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an emerging aviation ecosystem that leverages new aircraft and an array of innovative technologies to provide the opportunity for more efficient, more sustainable, and more equitable options for transportation.