AFWERX Open Topic vs Specific Topic: Which Track Is Right for You?

Defense Grant Writers · January 27, 2026

AFWERX administers the Air Force and Space Force SBIR/STTR programs, offering two distinct pathways for small businesses: Open Topic and Specific Topic. Understanding the differences between these tracks - and choosing the right one for your technology - is critical for a successful submission.

Open Topic: The Front Door to the Air Force

The Open Topic is designed for companies with dual-use technologies that could benefit both commercial markets and Air Force or Space Force operations. Phase I awards are up to $75,000 (SBIR) or $110,000 (STTR) for a three-month period of performance. This phase is not a traditional feasibility study - it is fundamentally a customer discovery exercise.

During Phase I, your primary objective is to identify an Air Force end user (the warfighter who would use your technology) and a customer (the program office with funding authority). Success means securing a signed Customer Memorandum, which is required to advance to Phase II.

Phase II awards provide up to $1.25 million (SBIR) or $1.8 million (STTR) over 21 months for prototype development. Direct to Phase II (D2P2) is also available for companies with more mature technologies that can demonstrate prior feasibility and an existing Air Force relationship.

Specific Topic: Solving Defined Problems

Specific Topic solicitations address clearly defined problems identified by Air Force end users. Unlike Open Topic, the customer is pre-identified in the solicitation. This track is ideal for companies whose technology directly addresses a stated capability gap.

Specific Topic proposals are evaluated against the requirements listed in the solicitation, and Phase II awards can reach up to $1.8 million, reflecting the more focused technical requirements. Companies that already have relationships with Air Force program offices often find Specific Topic more straightforward, since the customer relationship is already established.

Choosing Your Track

If you have a dual-use technology and are new to working with the Air Force, Open Topic is your entry point. It gives you funding to explore where your technology fits within Air Force operations. If you already have a relationship with an Air Force end user or your technology directly addresses a published topic, Specific Topic offers a more direct path to larger funding.

STRATFI and TACFI: Beyond Phase II

For Phase II awardees looking to scale, AFWERX offers the Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) program with awards ranging from $3 million to $15 million, and the Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program. These programs require matching funds from defense or industry partners and are designed to bridge the gap between Phase II prototyping and Phase III operational deployment.