Defense SBIR Blog

Insights, guides, and policy updates for defense technology companies pursuing DoD SBIR/STTR funding.

Latest
April 4, 2026
$1.5 Trillion Defense Budget: What the Historic DoD Funding Increase Means for SBIR Applicants
The FY2027 budget proposes $1.5 trillion for defense — a 44% increase — with $220 billion for RDT&E and $260 billion for procurement. What this means for SBIR set-asides, priority technology areas, and how to position your next proposal for the largest defense budget in modern history.
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Timeline Apr 4, 2026
DoD SBIR Agency Solicitation Timeline: Open and Close Dates for All Components
Visual timeline of Release 12 open/close windows across Army, CBD, DARPA, DMEA, DTRA, SOCOM, and USAF. All components open April 15, close May 13.
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News Apr 4, 2026
$1.5 Trillion Defense Budget: What the Historic DoD Funding Increase Means for SBIR Applicants
FY2027 budget proposes 44% defense increase with $220B for RDT&E. Impact on SBIR set-asides, priority topics, and your next proposal.
Read Analysis →
News Mar 21, 2026
Department of War SBIR/STTR Proposals: What the DoD Rebrand Means for Applicants
The Department of Defense is now the Department of War. What the rebrand means for SBIR/STTR proposals, DARPA BAA white papers, and defense grant applicants.
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Sample Mar 14, 2026
Sample AFWERX Open Topic Evaluation: What Reviewers Write About Your Proposal
Realistic AFWERX evaluation with scoring criteria, reviewer comments, and what triggers a selection. Free PDF download.
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Guide Mar 10, 2026
How to Choose a DoD Grant Writer: What Defense Startups Need to Know
What to look for, what to avoid, and why success fees are prohibited under federal regulation.
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Sample Mar 7, 2026
Sample DARPA BAA White Paper Response: What Gets You Invited
Realistic DARPA invite letter, internal PM assessment, and why 75%+ of white papers get declined. Free PDF download.
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Sample Feb 28, 2026
Sample DoD SBIR Phase I Evaluation: How Navy Reviewers Score Proposals
Realistic Navy SBIR evaluation with reviewer comments, panel consensus, and scoring breakdown. Free PDF download.
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Guide Feb 24, 2026
What DoD Reviewers Actually Score: Inside the Defense Proposal Evaluation Process
Scoring criteria, common failures, and how to structure your proposal for maximum impact.
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Analysis Feb 17, 2026
Why Defense White Papers Fail: The Structure Reviewers Actually Score
The 5 structural failures that sink strong technology at ONR, DARPA, and Army BAA panels.
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Analysis Feb 10, 2026
DARPA BAA vs DoD SBIR: Which Funding Path Is Right for Your Technology?
Award sizes, timelines, review processes, and how to choose the right mechanism.
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Guide Feb 3, 2026
AFWERX STRATFI and TACFI Explained: How to Unlock $15M+ in Follow-On Defense Funding
Eligibility, matching fund structures, and how Phase II awardees access $15M+ in follow-on funding.
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Guide Jan 27, 2026
AFWERX Open Topic vs Specific Topic: Which Track Is Right for You?
Phase I and II funding amounts, D2P2, STRATFI, and how to choose the right AFWERX path.
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Timeline Jan 20, 2026
DoD SBIR Deadlines and Solicitation Calendar: 2026 Guide
Complete 2026 calendar across AFWERX, Army, Navy, DARPA, and Space Force. Updated as new solicitations are released.
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Guide Jan 13, 2026
Army D2P2 Technical Volume: A Complete Guide
Feasibility documentation, exercise alignment, modernization priorities, and RDT&E planning.
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Guide Jan 6, 2026
How to Write a DARPA BAA White Paper
The two-step process, key elements, common mistakes, and what makes a white paper stand out.
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