Expert Resources

Defense Proposal Guides

Written by former DoD reviewers and funded PIs. Practical guidance you will not find anywhere else.

Sample AFWERX Open Topic Evaluation: What Reviewers Write About Your Proposal

See a realistic AFWERX evaluation with scoring criteria, reviewer comments, and what triggers a selection. Free PDF download.

Sample DARPA BAA White Paper Response: What Gets You Invited

See a realistic DARPA invite letter, internal PM assessment, and why 75%+ of white papers get declined. Free PDF download.

February 28, 2026

Sample DoD SBIR Phase I Evaluation: How Navy Reviewers Score Proposals

See a realistic Navy SBIR evaluation with reviewer comments, panel consensus, and scoring breakdown. Free PDF download.

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.

February 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.

February 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.

February 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.

February 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.

January 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.

January 20, 2026

DoD SBIR Deadlines and Solicitation Calendar: 2026 Guide

Complete 2026 calendar across AFWERX, Army, Navy, DARPA, and Space Force. Updated regularly.

January 13, 2026

Army D2P2 Technical Volume: A Complete Guide

Feasibility documentation, exercise alignment, modernization priorities, and RDT&E planning.

January 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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