Expert Resources

Defense Proposal Guides

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

Sample
March 14, 2026
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
March 7, 2026
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.
Sample
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.
Essential
March 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.
Insider
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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