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AFWERX SBIR/STTR Phase II (including Direct to Phase II)

AFWERX (Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR)·United States

Prototype development contract of up to $2.1 million over up to 24 months, requiring a Department of the Air Force technical point of contact and end user.

What you get

up to $2,100,000Cash

Period of Performance: Up to 24 months. Maximum Award: Up to $2.1 million

Equity takenNone, non-dilutive
Strings attachedComplete milestone deliverables in accordance with the approved Proposal Milestone Schedule. Collaborate with the DAF customer and end user to advance technology transition.

Can you apply

VC backingNot required
Referral or partnerNot required
Registered companyRequired
IndividualsNot eligible
Open sourcenot stated
Team size capUnder 500 employees
CountriesUnited States
Before you applyBefore award, firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM). Proposals must be submitted through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). For the Direct to Phase II pathway, an identified DAF customer and end user and a signed Customer Memorandum are required.

Eligible Applicants: For-profit U.S. small businesses; 500 or fewer employees, including affiliates; More than 50% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, permanent resident aliens, or qualifying U.S. entities; Develop innovative dual-use technologies aligned with Department of the Air Force mission needs. Requirements: Develop and demonstrate a prototype aligned with Department of the Air Force mission needs.

When

Open now

  • DOW SBIR SPECIFIC TOPIC 26.BX RELEASE 4closes 18 Aug 2026 · 19 days left

What AFWERX (Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR) funds

AFWERX manages the Department of the Air Force's SBIR and STTR programs, funding U.S. small businesses building dual-use technologies (including AI, autonomy and software) that transition into Air and Space Force operational capabilities. Since 2020 it has awarded more than 9,000 SBIR and STTR contracts totalling $7.31 billion.

Everything AFWERX (Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR) funds →

Details

Phase II supports the development and refinement of a prototype in collaboration with a Department of the Air Force technical point of contact and end user. Companies with a mature solution and an identified DAF customer and end user, and a signed Customer Memorandum, may apply directly through the Direct to Phase II (D2P2) pathway. Completing Phase I/II can lead to sole-source Phase III contracts, which carry no direct SBIR/STTR funding.

Apply on AFWERX (Department of the Air Force SBIR/STTR)