DoD uses the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) funding mechanism to procure basic and applied research via issuing topics for scientific study and experimentation, which are directed towards advancing the state-of-the-art, increasing knowledge, or understanding, instead of focusing on, a specific system or hardware solution. 

In some instances, a DoD component may elect to release topics under a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), which is a competitive acquisition procedure for innovative commercial items, technologies, or services.  It allows DoD to obtain solutions or potential new capabilities to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements. 

Throughout the fiscal year, DoD issues three pre-scheduled SBIR and STTR BAAs/CSOs, through which participating components have an opportunity to publish topics that seek innovative solutions from small businesses, usually in response to national security challenges. 

In addition to the three pre-scheduled BAA/CSO cycles, starting in FY22, the DoD released SBIR and STTR Annual BAAs with the purpose of allowing DoD Components the flexibility to release topics throughout the fiscal year.  Topics released under Annual BAAs are published at least 45 days prior to the proposal submission deadline and have their own corresponding pre-release, open, and close dates, as outlined in the release. 

NOTE: Proposals must be submitted in response to a topic that is open for proposal submission under an active BAA or CSO.  The DoD SBIR/STTR programs do NOT accept unsolicited proposals.

Small businesses interested in participating in DoD SBIR or STTR programs must thoroughly review the requirements and instructions outlined in the applicable program BAA or CSO DoD-wide document AND the Component-specific instruction document for their topic of interest to find information on eligibility requirements and proposal submission instructions.  The Component-specific instructions will contain supplemental proposal preparation instructions, such as proposal content, cost and duration structure, and communication and notification procedures. 

All DoD SBIR and STTR proposals must be submitted electronically through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) as described in the Program BAA or CSO.  It is recommended that firms register as soon as possible upon identification of a proposal opportunity to avoid delays in the proposal submission process.  Proposers are encouraged to submit proposals as early as possible in order to avoid unexpected delays associated with high traffic volume during the final hours before a BAA or CSO closes.