DoW 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 DoW 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 DoW to obtain solutions or potential new capabilities to fulfill requirements, close capability gaps, or provide potential technological advancements. 

Throughout the fiscal year, DoW 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 DoW released SBIR and STTR Annual BAAs with the purpose of allowing DoW 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 DoW SBIR/STTR programs do NOT accept unsolicited proposals.

Small businesses interested in participating in DoW SBIR or STTR programs must thoroughly review the requirements and instructions outlined in the applicable program BAA or CSO DoW-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 DoW 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.