🎉 SIGNED INTO LAW — April 13, 2026: S. 3971, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, is now law. SBIR/STTR programs reauthorized through 2031. DoD, DARPA, and AFWERX preparing to publish new solicitations. Book your consultation now →

Defense SBIR Blog

Insights, guides, and policy updates for defense technology companies pursuing DoD SBIR/STTR funding.

$1.5 Trillion Defense Budget: What the Historic DoD Funding Increase Means for SBIR Applicants

The FY2027 budget proposes $1.5 trillion for defense — a 44% increase — with $220 billion for RDT&E and $260 billion for procurement. What this means for SBIR set-asides, priority technology areas, and how to position your next proposal for the largest defense budget in modern history.

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Timeline Apr 4, 2026

DoD SBIR Agency Solicitation Timeline: Open and Close Dates for All Components

Visual timeline of Release 12 open/close windows across Army, CBD, DARPA, DMEA, DTRA, SOCOM, and USAF. All components open April 15, close May 13.

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News Apr 4, 2026

$1.5 Trillion Defense Budget: What the Historic DoD Funding Increase Means for SBIR Applicants

FY2027 budget proposes 44% defense increase with $220B for RDT&E. Impact on SBIR set-asides, priority topics, and your next proposal.

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News Mar 21, 2026

Department of War SBIR/STTR Proposals: What the DoD Rebrand Means for Applicants

The Department of Defense is now the Department of War. What the rebrand means for SBIR/STTR proposals, DARPA BAA white papers, and defense grant applicants.

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Sample Mar 14, 2026

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

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

Guide Mar 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.

Sample Mar 7, 2026

Sample DARPA BAA White Paper Response: What Gets You Invited

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

Sample Feb 28, 2026

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

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

Guide Feb 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.

Analysis Feb 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.

Analysis Feb 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.

Guide Feb 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.

Guide Jan 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.

Timeline Jan 20, 2026

DoD SBIR Deadlines and Solicitation Calendar: 2026 Guide

Complete 2026 calendar across AFWERX, Army, Navy, DARPA, and Space Force. Updated as new solicitations are released.

Guide Jan 13, 2026

Army D2P2 Technical Volume: A Complete Guide

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

Guide Jan 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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