AFWERX SBIR Open Topic Program
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The AFWERX Open Topic and STRATFI/TACFI programs are designed to help commercial technology companies transition dual-use technologies into Department of the Air Force (DAF) applications. These programs are among the most founder-friendly defense funding pathways because companies propose their own technology solutions rather than responding to narrowly defined technical requirements.
The Open Topic provides multiple entry points:
Phase I feasibility studies
Traditional Phase II prototype development
Direct to Phase II (D2P2) for companies with mature technology and existing Air Force customer relationships
STRATFI/TACFI is intended to help companies bridge the “Valley of Death” between SBIR/STTR Phase II and Phase III commercialization and scaling efforts.
The STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2 Notice of Opportunity is “Coming Soon,” and AFWERX states additional details and submission guidance will be released over the next few weeks. No application deadline is currently specified in the materials provided.
How much funding would I receive?
Open Topic Phase I:
Maximum award of $75K (SBIR)
Maximum award of $110K (STTR)
Open Topic Phase II:
Maximum award of $2M (SBIR)
Maximum award of $2M (STTR)
Direct to Phase II (D2P2):
Maximum award of $1.25M (SBIR)
The STRATFI/TACFI follow-on funding provides anywhere from $375k to $15m with private and government matching requirements.
Areas of Interest
Autonomous Mass:
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)
Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)
Weapons Technology
Command, Control, & Battle Management:
Communications, & Battle Management (C3BM)
Advanced Mission Systems Architecture & Engineering
Counter Incursion:
Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (cUAS)
Kinetic/Non-Kinetic Defeat
Agile Combat & Readiness
Contested Logistics
Manufacturing & Readiness
Alignment with the DOW’s Critical Technology Areas (CTAs):
Applied Artifical Intelligence
Biomanufacturing
Logistics Technologies
Battlefield Information Dominance
Scaled Hypersonics
Scaled Directed Energy
What could I use the funding for?
Phase I funding is intended to:
Conduct technical feasibility studies
Identify a DAF end user and customer
Secure a signed Customer Memorandum
Prepare for a Phase II proposal
Phase II funding is intended to:
Conduct further R&D
Build and adapt prototypes
Develop dual-use solutions for Air Force applications
Work directly with an Air Force Technical Point of Contact (TPOC)
D2P2 funding is intended for companies that:
Already have a prototype-ready solution
Have identified an Air Force end user and customer
Already possess a signed Customer Memorandum
STRATFI/TACFI funding is intended to:
Bridge the “Valley of Death” between Phase II and Phase III
Support transition and scaling efforts
Deliver strategic capabilities for the DAF
Phase III efforts may include:
Products
Services
Research/R&D
Testing and evaluation
Production contracts
Commercialization activities funded by non-SBIR/STTR dollars
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential benefits include:
Direct access to Air Force and Space Force customers
Ability to transition commercial technology into defense markets
Opportunity to secure sole-source Phase III awards
Access to Air Force Technical Points of Contact (TPOCs)
Potential follow-on commercialization opportunities
AFWERX states that:
“The Open Topic is the front door to working with the Department of the Air Force.”
More than 75% of companies received their first Air Force SBIR/STTR contract through AFVentures
27% of participating companies are receiving private investments
Over $1.12B has been executed through AFVentures to date
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Open Topic Phase I:
Period of Performance: 3 months
Open Topic Phase II:
Period of Performance: Up to 21 months
Direct to Phase II (D2P2):
Period of Performance: Up to 21 months
STRATFI/TACFI PY26.2:
Notice of Opportunity “Coming Soon”
Additional submission guidance will be released “over the next few weeks”
No application deadline is specified in the provided materials
AFWERX notes that solicitation dates are subject to change.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding comes from:
AFWERX
SpaceWERX
Department of the Air Force (DAF)
Air Force SBIR/STTR programs
Phase III efforts specifically must be funded by sources other than SBIR/STTR set-aside funding.
Who is eligible to apply?
Open Topic eligibility is intended for:
Small businesses
Companies with dual-use technologies
Firms capable of supporting Department of the Air Force missions
STRATFI/TACFI eligibility requires ALL of the following:
Company must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC)
SBC must be eligible for a SBIR/STTR award
Company must be on an active SBIR/STTR Phase II effort or have completed Phase II within two years of Capability Package submission
The subject Phase II effort must not already have received a second (“sequential”) Phase II
At least 90 days must have passed since the beginning of the associated SBIR/STTR Phase II execution
SBC must not be executing a prior STRATFI effort at the time of submission
Anticipated work must be performed in the United States
Submission for STRATFI/TACFI must be completed by a Government POC only.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
AFWERX states it is interested in:
Innovative technology domains with demonstrated commercial value
Dual-use technologies and solutions
Technologies that can support Air Force mission needs
Companies capable of transitioning solutions to warfighters
Strong applicants are likely to have:
Existing commercial traction
Identified Air Force customers and end users
A signed Customer Memorandum
Clear transition and commercialization plans
Prototype-ready technology for D2P2 opportunities
For STRATFI/TACFI, companies with active Phase II transition momentum and strong government/customer alignment are likely to be more competitive.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions and requirements include:
STRATFI/TACFI submissions must be completed by Government POC only
Incomplete submissions will not be considered
Phase III efforts cannot be funded with SBIR or STTR dollars
Phase III work must derive from, extend, or complete prior SBIR/STTR efforts
Phase III contracts must comply with SBIR/STTR data rights requirements
D2P2 applicants must demonstrate technical merit and possess a signed Customer Memorandum
The materials also state:
Phase III contracts may involve non-SBIR/STTR federal funding sources
Work is anticipated to be performed in the United States
Sole-source Phase III awards may be made because competition requirements were satisfied during Phase I and II
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The solicitation does not specify expected application preparation timelines.
However, companies should expect substantial preparation work related to:
Identifying Air Force end users and customers
Securing a signed Customer Memorandum
Preparing technical and commercialization materials
Coordinating with Government POCs
Completing submission templates and guidance documentation
STRATFI/TACFI applicants are instructed to:
Review FAQs and submission checklists
Review guidance documentation
Complete required templates
Submit through the online application system
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help companies:
Position commercial technology for AFWERX Open Topic alignment
Develop compelling dual-use commercialization narratives
Identify and support Customer Memorandum strategies
Prepare SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, D2P2, and STRATFI/TACFI applications
Translate technical capabilities into defense-relevant outcomes
Build transition and scaling strategies for Phase III opportunities
Manage submission preparation and compliance requirements
