An SBIR Wave
More agencies release SBIR/STTR solicitations
SBIR agencies have been busy and there are more active SBIR/STTR opportunities for small businesses right now. Make sure you sign up to receive emails from each agency SBIR program site and check their Events pages for any upcoming webinars about participating in their SBIR programs.
We are kicking off the Big Sky SBIR Accelerator this week for Montana small businesses who are planning to submit DoD or NASA proposals within the year. Register before Wednesday June 9 to get access to this 8-week course led by Del Mackey of Peak Innovations Group.
Department of Defense/War
The Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal, or DSIP, is the website to bookmark to access all topics, BAA and component instructions, and templates. New pre-release topics are posted on the first Wednesday of each month. There are currently 65 SBIR topics, 3 STTR topics, and 11 CSO topics.
Proposals for topics under Release 2 are due June 24, 2026.
Proposals for topics under Release 3 are currently in pre-release; they will open on June 24, and full proposals will be due July 22.
Note the Army FUZE xTech Competitions currently accepting concept papers:
xTech|Inversion is currently accepting concept papers through June 30. Downoload and read the full RFI. xTech|Inversion aims to accelerate the transition of "government-funded scientific breakthroughs into scalable, real-world solutions that address both military and commercial needs." Capabilities sought align with the following technologies/IP sets:
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IP Set 1: Fibers Loaded With a Zirconium (IV) Hydroxide to Capture/Degrade Toxic Chemicals
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IP Set 2: MXene Catalyst for Chemical Detox
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IP Set 3: Hazardous Chemical Detoxification Using MOF Beads
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IP Set 4: Advanced Sealing Interface Surveillance Technology
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IP Set 5: Spatial Calibration for Accurate Long-Distance Measurement Using Infrared Cameras
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IP Set 6: Precise Wide Area Ionosphere Correction Solution for Multi-Spectrum Alternative Sources of Space-Based PNT Signals
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IP Set 7: Pleated Filtration Apparatus Having a Filter Membrane
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IP Set 8: Non-Contact Power Meter Independent of Placement of Field Sensors Around the Cable
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IP Set 9: Production of High Energy-Dense Liquid Hydrocarbon From Low Energy Dense Aqueous Solutions of Oxygen Containing Organic Compound(s)
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IP Set 10: Deformable Array of Semiconductor Devices
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IP Set 11: Dual Coil Inductive Energy Generator
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IP Set 12: Voltage Step-Up Converter Circuits for Low Input Voltages
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IP Set 13: Autonomous UV and Brush Apparatus for Well Fouling Prevention (Wellbot)
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IP Set 14: Photocatalytic Water Treatment
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IP Set 15: High-Performance Cold Mix Asphalt System
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IP Set 16: Rapidly Deployable Over Decking Systems
xTech|Kinetic Reach is currently requesting concept papers due June 24.
Downoload and read the full RFI. Capabilities sought include:
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Capability 1: Autonomous Container Handling/Movement System
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Capability 2: Future Power Generation
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Capability 3: Autonomous UAV/UGV Forward Refueling/Recharge System
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Capability 4: Uncrewed Aerial Payload Transportation
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Capability 5: Uncrewed, Automated, Ground Recovery System
NASA
NASA SBIR/STTR program issued its FY2026 BAA and proposals for its first set of appendices were due in May. Watch for future appendices this summer. Learn more about NASA's new Broad Agency Announcement structure at the NASA SBIR/STTR 2026 Program Year Information Hub.
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation SBIR program's FY26 Phase I Solicitation is now open. Full proposals are due July 7.
Department of Education
The Department of Education/IES SBIR FY26 Phase IA, Phase IB, and Direct to Phase II solicitations are open and proposals are due June 29, 2026
Health and Human Services / National Institutes of Health
NIH SBIR/STTR program has released the Parent Announcements for current and FY27 omnibus.
ARPA-H will also open its SBIR solicitation on June 11, 2026 with proposals due in July.
National Science Foundation
National Science Foundation has issued two new SBIR/STTR solicitations. Submitting a Project Pitch is required.
NSF's broad SBIR/STTR solicitation for Phase I, Fast-Track, and Phase II proposals is:
NSF has also released a pilot solicitation with a targeted focus on scientific instrumentation development:
If you're a Montana small business and are planning to prepare a proposal for any of these solicitations, reach out now to get expert coaching and resources at no cost to you.
