If you're on this email list, you've probably heard that the SBIR/STTR Programs are up for reauthorization this year. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa put forth the INNOVATE Act with some significant proposed changes.
First, as far as I can see (I do wear corrective lenses, though), support for the Small Business Innovation Research program is positive, especially for commercially viable innovations that will directly benefit critical mission needs.
Here are a few of the main areas this bill is trying to address (note, since this is a bill, we do not know what will be in the final reauthorization):
Encouraging new entrants into the SBIR/STTR programs. By introducing smaller value, one-time "Phase 1A" awards that are restricted to new applicants, agencies may be able to evaluate new technologies with commercial potential from small businesses that were not previously on their radar. These smaller bets could expand the important critical innovations for our nation by new highly qualified technology companies.
DoD Strategic Breakthrough awards. As many of our successful companies know, a Phase I and Phase II is not always enough to get your innovation to the product you can sell and deliver. More investment is usually required. These proposed Strategic Breakthrough awards would be reserved for those highly impactful technologies that have a clear buy in from Defense programs and still require significant funding to see the product to the finish line. This would be funded by reallocating from their Phase II STTR funds.
Performance metrics and limits on the number of awards. Companies will be limited in the number of proposals that may be submitted per year. Further, companies will need to demonstrate that they are able to progress from Phase I to Phase II and for companies who have received over 25 awards, they must show and maintain a rate of 50% conversion from Phase I to Phase II. Companies with more than 25 awards will also need to demonstrate commercial revenues and/or outside investment equal to or greater than their combined award totals.
Those are some of the proposed changes. Others include additional protections to ensure protection against sharing information with adversarial foreign parties and a reduction in outreach support programs to those states with the fewest numbers of overall awards and first time awardees.
Right now, all things are relatively normal with respect to solicitations, and processes. DoD topics are announced monthly, NSF's next due date is July 2, NIH standard due dates apply, etc. Some agencies that do not have near term SBIR or STTR solicitations planned are a bit quiet. Make sure to sign up for email lists to be informed about their program plans. If you have a current award, your contracting officer is the best person to connect with if you have questions.
There are and will be a number of opportunities to hear more about changes and we will be monitoring all along the way. I invite anyone here to share their ideas with their congressional representatives and staff.
Our partner, The Outpost, will be hosting a webinar on April 29 at 10AM MDT about the SBIR Reauthorization 2025. Check our Partner Events below to learn more and register! This will be especially relevant to Defense-focused innovators, but the information should be valuable to all.
April 16 in Missoula - Innovator's Bootcamp with Perkins Coie
Navigate Legal & Funding Challenges for Startups
Plan to register and attend this full-day workshop in Missoula designed to help Montana startups navigate key legal and funding challenges. Sponsored by the Montana Bioscience Alliance, Montana Innovation Partnership, Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, and other key partners, this event will be led by experts from Perkins Coie.
When: Wednesday, April 16
Where: University Center | University of Montana | Missoula, Montana
SBIR Reauthorization 2025 & The INNOVATE Act What’s Changing, What’s Missing, and What’s Next April 29 | 10 AM MDT
Join MTIP partner, The Outpost's, Linh Hoang as he welcomes Eric Blatt (Scale LLP, The Alliance) and Warren Katz (Techstars, The Alliance) to break down what changes may be coming and how it may impact dual-use and defense tech startups.
April 16 Scaling Montana welcomes Ben Little, CEO, Bridger Photonics in conversation with Pete Roos, Founder & CIO of Bridger Photonics
This session explores how and when a company should transition leadership during a scale-up phase, particularly in deep-tech and engineering-driven organizations. They will offer a first-hand account from a company who is actively undergoing the transition. Learn more and register here.
MQPA Spring Networking Social & World Quantum Day Monday, April 14th! Join MPQA members and partners for an evening of insights into the future of quantum science and technology in Montana. Explore the new EngineWorks building, network with MSU faculty, and hear from Terry Cunningham, Mayor of the City of Bozeman, Mark Sharpe, Director of Innovation Campus, Jayne Morrow, CEO of QCORE, and Jason Yager, MPQA Executive Director. Adam Friedman will share the vision the new EngineWorks Building. Register here.
The Prospera Business Ignite Luncheon on April 22, 2025, will highlight five individuals leading innovative projects and initiatives in the community. This event offers a platform for inspiration, networking, and meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals passionate about positive change. Attendees will leave feeling motivated and connected to the local innovation ecosystem. Sign up here
Navigating Government Contracts: GSA Strategies for Success
The Montana APEX Accelerator is hosting a free online training on April 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (MDT) to help businesses navigate federal procurement opportunities. Featuring Eric Weisman, Small Business Specialist for GSA Region 8, the event will cover GSA contracting, key programs, and Government Industrial Base (GIB) opportunities. Open to Montana businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors, this session provides valuable insights for securing government contracts. Registration closes at 8:00 AM on April 24. For more details, contact Terri Murphy at (815) 975-7652.
2025 World Trade & Investment Day May 7 in Billings!
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 7 · 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM MDT Location: Northern Hotel, Billings, Montana
The 2025 World Trade & Investment Day provides tactical training for Montana businesses engaged in international markets and opportunities to learn from nationally renowned speakers and local industry leaders about the evolving global trade landscape. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in panel discussions, networking sessions, and B2B meetings designed to foster connections and explore trade opportunities.
Receive a 10% discount on registration using code MTIP10
The Montana Festival is an annual gathering of entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, artists, investors, and policymakers from Montana and beyond. The event fosters new connections and collaboration, driving forward Made in Montana ideas, projects, companies, and policy solutions to shape a better future.
Dates are subject to change. Please refer to each agency site for up-to-date information and application instructions.Contact MTIP for no-cost coaching, templates, resources, and proposal reviews from expert MTIP consultants.
The Department of Defensecurrently has 159 active topics under DoD SBIR 25.4, DoD STTR 25.D, and SBIR 25.2/B BAAs.
Interested in any of these opportunities? Sign up for the agencies' email lists to receive email notifications about newly posted opportunities and webinars and reach out to us to receive free expert guidance and resources to help you prepare your most competitive proposal.
Make sure your registrations are in order! A downloadable copy of our "Essential Registrations for SBIR/STTR Applicants" Guide is availablehere.
SAM.gov is required for all SBIR or STTR applications. Start early! Your regional Montana APEX Accelerator procurement advisor can help with SAM registration and all things related to government contracting. Find yours here.
Kia Ora! Thanks for reading and sharing. I will be traveling the next few weeks! See you in Missoula next week? Hope so - let me know.
If you (or someone you know) are planning or considering SBIR, reach out to discuss your plans, access our team of expert consultants, ask questions, or seek referrals. You got this!
Cheers,
Ann Peterson, Program Director
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