Introduction The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program, although modeled substantially on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, is a separate program and is separately financed. Subject to availability of funds, DoD Components invite small business firms and research institutions to jointly submit proposals that will support high quality cooperative research and development of innovative concepts to solve the listed defense-related scientific or engineering problems, especially those concepts that also have high potential for commercialization in the private sector. Partnerships between small businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or Minority Institutions (MIs) are encouraged, although no special preference will be given to STTR proposals from such offerors. Three Phase Program The STTR Program is a three-phase program. Phase I is to determine, to the extent possible, the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of ideas submitted under the STTR Program. Phase I awards are typically $70,000 to $150,000 in size, and the period of performance is generally from six to twelve months. Proposals should concentrate on research or research and development which will significantly contribute to proving the scientific and technical feasibility, and commercialization potential of the proposed effort, the successful completion of which is a prerequisite for further DoD support in Phase II. Proposers are encouraged to consider whether the research or research and development being proposed to DoD Components also has private sector potential, either for the proposed application or as a base for other applications. Phase II awards will be made to firms on the basis of results of their Phase I effort and the scientific merit, technical merit, and commercialization potential of the Phase II proposal. Phase II awards are typically $500,000 to $1,000,000 in size and the period of performance is generally 24 months. Phase II is the principal research or research and development effort and is expected to produce a well-defined deliverable prototype. A Phase II contractor may receive up to one additional, sequential Phase II award for continued work on the project. Under Phase III, the Proposer is required to obtain funding from either the private sector, a non-STTR Government source, or both, to develop the prototype into a viable product or non-R&D service for sale in military or private sector markets. STTR Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior STTR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the STTR Program. Phase III work is typically oriented towards commercialization of STTR research or technology. STTR Preface Instructions and Solicitation Website WEBLINK for this DoD STTR Solicitation is: https://sbir.defensebusiness.org Offerors assume the risk of website inaccessibility due to heavy usage in the final hours before the solicitation closing time, therefore, plan ahead and submit early. (The Contracting Officer recommends that offerors submit their proposals at least 12 hours before the deadline. Do not wait until the morning of October 26, 2016 to submit your proposal. Do not access the submission website during or after the closing time for at least two hours or you'll risk having your proposal marked "Late". Late proposals will not be evaluated.) Help Desk If you have questions about the Defense Department's SBIR or STTR Programs, please call the SBIR/STTR Help Desk at 800-348-0787 or email
[email protected] or visit the DoD SBIR/STTR Website at: https://sbir.defensebusiness.org