FAQs - SBIR Technology Acceleration Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

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What does SBIR TAP stand for?

Small Business Innovation Research Technology Acceleration Program.

What is the cost to participate?

SBIR TAP is a federally funding program that is free to all eligible participants and requires no financial obligations.

Is this a government sponsored program?

This program is sponsored by AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of Air Force and powered by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), in collaboration with NYSTEC and The Entrepreneurs’ Center.

Who is The Entrepreneurs' Center (EC)?

The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern venture development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Annually, the EC works with over 1,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue, and attract investment. The EC empowers main street and technology businesses through complimentary professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment. The EC’s talented and experienced team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff design and facilitate diverse, world-class business acceleration programs on behalf of corporations, higher education institutions, and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense from their headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank in the historic Dayton Arcade. Learn more at EC Innovates.

Who is AFWERX?

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: www.afwerx.com.

Who is NYSTEC?

NYSTEC is an independent technology consulting company servng as trusted advisors to government, agencies, organizations and institutions at the federal, state, and local levels across numerous industries. Our consultants are certified in dozens of technology disciplines to assist clients with making improvements to their business. Our nonprofit business model, combined with our experience in deploying large, complex IT and enterprise solutions that deliver innovation, enables us to deliver tailored solutions to each client. We are vendor neutral and focused on supporting our clients with the implementation of technically optimized, cost-effective solutions. For more information, visit: Home – nystec.com

Am I guaranteed a SBIR award if I enroll in SBIR TAP?

No. While TAP alumni have a much higher-than-average success rate for being awarded SBIR contracts, we do not guarantee that participants will win a SBIR award. SBIR is a highly competitive program.

What topics are covered?

SBIR TAP focuses on customer discovery, value proposition development, market and customer identification, business model development, and positioning for SBIR proposals.

What are the requirements to participate?

Prospective participants must first apply to the program here. You must be a previous or current Phase I awardees confirmed/ verified by AF with the ability to attend the entire cohort (5 day 3 hour per day session). Participants must also attend the pre-cohort webinar and complete all course work from the sessions.

Is the program in-person or virtual?

The program will be virtual.

What is structure of program?

The program in a cohort format where content is delivered three hours a day for five days. Companies are encouraged to select a cohort that best aligns with their respective schedules. To foster the development of a shared-learning experience, and to benefit from the development of relationships between small businesses, participants should participate in a single cohort.

I participated in SBIR TAP previously, am I able to participate again?

We enjoy working with all small businesses and we appreciate that you want to come back through the program. We welcome your participation but we will have to prioritize the placement of first time participants before admitting returning participants. Returning applicants will be eligible based on the receipt of a ‘new’ award and/ or space availability. A ‘new’ award can be a subsequent award for the same technology or a totally new technology or component.

I previously received a SBIR award, am I eligible to participate?

We welcome your application, but participation will be eligible based on the receipt of a ‘new’ award and/or space availability. For more information please contact admin@sbirtap.com.

Companies are encouraged to select a cohort that best aligns with their respective schedules. To foster the development of a shared-learning experience, and to benefit from the development of relationships between small businesses, participants should participate in a single cohort