SBIR_2016_Year_in_Review-FINAL-WEB-with_links-PACleared

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Courtesy U.S. Air Force 

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SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH | SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 

FY2016 REVIEW 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Letter from the Program Director 2 

Introduction 3 

Our Leadership 4 

Program Structure 6 

Who is Eligible 6 

Air Force Participating Organizations 8 

SBIR/STTR The Program 9 

Managing Program Success 10 

Program Oversight 11 

The Year in Review 13 

Financial Highlights 15 

SBIR/STTR Budgets 16 

Program Improvement Initiatives 17 

SBIR TAP 18 

Operation Tech Warrior 19 

Fraud Countermeasures 20 

DoD Velociter Program 21 

AFRL Small Business Hub 22 

Marketing and Communications 23 

Small Business Outreach Events 24 

Road Tour Stops 24 

SBIR/STTR Additional Events 25 

SBIR/STTR Hotline 26 

Social Media 27 

Legacy Success Stories and Videos 28 

Commercialization Readiness Program 29 

Funding Leveraged 30 

Technology and Maturation Plans 31 

FY 2016 Transition Successes 32 

Small Business Industry Days 33 

Technology Interchange Meetings 34 

SBIR/STTR Topics and Awards 35 

FY 2016 Awards Breakdown 36 

SBIR 2016.1 Topics 37 

STTR 2016.A Topics 41 

STTR 2016.2 and 2016.3 Topics 42 

Award Selectees 43 

List of Acronyms 49 

88ABW-2017-1500 

1

FROM THE 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR 

David Shahady 

U.S. Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Director 

The Small Business Innovation 

Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology 

Transfer (STTR) Program has focused on bringing 

new technologies to the marketplace since the SBIR/ 

STTR inception in the 1980s. In part, the program’s 

start reflected a concern that government investment 

in research wasn’t being adequately transformed into 

products that could generate a healthier economy, 

employment and increased competitiveness in the global 

marketplace. Additionally, directing a portion of federal 

investment in Research & Development (R&D) to 

small businesses was seen as a means of answering the 

mission needs of federal agencies and increasing small 

business participation in innovation. 

In 2016, Congressional and Executive Branch interest 

in commercialization of SBIR and STTR technologies 

reached an all-time-high. The congressional objectives 

included: stimulating technological innovation, 

using small business to meet federal research and 

development needs, fostering and encouraging 

participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in 

technological innovation, and increasing private sector 

commercialization derived from federal research and 

development. 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR program kept these objectives 

paramount to our 2016 endeavors, participating in three 

Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs) – which resulted 

in over 400 contracts to small businesses. The program 

also funded dozens of Commercialization Readiness 

Program (CRP) efforts to transition and mature SBIR 

technologies. 

During the year we also made great strides to broaden 

the public understanding of the SBIR/STTR opportunity 

by continuing work initiated by Congress’ 2013 

pilot program that provided additional funding for 

administrative efforts. These efforts focused on program 

improvements, increased outreach to underserved 

communities, and infrastructure upgrades. We also 

continued implementation of Small Business Industry 

Days (SBIDs), Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs), 

fraud, waste and abuse countermeasures, a Technical 

Acceleration Program (TAP), participation in operational 

demonstrations, and funding for over 50 technology 

transition efforts. 

It has been extremely rewarding to see these projects 

continue to grow and reach a critical mass that benefits 

all of the program’s participants and stakeholders. We 

are looking forward to continuing to enhance and push 

the program to even greater heights in 2017. 

2

INTRODUCTION 

Congress established the SBIR and STTR programs several decades ago to foster innovation among small U.S. businesses 

that focused on the needs of federal agencies. The programs are administered by the Small Business Administration 

(SBA). 

COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY 

Research and development (R&D) are major factors in the growth and progress of industry, for large and small 

businesses. However, the expense of running a serious R&D program is beyond the means of many small businesses, 

placing them at an immediate competitive disadvantage. 

The SBIR and STTR programs provide high-risk funding that helps even the playing field for small companies focused 

on cutting-edge technology. Initially, the small R&D business is offered the opportunity to compete for federal research 

contracts. 

This benefits the Air Force by allowing the best ideas to surface, regardless of the size of the company. At the end of 

the contract, successful SBIR/STTR efforts may generate additional opportunities for small businesses to commercialize 

their project’s results, and attract additional funding from non-SBIR/STTR sources, while lowering the risk for interested 

private investors with a proven technology. Each year, hundreds of U.S. small businesses obtain public and private sector 

contracts as a follow-on to their federally funded SBIR or STTR effort, and many of these were originally Air Force or 

Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. 

FIELDED OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY 

MATERIALS INNOVATION EXPECTED TO BOOST MISSION, ENHANCE 

PARTNERSHIPS AND SAVE MONEY 

Officials at Hanscom Air Force Base in Massachusetts 

faced a major setback in a key mission. 

The Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center 

– charged with advancing cyber technology and 

enhancing critical public safety partnerships among 

federal, state and local agencies – requires an elevated 

and unobstructed path between communication systems. 

Also known as radio line-of-sight, that existing path was in 

jeopardy as obstructions, roof damage and weight issues 

during heavy snowstorms would soon eliminate the option 

of mounting antennae on the center’s roof. 

With advancements made as part of an Air Force Small 

Business Innovation Research effort, California-based 

Composite Support & Solutions Inc. filled an immediate 

need with new technology while cutting maintenance 

costs, bolstering partnerships and attracting investment to 

the center. 

Courtesy U.S. Air Force 

WANT THE FULL STORY? 

More success stories online at afsbirsttr.com 

or pick up our 2016 Success Stories book. 

3

OUR 

LEADERSHIP 

AIR FORCE SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS 

Mark Teskey 

Director, Air Force Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) 

OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE 

FOR ACQUISITION 

Dr. David Walker 

Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Office 

for Science, Technology, and Engineering 

William McCluskey 

Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Element Monitor 

AIR FORCE TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Maj Gen Robert McMurry Jr. 

Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Commander (during FY 2016) 

Brig Gen William T. “Bill” Cooley 

AFRL Commander (current) 

AFRL SMALL BUSINESS (SB) OFFICE 

William Harrison III 

Director 

AIR FORCE SBIR/STTR PROGRAM OFFICE 

David Shahady 

Program Director 

James Sweeney III 

Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) Manager 

Cynthia Bryant 

Technical Advisor 

Heather Gudorf 

Business and Operations Manager 

Oswaldo Delacruz 

Infrastructure and Communications Manager 

Marilyn Jankowski 

Financial Manager 

Gail Nyikon 

Contracting Officer 

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COMPETITIVE 

3 PHASE PROGRAM 

PHASE I 

• Feasibility study 

• $150K and nine months 

PHASE II 

• Full R&D effort leading to prototype 

• Up to $750K initially and two years 

• Enhancements/extensions possible 

• Commercialization/transition assistance if warranted 

PHASE III 

• Final development/production 

• External (non-SBIR) funding from government or private sources 

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PROGRAM 

STRUCTURE 

The SBIR and STTR programs fund R&D through small 

businesses of 500 or fewer employees. Eleven federal agencies 

participate in the SBIR program and five in the STTR program. 

The DoD participates in both programs. 

These programs focus on projects with the potential to develop 

a product or service for defense or commercial markets, but 

the STTR program funds cooperative R&D projects with small 

businesses and non-profit U.S. research institutions, such as 

universities. 

There are six DoD solicitations each year (three SBIR and 

three STTR). The Air Force typically participates in DoD’s 

SBIR.1 and STTR.A solicitations but may also have topics in the 

other solicitations. Small businesses submit proposals against 

predefined topics that are released for each solicitation. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

To participate in the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program, a company 

must qualify as a small business, including size and ownership 

requirements. 

To participate in SBIR, small business must: 

• Be the primary employer of the principal investigator (PI) 

• Perform two-thirds of the research in Phase I and 

one-half in Phase II 

• Perform the work in the United States 

To participate in STTR, small business must: 

• Perform at least 40 percent of work 

• Partner with a U.S. research institution which must per 

form at least 30 percent of work (PI must be employed at 

the small business or the research institution) 

• Perform the work in the United States 

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OUR FOCUS IS ON 

TECHNOLOGY 

Each SBIR and STTR topic identifies a key DoD technology focus area that will be addressed by the topic’s proposed 

research. The following chart shows the percentage of FY 2016 topics by associated focus areas: 

1% 

NUCLEAR 

Warfighter Consequences • 

System Effects/Survivability • 

Threat Reduction/Detection • 

Test and Simulation • 11% 

INFORMATION 

16% 

MATERIALS 

Manufacturing • 

Sustainability • 

Survivability • 

Environmental Quality • 

Composites • 

Inspection and Evaluation • 

15% 

SENSORS 

Radar • 

Electro-optical • 

Automatic Target Recognition • 

Signals • 

10% 

WEAPONS 

• Guidance and Control 

• Guns, Missiles, Ordinances 

• Lasers 

• High-Power Microwave 

• Fuzes 

• Knowledge Management 

• Communications 

• Networking 

• Modeling and Simulation 

• Cyber Security 

• Cyber Awareness 

8% 

HUMAN SYSTEMS 

Cognitive Processing • 

Personnel Recovery • 

Training and Development • 

Biomedicine and Biochemistry • 

6% 

ELECTRONICS/EW 

RF Components • 

Microelectronics • 

Electronic Materials • 

2% 

BATTLESPACE ENVIRONMENT 

• Terrestrial 

• Ocean 

• Lower Atmosphere 

• Space 

13% 

SPACE PLATFORMS 

• Space and Launch Vehicles 

• Space Propulsion 

18% 

AIR PLATFORMS 

• Fixed and Rotary Wing Vehicles 

• Turbine Engines 

• High-Speed Propulsion 

• Alternative Fuels 

• Unmanned Aerial Systems 

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Air Force SBIR/STTR database for FY 2012-2016 BAAs.

AIR FORCE PARTICIPATING 

ORGANIZATIONS 

CALIFORNIA 

1. Edwards AFB 

Air Force Research Laboratory 

Air Force Flight Test Center 

2. Los Angeles AFB 

Space & Missile Systems Center 

HAWAII 

3. Maui 


UTAH 

4.Hill AFB 

Air Force Sustainment Center 

NEW MEXICO 

5. Kirtland AFB 


Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center 

OKLAHOMA 

6. Tinker AFB 

Air Force Sustainment Center 

TEXAS 

7. Lackland AFB 

Air Force Surgeon General 

Air Force Civil Engineer Center 

OHIO 

8. Wright-Patterson AFB 


Air Force Life Cycle Management Center 

TENNESSEE 

9. Arnold AFB 

Air Force Test Center 

FLORIDA 

10. Hurlburt Field 

Air Force Special Operations Command 

11. Eglin AFB 


Air Force Life Cycle Management Center 

Air Force Test Center 

8 

NEW YORK 

12. Rome 


MASSACHUSETTS 

13. Hanscom AFB 

Air Force Life Cycle Management 

Center 

VIRGINIA 

14. Arlington 


F-35 Joint Strike Fighter 

GEORGIA 

15. Robins AFB 

Air Force Sustainment Center

SBIR/STTR 

THE PROGRAM 

The principal goal of the Air Force SBIR and 

STTR programs is to serve the technology 

needs of the Air Force warfighter. These 

programs, together with the people who 

manage them, accomplish this as part 

of the Air Force’s efforts to identify and 

provide advanced, affordable, and 

integrated technologies that keep our Air 

Force the best in the world. 

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MANAGING 

PROGRAM SUCCESS 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office reports to the Air Force’s Technology Executive Officer (TEO) and to the 

Secretary of the Air Force’s Science, Technology and Engineering Directorate (SAF/AQR). Due to the TEO’s role as the 

AFRL commander, the program’s senior managers are assigned to the AFRL Small Business Office at Wright-Patterson Air 

Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio. 

To accomplish its unique mission, the Air Force SBIR/STTR program director is responsible for: 

• Establishing the Air Force’s solicitation program to meet the DoD schedule 

• Requesting and collecting topics for the DoD SBIR solicitations 

• Allocating the number of topics among the centers and program offices 

• Managing and allocating funds to AFRL and other Air Force centers 

• Creating and maintaining the Air Force SBIR/STTR database 

• Coordinating outreach and marketing efforts nationwide 

• Responding to small business inquiries 


CLEANING UP THE SKIES WITHOUT IMPACTING SATELLITE PERFORMANCE 

A Colorado-based small business is taking big steps 

to minimize a looming threat to valuable U.S. space 

assets. 

With the backing of the Air Force Small Business 

Innovation Research/Small Business Technology 

Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program, MMA Design LLC 

created and successfully demonstrated a system 

to remove satellites from orbit that has attracted 

millions of dollars in investment from outside the 

SBIR program. 

Also known as a deorbit module, MMA Design’s 

dragNET system can be added to an existing 

spacecraft late in the integration stage and is 

adaptable to various classes of vehicles. 

Courtesy MMA Design 




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PROGRAM 

OVERSIGHT 

Small Business Administration (SBA) – is assigned 

Federal administration responsibility for the SBIR/STTR 

Programs. The SBA develops and issues the SBIR and 

STTR Policy Directives, setting forth policy for the 

general conduct of the programs within the Federal 

Government. 

DoD Office of Small Business Programs 

(OSBP) – is responsible for the overall management of 

the DoD SBIR/STTR Programs. The DoD SBIR/STTR 

Program Office is responsible for interfacing with the 

Services, Defense Agencies, SBA, and Congress regarding 

SBIR/STTR. 

SAF/AQ – Appoints the AFRL Commander as the 

Technology Executive Officer (TEO) and serves as 

the Air Force focal point for scientific and engineering 

integrity for the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of 

Staff of the Air Force, and other Headquarters Air Force 

elements. 

SAF/AQR – Serves as the Air Force Science & 

Technology (S&T) Executive to represent, advocate, and 

defend the Air Force S&T Program to the Office of the 

Secretary of Defense (OSD), the other Services, and 

Congress. Serves as the SAF/AQ primary interface to 

the TEO. 

SAF/SB – Monitors the SBIR/STTR Program and 

leverages program results and Air Force relevant 

technologies developed by small businesses, to meet 

prime and subcontracting goals, when appropriate. 

AFRL CC / TEO – Oversees the execution of Air 

Force SBIR/STTR Program. Develops and approves all 

SBIR/STTR topic allocations and topic selections, and 

ensures topics comply with OSD criteria/guidance and 

meet recognized Air Force mission capability needs and 

technology opportunities consistent with documented 

capability needs. 

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ROLES AND 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

David Shahady is the managing director of the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program. He directs a research budget of more 

than $325M focused toward qualified small businesses in the nation’s high-tech arena. Through a competitive awardsbased 

program, he manages nearly 1,000 contract efforts sponsored by over 50 Air Force organizations from across the 

nation. He also enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from 

commercializing their technology. 

James Sweeney III is the program manager for the Air Force SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Program. His 

responsibilities include direction of the research transition budget focused on qualified small businesses in the nation’s 

high-tech arena, a critical source of innovative technologies for air, space and cyberspace forces. 

Cynthia Bryant is the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office technical advisor. Her responsibilities include orchestrating 

the SBIR/STTR topic call, ensuring topic selection aligns with the warfighter needs by focusing on solutions to address 

technology gaps. She participates in SBA-sponsored roadshow and conference activities and is the SB focal point for 

responding to Congressional actions. 

Heather Gudorf is the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office operations manager. Her primary responsibilities include 

financial strategy and planning, process improvements and documentation, and facilitating the daily operation of the 

SBIR/STTR solicitation process. 

Oswaldo Delacruz is the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program infrastructure and communications manager. His 

responsibilities include management of IT services to maintain a state-of-the-art infrastructure that ensures program 

efficiency and reduces cyber threats. 

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THE YEAR 

IN REVIEW 

The Air Force received 1,967 proposals 

for 167 SBIR topics in FY 2016 (SBIR 2016.1, 

2016.2 and 2016.3). From these proposals, 

297 Phase I contracts were awarded. 

The Air Force also awarded 167 Phase II 

contracts. 

The Air Force received 196 proposals for 29 

STTR topics in FY 2016 (STTR 2016.A). From 

these proposals, 65 Phase I contracts were 

awarded. The Air Force also awarded 48 

Phase II contracts. 

13

AN 

OVERVIEW OF 2016 

The Air Force program operates on a congressionally 

mandated percentage of the Air Force’s extramural 

Research/Research & Development (R/R&D) budget as 

established by the SBIR and STTR policy directives. This 

amounted to roughly $338M for FY 2016. 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR program office continued 

several new initiatives to improve operations and 

outreach due to an influx from the new SBIR/STTR 

Administration Pilot funds. In FY 2012, Congress 

authorized an additional three percent in administrative 

funding for SBIR federal agencies to increase 

participation in its programs by small disadvantaged 

businesses, women-owned small businesses, veteranowned 

businesses and small businesses in states 

currently considered “underserved” by the SBA in 

terms of SBIR contracts awards. In FY16 the Air Force 

program office utilized these funds to implement several 

new initiatives to improve operations and outreach. 

Therefore, the Air Force continued to use these funds in 

FY 2016 for the following: 

• Outreach 

• Streamlining and simplifying processes 

• Reporting (administrative, congressional and interagency) 

• Commercialization 

• Prevention and detection of fraud, waste and abuse 

• Administration and implementation of the SBIR policy 

directive 

The Air Force’s plan for the SBIR Administration Pilot 

funding included: 

• Increasing emphasis on detecting and preventing fraud, waste 

and abuse in SBIR/STTR contracts 

• Supporting technology demonstrations (Tech Warrior) 

• Commercializing intellectual property through SBIR 

• Improving manufacturing technology through SBIR 

• Modernizing the Air Force SBIR/STTR program’s information 

technology infrastructure 

• Placing CRP SBIR Acquisition R&D Technical Analysts at AFRL 

Technology Directorates 

• Increasing marketing and outreach efforts to underserved 

communities 

FISCAL YEAR 2016 

There are three phases to SBIR and STTR; Phase I, Phase II and Phase III. The time frame for a Phase I contract is less 

than a year and Phase II contracts are for two years. The Air Force SBIR/STTR budget includes Phase I and Phase II 

contracts as well as extensions or enhancements to current Phase II efforts. 

Phase III contracts are not part of the annual budget since, by law, they must be funded with non-SBIR dollars. The goal 

for the Phase III contracts is to find external mission dollars, whether from the Air Force or other federal agencies, as 

well as funding from private sources, such as MDCs. 

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FINANCIAL 

HIGHLIGHTS 

The overall funding level for the Air Force 

SBIR/STTR Program has remained relatively 

constant over the past few years; although 

issues such as budgetary cutbacks and 

the government sequestration from a few 

years ago have remained as challenges. 

Per Congressional guidelines for FY 2016, 

the amount of the program’s overall R/R&D 

budget (i.e., the amount of R/R&D funding 

that goes to external contractors) had 3 

percent going towards SBIR efforts and .45 

percent going towards STTR efforts. 

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BUDGETS 

ANNUAL AIR FORCE SBIR BUDGET 

Estimate as of 30 September 2015 

BUDGET 

TOPICS 

SBIR PH I 

PROPOSALS 

SBIR PH I 

AWARDS 

SBIR PH II 

PROPOSALS 

SBIR PH II 

AWARDS 

FY 2013 281,308,000 163 2,252 386 309 294 

FY 2014 267,417,039 186 2,269 475 446 225 

FY 2015 285,172,000 158 2,031 337 465 493 

FY 2016 293,832,500 167 1,910 297 447 167 

ANNUAL AIR FORCE STTR BUDGET 

BUDGET 

TOPICS 

STTR PH I 

PROPOSALS 

STTR PH I 

AWARDS 

STTR PH II 

PROPOSALS 

STTR PH II 

AWARDS 

FY 2013 36,466,000 15 208 45 64 34 

FY 2014 36,564,468 21 246 53 75 43 

FY 2015 39,000,000 29 274 76 56 16 

FY 2016 43,928,499 29 196 65 82 48 

SBIR FUNDING BY STATE 

— States targeted by SBA Outreach 

STATE TOTAL $ STATE TOTAL $ STATE TOTAL$ 

AK $0 LA $0 OH $15M 

AL $3M MA $19M OK $2M 

AR $150K MD $11M OR $4M 

AZ $6M ME $750K PA $4M 

CA $47M MI $5M RI $0 

CO $15M MN $3M SC $0 

CT $900K MO $900K SD $0 

DE $3M MS $0 TN $2M 

FL $6M MT $0 TX $14M 

GA $4M NC $2M UT $750K 

HI $900K ND $0 VA $17M 

IA $0 NE $0 VT $750K 

ID $0 NH $600K WA $3M 

IL $300K NJ $3M WI $0 

IN $2M NM $6M WV $0 

KS $750K NV $1M WY $0 

KY $1M NY $6 DC $150K 

PR $0 

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PROGRAM 

IMPROVEMENT 

INITIATIVES 

In 2012, the SBA launched a pilot program 

permitting agencies to use three percent of 

their SBIR funds for administration of SBIR and 

STTR programs. The Air Force uses these funds 

for a variety of support activities like marketing 

and communications endeavors as well as 

critical program performance improvements 

such as technology acceleration, fraud, waste 

and abuse mitigation, etc. While the funding 

comes from the SBIR budget only, it is used to 

support administration of both the SBIR and 

STTR programs. 

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AIR FORCE SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH 

TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION PROGRAM 

SBIR TAP 

SBIR TAP is a pilot program that assembles companies 

that have received SBIR contracts from the federal 

government. The program supports these small 

businesses in assessing the commercial viability of 

their technology, creating actionable commercialization 

plans, and seeking investment capital. The pilot 

program, launched in FY 2015, is provided at no cost to 

participants. 

The program addresses technologies with an 

opportunity to impact commercial market areas such as: 

• Advanced Manufacturing 

• Big Data: data warehousing, management, analytics 

• Cyber Security 

• Energy: storage and generation 

• Environmental Monitoring 

• Health Care 

• Human Performance Enhancement: sense, assess, augment 

• Internet of Things 

• Personalized Learning 

• Precision Agriculture 

• Automated Transportation 

Each interested small business receives a brief overview 

of the SBIR technology and participates in a 15-minute 

introductory interview to discuss the program details. 

Further discussions may follow the interview. The final 

selection of participants is made by a panel from the 

Air Force SBIR program office based on the following 

criteria: 

Participants attend 18 hours of training over the course 

of six weeks. The program consists of six engaging, 

fast-paced and highly relevant work sessions, facilitated 

by certified instructors. Companies receive training 

based on the Wendy Kennedy “So what? Who cares? 

Why you?” approach to commercial success. Each 

program is developed around the unique small business 

teams and their technologies – no “cookie cutter” 

approaches are used. Participants develop actionable 

and specific commercialization plans, aligned with the 

existing support services and organizations so that 

commercialization assistance continues after their Air 

Force SBIR contract formally ends. 

In FY 2015 the program had 18 participants, all of 

whom received Phase II awards. One participant, based 

in Montana, was introduced to a manufacturer in 

Springfield, Ohio, via the program and now sources its 

products through them. 

In FY 2016, 42 small busineses were interviewed. Many 

of these companies plan to submit Phase II proposals. 

Four companies had real commercial interest, or the 

strong desire to commercialize their technologies. The 

SBIR TAP program continues to work with them. 

If the pilot continues to yield successful results in 

assisting small businesses, it may be deployed more 

broadly in the future. 

For more information, visit: http://sbirtap.com 

• Alignment of small business research with Air Force 

SBIR TAP technology commercialization focus areas; 

• Assessment of the commercialization potential of 

the SBIR technology; 

• Small business willingness and ability to attend and 

actively engage in all six work sessions. 

The SBIR TAP program provides approximately 30 SBIR 

award recipients with a customized support program, 

designed to accelerate the commercialization of SBIR 

technologies into new market spaces. Participants 

use visual tools and models structured around nine 

questions to identify the business value inside a science 

or technology innovation. 

18

OPERATION 

TECH WARRIOR 2016 

In 2016, the Air Force Research Laboratory hosted a 

training exercise, Operation TECH WARRIOR, a 10- 

day event held in August at the National Center for 

Medical Readiness in Fairborn, Ohio. Run by officials 

from the Air Force Research Laboratory at WPAFB, 

TECH WARRIOR combined combat simulations with 

technology demonstrations. 

The idea behind TECH WARRIOR is to push the 

limits of promising new systems by getting companies 

to demonstrate them in a relevant setting. TECH 

WARRIOR offers small businesses the opportunity to 

work alongside people and technologies in the closest 

thing to a combat environment. While it isn’t new, the 

event featured an even more realistic environment 

this year because of a pilot program to put additional 

infrastructure in place. The Air Force SBIR Program was 

one of the key investors in that effort. 

Ohio-based The Design Knowledge Co. brought 

its 4-D Common Operating Picture for Mission 

Assurance platform to TECH WARRIOR for the second 

consecutive year. Also known as 4-D COP, the system, 

developed under the Air Force SBIR Program, allows 

various information sources – such as video feeds, 

weather and GIS information – to be layered onto video 

displays for advanced situational awareness. 

Because of issues addressed with 4D-COP following 

the 2015 TECH WARRIOR event, The Design 

Knowledge Co. was able to support fire, medical and 

security personnel at the 2015 Air Force Marathon – 

a situational awareness process that had been done 

manually until then. Improvements made as a result of 

participating in TECH WARRIOR last year also allowed 

the company to pursue more Department of Defense 

opportunities and find ways to apply the system to 

other situations, such as infrastructure monitoring. 

Ohio-based Edaptive Computing brought several 

SBIR-supported technologies to demonstrate at TECH 

WARRIOR including HARVEST, which stands for 

Human and Cyber-Physical Agents for Recognition and 

Visualization of Systems Data. HARVEST is designed 

to help analysts optimize information coming from 

sensors and other sources. It uses complex analytics to 

recommend the best course of action in situations, such 

as the most effective way to dispatch resources in a 

search and rescue mission. 

Any small business, including SBIR companies, may 

participate in TECH WARRIOR by working with its 

government contact or by contacting AFRL’s Tom Rice at 

thomas.rice.10@us.af.mil. 

Videos from the 2016 event are available here: 

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1r0- 

edfDRwq9rGoiPvUIEru4HJE0DuBs 

19

FRAUD 

COUNTERMEASURES 

Operational changes to the program have created a 

strong deterrent for by making it more difficult to 

commit fraud on Air Force SBIR/STTR contracts and 

providing better evidence when it does happen. The 

changes are expected to make a significant impact 

by putting the government in the strongest possible 

position to hold a fraudulent contractor accountable. 

Also among the improvements is a new clause that 

requires companies to identify the principal investigator 

for each SBIR/STTR contract and secure written 

approval from the Air Force prior to making a change. 

This is designed to deter “bait and switch” schemes, in 

which contractors propose an experienced researcher 

as the principal investigator then use a lower-qualified, 

lower-cost employee to serve in that role. 

team at WPAFB in Ohio. The team included Air Force 

Materiel Command’s Law Office Procurement Fraud 

Division, the AFRL Contracting Office and the Air Force 

SBIR/STTR Program Office. 

AFRL’s Contracting Office implemented the 

recommended changes for the first round of Air Force 

SBIR/STTR proposals in 2016 and the program office 

has since integrated these changes Air Force-wide into 

SBIR/STTR contracts. 

Questions about the new fraud-fighting measures should 

be directed to Air Force SBIR/STTR Contracting Officer 

Gail Nyikon (gail.nyikon@us.af.mil). 

Fighting fraud protects the integrity of the government’s 

procurement process, saves taxpayer dollars and 

mitigates significant threats to the safety of warfighters. 

The initiative was led by the Air Force Office of 

Special Investigations - Office of Procurement Fraud 

Investigations Directorate, which partnered with a 

20

DoD 

VELOCITER PROGRAM 

The Department of Defense Velociter Program provides 

guidance and support to SBIR/STTR participants 

in navigating challenges associated with technology 

transition and commercialization. The Velociter online 

training program is free and available to anyone with an 

active DoD SBIR or STTR Phase II contract or a Phase 

II contract that closed after October 1, 2015. 

Program participants can expect a fast-paced, direct 

and open process that is guided by best practices in 

entrepreneurship education as well as feedback from 

successful entrepreneurs, investors, and potential end 

users. 

The Velociter Program provides support with: 

• Community; Opportunities to network with other 

members of the small business community. 

• Guidance; Access to a network of mentors and 

experts who provide innovators with guidance 

at critical junctures so that participants can 

develop a solid strategy to transition their 

SBIR/STTR funded technology to the federal or 

commercial marketplaces. 

• Exposure; Assistance with marketing materials, 

customer identification and strategic 

communications. 

• Training; Connections with experts to help navigate 

the path to successful innovation. 

• Support; Help with formulation of business and 

product strategy, guidance on analyzing growth 

and metrics, and assistance with creating pitches to 

match investors and customers to technologies. 

The program provides advisory and educational services 

in the following: business organization and management; 

government contracting; finance; marketing and market 

research; intellectual property. Where appropriate, 

Velociter also identifies opportunities to engage with 

potential investors and buyers. 

For more information, visit 

http://www.dod.velociter.tech 

Contact info@v3elociter.tech with questions. 

21

AFRL 

SMALL BUSINESS HUB 

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Small Business Hub was created to link entrepreneurs, businesses, industry and 

government organizations in support of tech-driven business growth, strengthening the Air Force industrial base and 

commercializing technologies for new market opportunities. Established in 2014 as a dual effort by the Wright Brothers 

Institute (WBI) and the AFRL, the Small Business Hub regularly hosts free and open business events, which are also 

available via webinar technology, known as the Collider Project. 

Collider events drive opportunity, discovery and identify supporting resources. Attendees are able to engage with fellow 

community members from business, government and academic circles. Focused around technology, entrepreneurship, and 

business growth, the Collider Series offers networking components in four different areas. These include: 

• Information Series – educational or learning sessions 

• Partnership Series – networking, partnership opportunities, matchmaking, Q&A panels, and problem solving 

• Innovative Technology Series – targets specific leading-edge research areas and technology needs 

• Regional Ecosystem Series – cross-promotes events happening throughout the region 

To date, the Collider Project has 879 members, and has hosted 183 events. Join the Collider Project at 

www.meetup.com/collider. 

For more information, connect with Jim Masonbrink, the Small Business Hub director, at james.masonbrink@wbi-icc.com 

or 937-424-8674. For general information, call 937-424-8673. The Small Business Hub is also active on Twitter (@ 

AFRLBizHub). 


NEW ANTENNA EXPANDS WARFIGHTER SITUATIONAL AWARENESS 

Helicopters play a vital support role for ship, air 

and ground forces, however their effectiveness 

has traditionally been hampered with singleband 

passive antennas that provide limited 

communication range and coverage. 

With assistance from the Air Force Small Business 

Innovation Research/Small Business Technology 

Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program, Colorado-based 

FIRST RF Corp. expanded the potential surveillance 

capabilities of helicopters by developing a 

multiband active antenna that requires no special 

configuration planning prior to launch. 

U.S. Navy Photo 




22

MARKETING AND 

COMMUNICATIONS 

In FY 2016, we continued to increase our 

marketing activities and media relations, 

building upon our strategic marketing 

plan, to deliver key messages to targeted 

audiences. Each target audience has 

unique characteristics that impact the type 

and frequency of communications to that 

group. Key messages were delivered to 

these audiences through a variety of media 

channels based on their preferred methods 

of receiving communications. Some of these 

strategic marketing activities and products 

were: 

• Air Force SBIR/STTR website at www.afsbirsttr.com 

• Air Force SBIR/STTR Advantage newsletter 

• Brochures, booklets and one-page handouts 

• Success stories 

• News releases 

• Web-based and online training 

• Social media (Facebook, Twitter, milSuite, LinkedIn) 

• YouTube 

• Tradeshows and conferences 

• One-on-one meetings with small businesses 

• Panel participation 

• Online advertising 

23

SMALL BUSINESS 

OUTREACH EVENTS 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office participated in 

a series of events sponsored by the SBA called the SBIR 

Road Tour (www.sbirroadtour.com). The events took 

place in 13 states across the Midwest, West Central and 

Southeast regions of the United States and focused on 

underserved areas where SBIR/STTR participation has 

been low. 

There were four to five stops in each region, at state 

universities or small business centers, where attendees 

from technology-based firms received an overview of 

the SBIR/STTR mission and were given the opportunity 

to meet one-on-one with agents from 10 to 12 

different government SBIR agencies. These businesses 

demonstrated a broad range of technological and 

research expertise in areas such as medical applications, 

sensors, information technology, energy, human systems, 

as well as many other types of high-tech development 

areas. 

The Road Tours serve as a dynamic vehicle to educate 

technology-based firms about the opportunities the 

SBIR/STTR program can bring and connects them with 

the appropriate government agencies that will help 

many of them advance their technologies, grow their 

businesses and help achieve warfighter success. 

The participating Air Force SBIR/STTR program 

managers, technical advisors and outreach specialists 

covered nearly 3,000 miles on the 2016 SBIR Road 

Tour. Many of the state universities and small business 

centers expressed gratitude for the visits and invited the 

agencies back for future Road Tour events. 

FY 2016 SBIR 

ROAD TOUR STOPS 

The Air Force team conducted 164 one-on-one interviews during the 2016 SBIR Road Tour. As a result of the interviews, 

agencies are able to determine a “best fit” for the technologies presented. 

24

FY 2016 SBIR/STTR 

ADDITIONAL EVENTS 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office participated in a variety of additional outreach and training efforts, including: 

Dayton Defense Member/Community Showcase 

20 January | Dayton, OH 

Members of the defense community in Dayton 

showcased their booths and talked with small businesses 

about how to develop relationships with government 

agencies and larger businesses within the area. 

Southern Regional SBIR Conference 

4-6 March | New Orleans, LA 

This conference taught participants how to compete for 

funding in SBIR/STTR programs that encourage small 

businesses to engage in federal research/development 

and to commercialize technological innovations. 

Small Business Administration - 

Ohio Business Matchmaker 

26 April | Dayton, OH 

This event provided an opportunity for small 

businesses to learn more about contracting with the 

government, and participate in one-on-one meetings 

with government procurement officials and prime 

contractors. 

National SBIR/STTR Conference 

23-25 May | Washington DC 

Participants learned how to compete for funding in 

these two programs that encourage small businesses 

to engage in Federal R/R&D and to commercialize their 

technological innovations. 

Wright Dialogue with Industry 

19-21 July | Dayton, OH 

This event comprised presentations, panels, and 

breakout sessions related to the Air Force science and 

technology focus areas and aerospace R&D. 

Government, industry and academia stakeholders 

exchanged information and formed collaborations to 

address current and future Air Force and aerospace 

challenges. 

Briefing for Industry (BFI) 

17-19 August | Albuquerque, NM 

The BFI brought together AFRL, Space and Missile 

Systems Center and most of the federal government 

organizations in New Mexico for a comprehensive 

review of new business opportunities for the coming 

year. It also offered a first class 

opportunity to meet with industry 

and government customers face-toface. 

25

THE 

SBIR/STTR HOTLINE 

In 2015, The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office 

added dedicated support staff to monitor the program 

information e-mail account (info@afsbirsttr.com) and 

toll free line (1-800-222-0336) that are manned during 

optimal business week working hours (Monday – 

Friday, 8 am – 4 pm Eastern Standard Time) for general 

questions and current news pertaining to the SBIR/ 

STTR program. In 2016, the program support analyst 

tasked with monitoring the toll free line and email 

account was responsible for addressing these inquiries 

and providing feedback and information with available 

resources. 

In FY 2016, the program support analyst received 184 

calls to the toll free line, as well as 197 emails requiring 

response. Firms typically had questions regarding their 

submitted proposal (notification status, debrief request), 

solicitation information, requests for website and 

technical support, and questions regarding contracting 

or other legal matters. In 2016, 67 of the calls were in 

regards to proposal or debrief, 8 were asking about 

notification, 17 were requests for website or technical 

help, and 6 were related to contracting or legal matters. 

The support analyst also received 86 miscellaneous calls 

for help or guidance. Additionally, the analyst received 

33 emails that were in regards to proposal or debrief, 

6 were asking about notification, 62 were requests for 

website or technical help, 69 were related to contracting 

or legal matters, and 27 were miscellaneous emails. 

Commonly, firms submitted complex or technical 

questions, and in instances where answers weren’t 

immediately provided, the program support analyst 

researched the firm’s questions and issues using 

database information and SBIR/STTR literature 

(proposal instructions, program rules, etc.) in order to 

find resolution. In some cases, the analyst reached out to 

the SBIR/STTR technical advisor, contracting officer or 

SBIR focal points at technology directorates or centers 

in order to cross-reference information and provide 

further assistance related to firm inquiries. Further, 

the analyst captured the information to a reference 

tool related to tracking resolutions and offering future 

guidance. 

26

OUR 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

In 2015, in the interest of reaching new and broader 

audiences, the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office 

became active in several social media platforms. The 

tenants of this work included: 

• Creating compelling and relevant content to 

grab the attention of potential participants and 

increase transparency and visibility about the 

program; 

• Responding to SBIR/STTR related developments 

and policy or program changes; 

• Promoting outreach activities and SBIR/STTR 

events; 

• Delivering an improved understanding of the 

program and collecting feedback from current 

and potential program participants; 

• Increasing advocacy for the SBIR/STTR program 

from key stakeholders. 

On September 30, 2016, the SBIR/STTR Facebook 

page (launched in January 2016) had 92 followers, the 

Twitter account (launched in December 2015) had 450 

followers, and the Linkedin page (launched in August 

2016) had 21 followers receiving almost daily updates 

and posts from administrators. 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program’s social media pages 

are available here: 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/afsbirsttr 

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/af_sbir_sttr 

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/company/afsbirsttr 

YOUTUBE 

In December 2015, the Air Force SBIR/STTR program launched a YouTube channel. This channel provided videos dealing 

with a broad array of subjects to include a program overview, success stories, previews of 16.1 and 16.A topics, and 

videos from collider events hosted at AFRL/SB’s Small Business Hub in Dayton, Ohio. 

To assist in this endeavor, the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office hired two Ohio-based small businesses to conduct 

videography, and in July 2016 added a full-time videographer to program office staff. 

In September 2016, the channel had 45 regular subscribers, however, a large margin of traffic to the channel/videos came 

from individuals who were not regular subscribers. On average, the channel had between 400 and 1,100 unique views 

per month and the average view duration was between 2 and 3 minutes per visit. 

27

LEGACY 

SUCCESS STORIES & VIDEOS 

In 2014, the Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office 

released an Economic Impact Study. The study was 

commissioned and undertaken to quantify the program’s 

overall contribution to the national economy and 

nation’s defense mission. 

The study examined the economic outcomes and 

impacts from all the Air Force SBIR/STTR Phase II 

awards completed during the 2000-2013 period. It was 

intended to answer the following basic question: What 

resulted from the Air Force’s SBIR/STTR research and 

development investment of nearly $3 billion, provided 

to 1,750 companies in 4,524 separate SBIR/STTR 

contracts. 

As a result of this study, the program office has created 

a “where are they now” or “legacy” videos and success 

story on many of these companies. In Fiscal Year 2015 

and 2016, the program office released 15 videos and 

nine Legacy Success Stories (with around 50 more to 

follow in 2017). 

The videos are available here: https://www.youtube. 

com/channel/UCb3EQFQNK0pw5EFv0rAkTBg 

MEDIA COVERAGE 

During FY 2016, several local, national and international media outlets covered the Air Force Small Business Innovation 

Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Program’s news and successes. Those publications and online outlets 

included: 

Acquisition News Gazette 

AeroTech News 

AFCEA.org 

Air Force Technology 

Albuquerque Journal 

Aluminum Insider 

Bozeman Daily 

Brighton Pitts Ford Post 

Business Journals Washington Bureau 

C4ISR Net 

Christian Science Monitor 

Colorado Springs Independent 

CNN 

DailyMail.com 

Dayton Business Journal 

Dayton Daily News 

DoD Armed With Science 

Ebony 

Engadget, Express 

EurekaAlert! 

Executive Biz 

Fairborn Daily Herald 

Fed Scoop 

Fosters 

Fox 5 San Diego 

Gadget Review 

The Gazette 

GIUser 

GPS World 

Industrial Lasers 

Innovation Excellence Science 

LA Daily Post 

Signal 

Latin Post 

SpaceNews 

Military Embedded Systems Tech Times 

Maxim 

Treehugger.com 

National Defense Magazne Wright-Patterson AFB’s Skywrighter 

NH Business Review Yonhap News 

NWF Daily News 

Optics.org 

Photonics.com 

Product Design and Development 

RF Globalnet 

The Ripon Advance 

Rome Sentinel 

SatNews 

28

COMMERCIALIZATION 

READINESS 

PROGRAM 

This program helps focus SBIR and STTR 

topics on high-priority technology needs 

and works with small businesses, program 

offices, SBIR program managers, technical 

points of contact and industry technology 

integrators to accelerate technology 

transition. Each year, the Air Force 

dedicates one percent of its overall 

SBIR/STTR budget to its CRP efforts. 

29

CRP BREAKDOWN OF 

FUNDING LEVERAGED 

The Air Force Commercialization Readiness Program (CRP) has been improving technology transition outcomes since its 

inception in 2006. The primary objective of the CRP is to accelerate the transition of SBIR/STTR-developed technologies 

into real-world military and commercial applications. The CRP team is engaged from the generation of the SBIR or STTR 

topic to the transition of the topic’s technology to military or public sectors. The CRP achieves success by aligning and 

connecting transition stakeholders and leveraging the funds required to mature SBIR/STTR projects. 

DOD TRANSITION 

$79,430k 

OTHER AFRL 

$152,171k 

OTHER GOVERNMENT 

(E.G., NAVY, MDA) 

$355,266k 

AIR FORCE SBIR 

CRP 

$278,608k 

INDUSTRY 

(IR&D, CR&D) 

$269,774k 

SMALL 

BUSINESS 

$86,269k 

AIR FORCE PROGRAM OFFICE 

$904,050k 

30

TECHNOLOGY AND 

MATURATION PLANS 

CRP SBIR Acquisition R&D Technical Analysts work 

with the Air Force technical point of contact, the small 

business and other stakeholders, such as major defense 

contractors or Program Executive Offices (PEOs), to 

develop a SBIR technology transition plan (STTP) or a 

maturation plan (STMP) for SBIR/STTR technologies. 

These plans identify critical stakeholders, their roles 

and responsibilities, technology and manufacturing 

readiness levels, tasks and timing, funding sources, and 

risk mitigation to support SBIR or STTR technology 

transition. 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR budget includes Phase I and 

Phase II awards and funding of CRP-approved projects. 

In FY16 the Air Force approved 49 projects for SBIR 

CRP funding. Of these projects, 31 were STTPs and 18 

were STMPs. The CRP has initiated 609 projects since 

inception of its pilot. The total SBIR/STTR funding on 

these CRP projects is $42.5 million and the total non- 

SBIR/STTR funding is $338.8 million. Non-SBIR/STTR 

funding sources include industry’s independent research 

and development, SBIR firm’s investment, Air Force 

Programs of Record, AFRL core budget, DoD transition 

funds, and state small business funds. In addition, 25 

major contractors have also participated in STTP/STMP 

projects. 

A total of 116 Air Force SBIR CRP projects are 

considered transition successes, providing significant 

benefit to the nation’s warfighters in improved 

performance, new capabilities, increased reliability, and 

cost savings well exceeding the investment. Each project 

meets the technology needs of at least one Air Force 

system with total cost savings estimated at over $1 

billion. Twenty-eight projects were reported as a success 

this year, adding to the eighty-eight successes reported 

through FY15 that have continued to mature and yield 

benefits. 

STTPS 

501 

COST 

SAVINGS 

31% 

GREATER 

RELIABILITY 

19% 

STTP/STMPS INITIATED PER FISCAL YEAR 

NUMBER OF STTPS AND STMPS 

SINCE INCEPTION OF CRP PILOT 

STTP/STMPS FUNDED PER FISCAL YEAR 

BENEFIT TO WARFIGHTER 

FROM 2016 STTP SUCCESSES 

STMPS 

108 

NEW 

CAPABILITY 

26% 

IMPROVED 

PERFORMANCE 

24% 

31

FY 2016 

TRANSITION SUCCESSES 

In FY 2016 the Air Force Commercialization Readiness Program successfully transitioned 28 STTP and STMPs. To be 

considered a transition success, a project must lead to the production and delivery of products, processes, technologies, 

or services for sale to or use by the Federal government or commercial markets. Transition successes are providing 

significant benefit to the nation’s warfighters in improved performance, new capabilities, increased reliability, and cost 

savings. From these 28 we have highlighted four of our top transitions. 

• STTP 2009-25, with small business Technical Directions, 

Inc., titled “Propulsion System for Joint Direct Attack 

Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER)” developed a small 

low-cost, propulsion turbine needed to extend range of 

JDAM weapon to 100+ miles. Additionally, TDI designed 

and developed a family of various sized turbojet engines for 

defense applications and sold more than 75 to customers 

including Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The 

engines provide smooth and completely variable thrust in a 

low cost and compact configuration for expendable vehicle 

applications. They offer easy starting with multi-fuel capability 

and require no lubricating oil. The engine exteriors are 

cooled by air routed through the engine to utilize low cost 

materials with the benefit of a reduced infrared signature. 

The highly automated engine control can be integrated with 

the vehicle’s flight computer. 

• STTP 2012-15, with small business Variation Reduction 

Solutions, Inc., titled “Affordable Accurate Robot Guidance 

(AARG)” automates drilling and inspection for F-35 

assembly at Lockheed Martin, a high accuracy hole cell at 

Warner-Robins, and Boeing 777 assembly to achieve precise 

tolerances, archiving of data, and $123M savings for the 

F-35 program. AARG technology is packaged in several F-35 

manufacturing operations, including: 1) Countersink, bore, and 

grip length scanning into 5-axis gantries for in-process F-35 

wing and forward fuselage drill inspection; and 2) Replacing 

the fixed laser line scanner and bore inspection end effectors 

in the F-35 Inlet Duct Robotic Drilling with 3D countersink 

scanning and “iterative learning” for countersink depth. 

• STTP 2013-25, with small business Ridgetop Group Inc., 

titled “Expert Troubleshooting and Repair System, AF093- 

208” saves $2M per year per “bad actor” assembly in direct 

maintenance for Electronic Warfare, communications, and 

navigation systems by reducing No Fault Found (NFF)/ 

Could Not Duplicate occurrences. The National Center 

for Manufacturing Sciences selected the NightHawk(tm) 

NFF detection software as one of six finalists for their 2016 

Commercial Technologies Maintenance Activities technology 

competition. Total savings will exceed $30M over five 

years testing just three circuit card assemblies identified at 

Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex. Aircraft aging, adverse 

environments, and drift of components causes costly and 

time-consuming test support problems for the Air Force 

Sustainment Center. Traditional methods of detecting NFFs 

in critical boards fail to detect numerous soft faults extending 

time and cost of troubleshooting and repair, and reducing 

aircraft availability. NightHawk’s seamless integration with 

diverse test platforms will help minimize both Mean Time To 

Repair (MTTR) and maintenance time by quickly identifying 

the root cause of difficult-to-find faults in circuit cards 

assemblies, shop replaceable units, and modules. This reduces 

the number of soft fault NFFs by up to 60 percent and MTTR 

by more than 40 percent resulting in maintenance cost savings 

and improved aircraft availability on the order of 50 percent. 

• STTP 2014-39, with small business Knowledge Based Systems, 

Inc. (KBSI), titled “Transformation in Maintenance and 

Repair (XFMR)” provides shop-wide visibility of test stand 

capabilities. Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center projects a 

return on investment of at least 14:1, a 10 to 25 percent 

reduction in days Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts 

in B-1 Avionics, and a five to 10 percent increase in capacity 

turns and throughput based on a detailed part and work 

status. The XFMR SBIR technologies provide the essential 

elements needed to fill critical gaps. KBSI’s ShopSIM tool 

integrates information from multiple systems each day to 

picture where each part is, who’s worked on it, what steps 

have been completed, who is working on it now, and what 

tasks remain to be done - shrinking the time to obtain this 

visibility to a few hours. KBSI’s Test Stand Analyzer (TSA) 

tool automatically ascertains test stand capabilities and 

enables users to manually change status information, such as 

when a stand is down for maintenance or returned to full 

service after calibration. Shop chiefs use the data to identify 

when work needs to be completed and assign resources to 

meet critical needs and increase overall throughput. 

32

SMALL BUSINESS 

INDUSTRY DAYS 

Pioneered in 2014, the Air Force Small Business Industry 

Days (SBID) are how the Air Force works with small 

business. The SBID focuses on small business product 

capabilities, contract opportunities, and technology 

development prospects by matching stakeholders 

from Centers/PEOs, large business, and small business 

communities. The SBID provides benefits to small 

businesses, major defense contractors, and the Air Force 

by creating partnerships that can increase small business 

participation in the Air Force acquisition process. These 

are two or three day events with high level Air Force 

keynote speakers, Air Force Business Opportunities 

and Technology Needs briefings, exhibit hall displays 

and information booths, parallel informational industry 

briefings, and strategic one-on-one meetings. 

“open dialogue between the government and industry,” 

something that is difficult to come by. 

The Air Force will continue using these events to 

identify and increase small business presence in 

the acquisition supply chain and to simultaneously 

incorporate new technologies by blending SBIR 

developed technologies into Air Force Programs of 

Records. 

Upcoming 2017 SBID information can be found at: 

https://afconference.brtrc.com/AFSBID/ 

The first three events were hosted by the Armament 

Directorate on 29-30 July 2014, the Air Force Test 

Center on 18-20 November 2014, and the Air Force 

Sustainment Center on 14-15 July 2015 to identify ways 

to further integrate small business services, products 

and technologies. 

In October 2016, the SBID was hosted by the Air 

Force Space and Missile Systems Center and was a 

tremendous success. There were over 340 attendees 

from small businesses, major defense contractors, and 

multiple government organizations. All facets of the 

event’s execution including networking, face-to-face 

interactions, and open communications as an approach 

to understanding the small business community and 

capabilities were praised by Air Force subject matter 

experts as major benefits of this SBID. 

Over the course of these four events, the government 

and major defense contractors attended 364 oneon-one 

technology deep dive sessions with small 

businesses, viewed over 130 exhibits, and participated 

in over 30 educational briefings for Industry. The SBID 

has exceeded expectation. We have seen many small 

businesses participate in more than one event. Based 

on event feedback, this allowed many small businesses 

33

TECHNOLOGY 

INTERCHANGE MEETINGS 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR CRP Industry Technology 

Interchange Meetings (TIM) develop or enhance major 

defense contractor (MDC) partnerships with the Air 

Force through collaborative interactions. The goal of 

the TIMs is to establish a general process conducive 

to shepherding SBIR/STTR developed technologies 

for transition to support the warfighter. We hope 

establishing this partnership between relevant 

stakeholders will allow for a greater probability of 

return on investment for SBIR topics. These are two day 

events with MDC leadership briefings, briefings from 

the Air Force, and one-on-one technology matchmaking 

engagements. 

Our first TIM took place in 2008, since that time 16 

different MDCs have requested and participated, most 

of whom, after experiencing success, have participated 

more than once. The outstanding support continues to 

grow, substantiated each year by the addition of new 

organizations, incorporation of new business units, and 

participation of new subject matter experts. 

To facilitate the TIM, the CRP team walks the MDCs 

through a 15-week process. During this process, 

CRP helps the MDC provide training on how to find 

SBIR/STTR efforts for data mining and due diligence 

activities, and helps them prepare for their one-on-one 

sessions. The success of each event is mainly due to the 

dedication of the MDC performing due diligence to 

identify if selected data mined technologies meet the 

MDCs’ needs. The unique characteristic of the TIMs 

is that they are hosted by the MDC at their facility 

to increase the opportunity to get the “right people 

around the table” and drive viable dialogue to determine 

a technology fit. We encourage establishing a Non- 

Disclosure Agreement prior to the meeting to allow 

for an immediate deep dive of the technology. A key 

objective is that all stakeholders leave the room with a 

strong understanding of the small business’s capabilities, 

the MDC needs, and a vision of follow-on activities. 

In 2016, Air Force SBIR/STTR CRP assisted eight MDCs 

(Northrop Grumman, ULA, Lockheed Martin, Orbital 

ATK, Rolls-Royce, Raytheon SAS, L-3, and Boeing) and 

92 small businesses through the TIM process, facilitating 

over 115 one-on-one meetings involving over 130 SBIR 

projects. Of these meetings, approximately 55% are 

currently being reviewed for transition potential. We 

have also found many past one-on-ones have begun to 

produce successful results. Regardless of the outcome 

of the one-on-one meetings, small businesses benefit 

from the knowledge gained on how to do business 

with the MDC and the MDC benefits from government 

presentations and CRP contacts. A definite win-win for 

all. 

The MDC POCs see that this program allows them 

to better their own positions in a competitive market. 

Thosie Varga, the lead for one 2016 TIM with L-3 

Communications, said, “This program has afforded 

our company the opportunity to explore SBIR/STTR 

opportunities, where normally we wouldn’t due to 

overhead budget and business model constraints.” Not 

only are the MDCs benefiting, but they continue to 

work with the Air Force CRP team year after year. 

Next year’s TIM schedule includes repeat hosts 

Northrop Grumman, Orbital ATK, Raytheon SAS, Boeing 

Company, and Lockheed Martin. Why re-host a TIM? 

As Jeff Wadsworth, Chief Engineer, Advanced Programs, 

Orbital ATK said, “The USAF data tool allowed us to 

focus on small businesses that had unique capabilities we 

needed, or needed to learn about.” This is a consistent 

message we’ve received from all the MDCs who have 

participated in these events. 

34


TOPICS AND 

AWARDEES 

Each year, participating federal agencies 

identify various R&D topics for pursuit 

by small businesses under the SBIR/STTR 

program. Selected topics represent 

scientific and technical problems requiring 

innovative solutions. These topics are 

bundled together into BAAs that are 

distributed to interested small businesses 

at FedBizOpps and the DoD SBIR/STTR 

websites. 

Upon review of the topics, a small business 

can identify appropriate topics to pursue 

and offer a proposal on. The solicitation 

letter contains all necessary information 

for submitting a proposal. Small businesses 

are encouraged to follow the solicitation 

instructions carefully, as proposals are 

received, reviewed and evaluated on a 

competitive basis by Air Force technical 

experts. These experts select the best 

proposals, awarding contracts to the most 

qualified small businesses with the most 

innovative proposed solutions. 

35


AWARDS BREAKDOWN 

One of the four congressional objectives of the SBIR/STTR program is to foster and encourage participation and 

entrepreneurship by socially and economically disadvantaged companies. The Air Force SBIR/STTR program office strives 

to achieve this objective through many forms of outreach and communication as previously described in this publication. 

A large number of companies that identify themselves as ‘disadvantaged’ (defined below) have been awarded Phase I and 

Phase II contracts with the Air Force. We will continue our efforts to increase this number in the future. 

The Federal government specifies contracting goals for designated small businesses. In addition, sub-goals are established 

for the following small business concerns (SBC). 

Women Owned Small Business – An SBC at least 

51 percent owned by one or more women or, in the 

case of any publicly owned business, at least 51 percent 

of the stock of which is owned by one or more women 

and the management and daily business operations of 

the business are controlled by one or more women. 

Veteran Owned Small Business – An SBC not less 

than 51 percent of which is owned by one or more 

veterans or, in the case of any publicly owned business, 

not less than 51 percent of the stock of which is owned 

by one or more veterans and the management and daily 

business operations of which are controlled by one or 

more veterans. 

Socially and Economically Disadvantaged 

Small Business – An SBC at least 51 percent 

unconditionally owned by one or more socially and 

economically disadvantaged individuals. 

HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business 

Zone) – An SBC that is at least 51 percent owned and 

controlled by United States citizens and located in a 

historically underutilized business zone. 

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small 

Business – An SBC not less than 51 percent of which is 

owned by one or more service-disabled veterans or, in 

the case of any publicly owned business, not less than 51 

percent of the stock of which is owned by one or more 

service-disabled veterans and the management and daily 

business operations of which are controlled by one 

or more service-disabled veterans or, in the case of a 

veteran with permanent and severe disability, the spouse 

or permanent caregiver of such veteran. 

Note these descriptions are further defined by U.S. 

regulation. 

36

SBIR 

2016.1 TOPICS 

The following Air Force topics were released for the SBIR 2016.1 BAA. 

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF161-001 

AF161-002 

AF161-003 

AF161-004 

AF161-005 

AF161-006 

AF161-007 

AF161-008 

AF161-009 

AF161-010 

AF161-011 

AF161-012 

AF161-013 

AF161-014 

AF161-015 

AF161-016 

AF161-017 

AF161-018 

AF161-019 

AF161-020 

AF161-021 

AF161-022 

AF161-023 

AF161-024 

AF161-025 

AF161-026 

AF161-027 

AF161-028 

AF161-029 

AF161-030 

AF161-031 

AF161-032 

TOPIC TITLE 

Rapid Expeditionary Fuel Reclamation 

Fast-setting, High-strength Material for Expedient Pavement Repair 

Explosively Driven Fragment Imaging 

State-of-Health Monitoring for Plasma Sources to Correlate Ground Test and Space Environment 

Heterogeneous Porous Media for Thermal Transport Mitigation in Hypersonics 

Neutral Particle Dynamics in Transient Plasma to Determine Ground Test Chamber Interactions 

Validation of Low Hydrogen Embrittlement (LHE) Alkaline Zinc Nickel Electroplating for Steel and 

Aluminum Electrical Connectors, Back-Shells and Components 

Generator Power Recapture 

Material Sensor Technology for Chemical Cleaning and Stripping Process 

Additive Manufacturing Technique for Replacement of Complex Castings 

Acoustic Emission of Frangible, Composite, Concrete and Metallic Radar Towers 

Additive/Rapid Manufacturing Reverse Engineering, Processing and Production Integrated Solution for Agile 

Manufacturing of Air Force Tooling, Fixture and Prototype Production 

High Precision, Non-Line-of-Sight Point Cloud Generation 

Reconfigurable Interface Test Adapter 

Maintenance Data Collection from Non-Networked Automatic Test Equipment 

Radio Frequency Range Modernization, Compatibility and Capability Study 

Prediction of Stress Corrosion Cracking 

Landing Gear Fatigue Model K Modification 

Reconfigurable Manufacturing: A New Paradigm for Improved Performance of Depot Processes 

Quasi-Model Development using Digital and Non-destructive Inspection Data 

In-Process and Final Non-destructive Inspection Methods of Additive Manufactured (AM) Simulated 

Aerospace Critical Parts 

Installed Systems Near Field Antenna Pattern Measurement System 

Avian Collision Deterrents for Reflective Surfaces 

Prediction of Boundary Layer Transition on Hypersonic Vehicles in Large-Scale Wind Tunnels and Flight 

Micro-Climate Automated Recorder 

Real-Time Parameterized Reduced-Order-Model (ROM)-Based Aeroservoelastic Simulator 

Millimeter-Wave Micro-SAR (MMW uSAR) 

Cryo-Vacuum FTS using COTS Parts for Sensor Responsivity Measurements 

High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) Magnets 

High Speed Extraction of Hyperspectral Images within a Plume Radiation Database Structure 

Rapid Assessment of Structural Vulnerability 

IRIG Data Recorder Validation 

37

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF161-033 

AF161-034 

AF161-035 

AF161-036 

AF161-037 

AF161-038 

AF161-039 

AF161-040 

AF161-041 

AF161-042 

AF161-043 

AF161-044 

AF161-045 

AF161-046 

AF161-047 

AF161-048 

AF161-049 

AF161-050 

AF161-051 

AF161-052 

AF161-053 

AF161-055 

AF161-056 

AF161-057 

AF161-058 

AF161-059 

AF161-060 

AF161-061 

AF161-062 

AF161-063 

AF161-064 

AF161-065 

AF161-066 

AF161-067 

AF161-068 

AF161-069 

AF161-070 

AF161-071 

AF161-072 

AF161-073 

AF161-074 

AF161-075 

TOPIC TITLE 

Precise Autonomous Vehicle Velocity Control 

Fiber Metrology Verification and Validation for High Power Fiber Lasers 

Image Processing that Supports Air-to-Air, High-Bandwidth, Image-Based, Active Tracking 

Mitigation of Scintillation and Speckle for Tracking Moving Targets 

Compact Optical Inertial Reference Unit for High Energy Laser System Line-of-Sight Stabilization 

Generation of High Rep-rate/High Average Power USPL Sources 

Game-Based Combat Rescue Helicopter Aircrew Mission Training and Rehearsal 

Wearable Head Tracker System (WHTS) 

Software Architecture Evaluation Tool for Evaluating Offeror Proposals 

Simplified Aero Model Development and Validation Environment 

PED Operational Domain (POD) 

Finite Element Model of the F-35 Ejection Seat 

Information Fusion to Enable Shared Perception between Humans and Machines 

Inexpensive Haptic Devices and 3D Medical Game for the Interosseous Infusion Procedure 

Cognition Biomarker Measurement in Sweat as an Index of Human Performance 

Microdosimetry of High Amplitude Ultrashort RF and Electric Fields 

Multi-modal Synthetic Sensor Data Generator with Real-World Environmental Effects and Sensor Physics 

Microcosm Forecasting Utilizing Swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology 

Airborne Network using Spectrum-Efficient Communications Technologies (ANSECT) 

Cognitive Airborne Communications with RF Interference Mitigation and Anti-jam Capabilities (RIMA) 

Airborne Cloud for the Tactical Edge User (ABC) 

Survivable, Secure and Dependable Wireless Communications 

Fusion of Multiple Motion Information Sources 

Secure and Survivable Antennas for Communication in a Nuclear Environment 

Modular, Secure and Affordable Design for NextGen ADS-B Integration 

Event Recognition for Space Situational Awareness 

Anti-Fragility for Virtualized Systems 

Object Based Production (OBP) for Satellite Characterization 

Innovative TWTs for VW Band Communications 

Mission Visualization 

Coordinated Data, Better Information, Enhanced Decision Making 

Information Synthesis Algorithms for Sense and Avoid (SAA) 

Rapid and Reliable Identification of Counterfeit Electronic Components 

High-Performance Body Armor-Integrated, Multifunctional Batteries for Dismounted Soldier 

High-Temperature Electric Wires 

Physics-based airframe stress calculations at flow-separation dominated flight conditions for aircraft 

operational clearance, life prediction and inspection scheduling 

Advanced Circuit Technologies for Reliable, Low-Cost, High-Temperature Electronic Controls 

High-Speed Measurements of Flame-Stabilization Processes in Vitiated Augmentor Environments for 

Understanding Screech, Rumble, and Blowoff 

Structurally Embedded Heat Exchanger 

Online Chemical Diagnostics for Fuel System Flows 

Durable Pre-cooling Heat Exchangers for High Mach Flight 

Automated Synthesis of Propulsion-Power-Thermal Architectures 

38

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF161-076 

AF161-077 

AF161-078 

AF161-079 

AF161-080 

AF161-081 

AF161-082 

AF161-083 

AF161-084 

AF161-085 

AF161-086 

AF161-087 

AF161-088 

AF161-089 

AF161-090 

AF161-091 

AF161-092 

AF161-093 

AF161-094 

AF161-095 

AF161-096 

AF161-097 

AF161-098 

AF161-099 

AF161-100 

AF161-101 

AF161-102 

AF161-103 

AF161-105 

AF161-106 

AF161-107 

AF161-108 

AF161-109 

AF161-110 

AF161-111 

AF161-112 

AF161-113 

AF161-114 

AF161-115 

AF161-116 

TOPIC TITLE 

Probabilistic Design of Fuel Thermal Management Systems 

Fast Valve for Starting Hypersonic Wind Tunnels 

Integration of "Cold Atom" Technologies into Prototype for Use in Heavy Aircraft 

Embedded Computing Cyber Testing and Assessment Methods 

Additive Manufacturing Techniques 

Precision Spacecraft Instrumentation Booms 

L Band Analog to Digital and Digital to Analog Converter 

GNSS Jammer Location Using Multipath Exploitation 

Cognitive UHF Radio for Enhanced GPS Crosslinks 

Improved Satellite Catalog Processing for Rapid Object Characterization 

Solid-State Power Amplifier Thermal Management 

Algorithm Development for WFOV Mission Data Processing 

Integrated Code Base and High Performance Embedded Computing Tool 

Development of Flat Lens Technology 

High Data Rate/Low SWaP-C GPS Crosslinks 

Low Probability of Intercept PNT Augmentation Network 

Hypervelocity and Plasma Reentry Research Testbed 

Multi-material Additive Manufacturing for Advanced Space Systems 

Robust spacecraft solar array technology 

Resilient Structural Sensing Technologies for Responsive Anomaly Resolution 

On-orbit Calibration of Staring Imaging Sensors Using Innovative Techniques and Field-deployable 

Instrumentation with High Radiometric and Temporal Sensitivity 

Novel High Transmittance Curved Surface Laser Eye and Sensor Protection 

Enhanced Starting Reliability and High Altitude Operation of Internal Combustion Engines on Miniature 

Munitions 

Ultra Miniature Beam Steered Laser Radar System 

Multi-Axis Precision Seeker-Laser Pointing Gimbal 

Fiber Optic Networking Technology for Advanced Payload Integration on F-35 and Other Platforms 

High Fidelity Algorithm to Model the Statistical Variations of Ground Target Signatures in Scene Generator 

Systems 

Low Signal to Noise Ratio Radar Technology Investigation 

Sensors for Remote Airfield Assessment 

Compact SWIR DFOV Optics 

Integrating the EPIC Hydrocode with MEVA and Endgame Framework 

Innovative, Cost-Effective Techniques for Antenna Electronic Beam Steering 

Develop Urban Target Cumulative Structural Damage Models 

Ultra-Wideband Structurally Integrated Antenna Architectures 

Manufacturability Improvements for Highly Integrated Monolithic Exploding Foil Initiator 

Armament Life-cycle Status Monitoring Device 

Direct Measurement of Protection System Breakdown and Corrosion Processes within Aircraft Structures 

Alternative Nondestructive Testing Inspection Method of In-service Aircraft Bolts and Wheels 

Direct Measurement of Bondline Temperature During Composite Repair/Fabrication 

Rapid, Local Characterization of the Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior 

39

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF161-117 

AF161-118 

AF161-119 

AF161-120 

AF161-121 

AF161-122 

AF161-123 

AF161-124 

AF161-125 

AF161-126 

AF161-127 

AF161-128 

AF161-129 

AF161-130 

AF161-131 

AF161-132 

AF161-133 

AF161-134 

AF161-135 

AF161-136 

AF161-137 

AF161-138 

AF161-139 

AF161-140 

AF161-141 

AF161-142 

AF161-143 

AF161-144 

AF161-145 

AF161-146 

AF161-147 

AF161-148 

AF161-149 

AF161-150 

AF161-151 

AF161-152 

AF161-153 

AF161-224 

TOPIC TITLE 

Automated High Speed Grind for- High Pressure Compressor Blade Repair 

Blade Repair of Integrally Bladed Disks (IBDs) 

Non-Destructive Inspection for Repaired Integrally Bladed Disk Airfoils 

Development of a High-Temperature Bond Coat for Environmental Barrier Coatings on SiC/SiC Ceramic 

Matrix Composites (CMCs) 

NDI Tool for Heat Damage Detection in Composites 

Novel Moderate Temperature Polymeric Absorbing Material 

MQ-9 Lightweight Anti-Ice/De-Ice Solution 

Accelerated Adhesive Cure for Nutplate Repair 

Self-Referencing Positioning System 

Structural High Power Microwave, Nuclear and Electromagnetic Pulse Protection of Organic Matrix 

Composite and Ceramic Materials for Munitions 

Chromium-Free Flexible Primer 

Materials Processing for Heterogeneous Integration of Optical Isolators 

Certification Modeling for Composites with Voids and Wrinkles for Engines and Structures 

Innovative Application and Modifications of Scanning Kelvin Probe Technologies for Measurement of 

Coating Degradation and Detection of Corrosion 

Airborne Graph Analytics Applications for Multi-sensor Fusion and Integration 

Fully-Adaptive Radar Modeling and Simulation Development 

Radar Agnostic, Low Computation Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) 

Low Profile Multiband Airborne Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Antenna 

Lightweight Infrared Search and Track Systems 

Deployable Lightweight Upper Air Sensing System 

Wideband Efficient Dual Polarized High Frequency (HF) Communication Antenna 

Cognitive Processing and Exploitation of 3D Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Imagery Data 

Automated Target Recognition (ATR) Detection from Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Data 

Multi-Attribute Circuit Authentication and Reliability Techniques 

Integrated Circuit Authentication and Reliability Tool and Techniques 

Integrated Circuit (IC) Die Extraction and Reassembly 

Electronic Image Stabilization for Staring Infrared Search and Track (IRST) Sensors 

Continuous High Pulse Repetition Frequency (HPRF) Mode for Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) 

Compact Wideband Direction Finder 

V-Band Terminal Low Noise Amplifier 

High Performance Global Positioning System (GPS) M-Code Acquisition Engine 

Q-Band Uplink Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) 

Synergistic/Combine Radio Frequency/Electro-Optical (RF/EO) Processing for Synthetic Aperture Imaging 

(SAR) 

Cloud Services for Trustworthy Microelectronics Assurance 

Automated 3D Reconstruction of a Scene From Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance Video at High Zoom 

Broadband Beam Steering Devices for Midwave Infrared (MWIR) 

Fusion of Kinematic and Identification (ID) Information 

Hypersonic Weapon Airframe Simulator for Thermal Loading and Structural Vibration 

40

STTR 

2016.A TOPICS 

As with the SBIR topics, each year, participating federal agencies identify various R&D topics for pursuit by small businesses 

with research institution partner under the STTR program. Selected topics represent scientific and technical problems 

requiring innovation solutions. 

This topics are bundled together into BAAs that are distributed to interested small businesses and FedBizOpps and the 

DoD SBIR/STTR websites. 

The following Air Force topics were released for the STTR 2016.A BAA. 

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF16-AT01 

AF16-AT02 

AF16-AT03 

AF16-AT04 

AF16-AT05 

AF16-AT06 

AF16-AT07 

AF16-AT08 

AF16-AT09 

AF16-AT10 

AF16-AT11 

AF16-AT12 

AF16-AT13 

AF16-AT14 

AF16-AT15 

AF16-AT16 

AF16-AT17 

AF16-AT18 

AF16-AT19 

AF16-AT20 

AF16-AT22 

AF16-AT23 

AF16-AT24 

AF16-AT25 

AF16-AT26 

AF16-AT27 

AF16-AT28 

AF16-AT29 

AF16-AT30 

TOPIC TITLE 

Wafer-Level Electronic-Photonic Co-Packaging 

Noise Measurements in the Atmosphere 

Flexible Sensor Network and Its Embedded Integrated Circuits for Structural Health Monitoring 

Investigating Satellites Cataloged as Debris (ISCAD) 

Prototype for Rapid Reconstitution for Ground-based Space Situational Awareness Capability for Neargeosynchronous 

Objects 

Three-dimensional Measurement of Fluid Density Distribution 

Streaming Model for Field-of-Light Displays (SMFoLD) 

Training for Resilient System Design 

Coordination and Performance Metrics in Command and Control Environments 

Securing the Internet of Things (IoT) 

Diversified Hypervisors 

Heterogeneous Data Discovery 

High-Speed Measurements of Dynamic Flame Stabilization Processes in High-Pressure Combustion Systems 

Modeling and Simulation of Lean Blowout in High-Pressure Swirl-Stabilized Combustors 

Experimentally Derived Scaling Laws from Spatiotemporally Resolved Measurements in High-Pressure 

Combustors 

Novel Approaches for Integrated Controls with TMS and Power 

Packaging and Assemblies for High-temperature Intelligent Aerospace Controls 

Low-cost, Reliable, and Long-life Components for the Next-Generation Aerospace Controls 

Embedded Computing Systems Runtime Integrity Protection 

Development of Room-Temperature Ionic Liquids for Reversible Electroplating 

Infrared Light Emitting Diode Arrays for Target Image Projection 

Modeling and Simulation of Structural Energetic Materials 

Transient Aerothermoelastic Experimental Response of a Full-Scale Curved Panel 

Small Scale Research Molecular Beam Epitaxy for Material Development 

Novel Polymer-Derived Carbide and Boride Refractory Ceramics 

Properties Of Structural Composite Materials Using Novel Carbon Fibers 

Laser and Rapid-thermal Crystallization of Low-defect GeSn and SiGeSn Layers for High Performance 

Infrared Detectors and Integrated Si-based Optoelectronic Devices 

Information Theory Models for Multi-Sensor Design of Signature Exploitation Systems 

Space-Division-Multiplexing (SDM) Components for Infrared (IR) 

41

STTR 

2016.2 and 2016.3 TOPICS 

15 U.S.C. §638 (cc), as amended by NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) FY 2012, Sec. 5106, PILOT TO ALLOW 

PHASE FLEXIBILITY, allows the Department of Defense to make an award to a small business concern under Phase II 

of the SBIR program with respect to a project, without regard to whether the small business concern was provided an 

award under Phase I of a SBIR program with respect to such project. The Air Force conducted a “Direct to Phase II” pilot 

implementation of this authority for this 15.3 SBIR solicitation (although it does not guarantee the pilot will be offered 

in future solicitations). Each eligible topic requires documentation to determine that Phase I feasibility and the technical 

requirements for a Direct to Phase II proposal have been met. 

The following Air Force topics were released for the SBIR 2016.2 BAA. 

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF162-001 

AF162-002 

AF162-003 

AF162-004 

AF162-005 

AF162-006 

AF162-007 

AF162-008 

AF162-009 

AF162-010 

TOPIC TITLE 

Deployable Electronically Steered Apertures (ESAs) for Future Space Platforms 

Instrumentation for passive sensing of diffusely modulated signatures 

Standardized Interface for Satellite Ground System Integration Technologies 

Index, Export and Search Archived Data for Enterprise Ground Satellite Command and Control Systems 

from Multiple Sources 

User Defined Operational Picture (UDOP) for Enterprise Ground Satellite Command and Control Systems 

from Multiple Sources 

Autonomous Satellite Ground Operations 

High-Efficiency Radiation-Hard Solar Array Interface to Spacecraft Power System 

Spacecraft Propellant Storage and Feed Systems 

Electric Propulsion for Dual Launch 

Flexible Electric Propulsion for Resilient Spacecraft 

The following Air Force topics were released for the SBIR 2016.2 BAA direct to Phase II. 

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF162-D001 

AF162-D002 

AF162-D003 

AF162-D004 

TOPIC TITLE 

Mitigation of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) Threats 

Commercial Space Catalog 

Autonomous Robot for Unmanned Air Vehicle Operations 

Modern Command Center for Missile Field Operations 

The following Air Force topics were released for the SBIR 2016.3 BAA direct to Phase II. 

TOPIC NUMBER 

AF163-D001 

TOPIC TITLE 

Small Satellite System for Space Surveillance 

42

FY 2016 TOPIC 

AWARD SELECTEES 

The following small businesses were awarded Phase I, II or III contracts during FY 2016 (Note: This list may not be 

complete). The awards’ associated topics could have come from several solicitations, however, a selection for an award does 

not guarantee the business won the final contract (other issues may come into play, such as meeting accounting standards, 

that might prevent a selectee from receiving the final contract). For complete information on these small business awards, 

please visit our website: www.afsbirsttr.com 

Small businesses selected for Air Force SBIR award in FY 2016. 

FIRM CITY ST 

(ES3) Engineering & Software San Diego CA 

System Solution, Inc. 

361 Interactive, LLC Springboro OH 

Acellent Technologies, Inc. Sunnyvale CA 

ACENT Laboratories, LLC Manorville NY 

ACTA Inc. Torrance CA 

Active Signal Technologies, Inc. Linthicum Heights MD 

ADA Technologies, Inc. Littleton CO 

Adsys Controls, Inc. Irvine CA 

Advanced Computational Champaign IL 

Technology, LLC 

Advanced Cooling 

Lancaster PA 

Technologies, Inc. 

Advanced Fiber Sensors, Inc. Ann Arbor MI 

Advanced Processing 

Norman 

OK 

Technology 

Advanced Simulation Research Orlando FL 

Adventium Enterprises, LLC Minneapolis MN 

Advratech New Carlisle OH 

Agile RF Systems, LLC Berthoud CO 

Aging Aircraft Consulting, LLC Warner Robins GA 

(AACL) 

Air Logistics And Engineering Warner Robins GA 

Consultants, LLC 

AJM International Electronics New River AZ 

Consultants 

Alpha Omega Electromagnetics, Arnold 

MD 

LLC 

Alpha Star Long Beach CA 

Alphacore, Inc. Tempe AZ 

AlphaSense, Inc. Wilmington DE 

FIRM CITY ST 

Amethyst Research, Inc. Ardmore OK 

Anyar, Inc. Fort Walton Beach FL 

AOSense, Inc. Sunnyvale CA 

APDM, Inc. Portland OR 

Applied Defense Solutions, Inc. Columbia MD 

Applied Dynamics International Ann Arbor MI 

Applied Optimization, Inc. Dayton OH 

Applied Technology Associates Albuquerque NM 

Applied Visions, Inc. Northport NY 

Aptima, Inc. Woburn MA 

ArchieMD, Inc. Boca Raton FL 

Area I, Inc. Kennesaw GA 

Arete Associates Winnetka CA 

Arizona Science Engineering, Tucson 

AZ 

LLC 

Arkham Technology Irvine CA 

Artemis, Inc. Hauppauge NY 

Ascendant Engineering Austin 

TX 

Solutions, LLC 

Ascentia Imaging, Inc. Boulder CO 

Assured Information Security, Rome 

NY 

Inc. 

ATA Engineering, Inc. San Diego CA 

ATC - NY Trumansburg NY 

A-Tech Corporation, 

Albuquerque NM 

(DBA: Applied Technology 

Assoc.) 

Atmospheric & Space 

Technology Research 

Associates 

Boulder 

CO 

43

Small businesses selected for Air Force SBIR award in FY 2016. (continued) 

FIRM CITY ST 

ATS-MER, LLC (formerly Tucson 

AZ 

Materials & Electrochemical) 

Attollo Engineering, LLC Camarillo CA 

Ayers Group, LLC Princeton NJ 

Barron Associates, Inc. Charlottesville VA 

Bennett Advanced Research, Raleigh 

NC 

LLC 

BerrieHill Research Corp. Dayton OH 

Bihrle Applied Research, Inc. Hampton VA 

Black Forest Engineering, LLC Colorado Springs CO 

Black River Systems Company, Utica 

NY 

Inc. 

Blue Ridge Research and Asheville NC 

Consulting, LLC 

Boulder Nonlinear Systems, Lafayette CO 

Inc. 

Bridge 12 Technologies, Inc. Framingham MA 

Candent Technologies, Inc. Greenfield IN 

Capco, Inc. Grand Junction CO 

CFD Research Corporation Huntsville AL 

Charles River Analytics Inc. Cambridge MA 

Chip Design Systems, LLC Hockessin DE 

CMSoft, Inc. Palo Alto CA 

Colorado Engineering, Inc. Colorado Springs CO 

Commonwealth Computer Charlottesville VA 

Research, Inc. 

Concurrent Analysis Corp. Thousand Oaks CA 

Continental Controls and Huntington Beach CA 

Design, Inc. 

Controlled Dynamics, Inc. Huntington Beach CA 

Cornerstone Research Group, Dayton 

OH 

Inc. 

Corvid Innovation, LLC Mooresville NC 

Corvid Technologies, LLC Mooresville NC 

CPI Group Limited Valley View OH 

Creare LLC Hanover NH 

Creative MicroSystems Corp. Waitsfield VT 

Cyan Systems Goleta, CA CA 

Cybernet Systems Corp. Ann Arbor MI 

Data Fusion & Neural Broomfield CO 

Networks, LLC 

Decisive Analytics Corp. Arlington VA 

FIRM CITY ST 

Deployable Space Systems, Inc. Santa Barbara CA 

(DSS) 

DexMat Houston TX 

Digibeam 

San Juan 

CA 

Capistrano 

Digital Solid State Propulsion Reno 

NV 

Inc 

Distributed Communication Cumberland ctr ME 

Systems 

Diversified Technologies, Inc. Bedford MA 

DMAero, LLC Byron GA 

Dynamic Structures and Franklin 

TN 

Materials, LLC 

DZYNE Technologies, Inc. Fairfax VA 

Eccrine Systems, Inc. Cincinnati OH 

Echo Ridge, LLC Sterling VA 

EDAptive Computing, Inc. Dayton OH 

Electromagnetic Systems, Inc. El Segundo CA 

EM Photonics, Inc. Newark DE 

Energy Research Consultants Laguna Hills CA 

Energy to Power Solutions Tallahassee FL 

ENGIN-IC, Inc. Plano TX 

Etegent Technologies, LTD Cincinnati OH 

ExoAnalytic Solutions, Inc Mission Viejo CA 

Expedition Technology, Inc. Dulles VA 

Exquadrum, Inc. Adelanto CA 

Faraday Technology, Inc. Englewood OH 

FBS, Inc. Bellefonte PA 

Fibertek, Inc. Herndon VA 

First RF Corp. Boulder CO 

Florida Turbine Technologies, Jupiter 

FL 

Inc. 

Fontus Applied Technologies Plainsboro NJ 

FractureLab, LLC Fruit Heights UT 

Freedom Photonics, LLC Santa Barbara CA 

FTL Labs Corp. Amherst MA 

G. A. Tyler Associates Inc. Anaheim CA 

(DBA: the Optical Science) 

Galois, Inc. Portland OR 

Geneva Technologies Monument CO 

Global Circuit Innovations, Inc. Colorado Springs CO 

Gloyer-Taylor Laboratories, 

LLC 

Tullahoma TN 

44


FIRM CITY ST 

Goleta Star, LLC Lomita CA 

Graf, LLC 

Blacksburg VA 

(DBA: Graf Research) 

GrammaTech, Inc. Ithaca NY 

GreenSight Agronomics Brookline MA 

Grier Forensics Pikesville MD 

Group W, Inc. Fairfax VA 

Guidestar Optical Systems, Inc. Longmont CO 

Helios Remote Sensing Rome 

NY 

Systems, Inc. 

Hyper Tech Research, Inc. Columbus OH 

IDEAS Engineering & 

Albuquerque NM 

Technology 

IllinoisRocstar, LLC Champaign IL 

Imaginestics, LLC West Lafayette IN 

ImSAR, LLC Springville UT 

Information Systems 

San Diego CA 

Laboratories, Inc. 

Infrared (IR) Telemetrics, Inc. Houghton MI 

Innoflight, Inc. San Diego CA 

InnoSense, LLC Torrance CA 

InnoSys Salt Lake City UT 

Innoveering, LLC Ronkonkoma NY 

Integrated Adaptive 

Gainesville FL 

Applications, Inc. 

Integrated Solutions for Huntsville AL 

Systems 

Intelligent Automation, Inc. Rockville MD 

Intelligent Fusion Technology, Germantown MD 

Inc. 

Interfiber Analysis, LLC Sharon MA 

Intevac Photonics, Inc. Santa Clara CA 

Invercon, LLC State College PA 

Iris Technology Corp. Irvine CA 

Irvine Sensors Corp. Costa Mesa CA 

JENTEK Sensors, Inc. Waltham MA 

Jove Sciences, Inc. San Clemente CA 

Jung Research and 

Washington DC 

Development Corp. 

KalScott Engineering, Inc. Lawrence KS 

Kapteyn-Murnane Laboratories, Boulder 

CO 

Inc. 

Karagozian and Case, Inc. Glendale CA 

FIRM CITY ST 

Keystone Synergistic 

Port Saint Lucie FL 

Enterprises, Inc. 

Kitware Clifton Park NY 

Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. College Station TX 

Lakota Technical Solutions, Inc. Columbia MD 

Land Sea Air Autonomy Westminster MD 

Lumilant, Inc. Newark DE 

Luminit, LLC Torrance CA 

Luna Innovations, Inc. Roanoke VA 

Lynntech, Inc. College Station TX 

Mainstream Engineering Corp. Rockledge FL 

Makel Engineering, Inc. Chico CA 

MAST Technologies San Diego CA 

Matrix Research, Inc. Dayton OH 

Maverick Corp. Blue Ash OH 

MaXentric Technologies LLC Fort Lee NJ 

Mayflower Communications Bedford 

MA 

Company, Inc. 

McQ, Inc. Fredericksburg VA 

Metis Design Corp. Boston MA 

Metna Co. Lansing MI 

Metron, Inc. Reston VA 

METRONOME Software, LLC Laguna Hills CA 

METSS Corp. Westerville OH 

MI Technologies Suwanee GA 

Michigan Engineering Services, Ann Arbor MI 

LLC 

MicroXact, Inc. Blacksburg VA 

Minerva Systems & 

Lexington KY 

Technologies, LLC 

Mission Microwave 

Santa Fe Springs CA 

Technologies, Inc. 

MMA Design, LLC Loveland CO 

Morton Photonics, Inc. West Friendship MD 

MV Innovative Technologies Dayton 

OH 

LLC (DBA: Optonicus) 

MZA Associates Corp. Albuquerque NM 

N&R Engineering Cleveland OH 

Nanocomposix, Inc. San Diego CA 

Nanohmics, Inc Austin TX 

NAVSYS Corp. Colorado Springs CO 

New Eagle Consulting, LLC Ann Arbor MI 

45


FIRM CITY ST 

New Wave Design and St. Louis Park MN 

Verification, LLC 

NexTech Materials, Ltd. Lewis Center OH 

(DBA: Nexceris, LLC) 

Neya Systems, LLC Wexford PA 

Nimbis Services, Inc. McLean VA 

Nokomis, Inc. Charleroi PA 

NorthWest Research Bellevue 

WA 

Associates, Inc. 

Novateur Research Solutions, Ashburn 

VA 

LLC 

NP Photonics, Inc. Tucson AZ 

Numerica Corp. Fort Collins CO 

Numerical Technology Dallas 

TX 

Company, LLC 

Nutronics, Inc. Boulder CO 

Nuvotronics Radford VA 

Oceanit Laboratories, Inc. Honolulu HI 

OEwaves, Inc. Pasadena CA 

Omega Micro Technologies, Inc. West Lafayette IN 

Omega Optics, Inc. Austin TX 

Optical Physics Company Calabasas CA 

Optowares, Inc. Woburn MA 

optX imaging systems, LLC Lorton VA 

Orbit Logic Inc. Greenbelt MD 

PC Krause and Associates, Inc. West Lafayette IN 

PeopleTec, Inc. Huntsville AL 

Perceptive Innovations, Inc. Ashburn VA 

Physical Optics Corp. Torrance CA 

Physical Sciences, Inc. Andover MA 

Physics, Materials, and Applied Tucson 

AZ 

Mathematics Research 

Power Fingerprinting, Inc. Vienna VA 

PreTalen Ltd. Columbus Grove OH 

Princeton Microwave Mercerville NJ 

Technology, Inc. 

Progeny Systems Corp. Manassas VA 

Quantum Technology Sciences, Cocoa Beach FL 

Inc. 

QuinStar Technology, Inc. Torrance CA 

QuNav, LLC Fort Walton Beach FL 

RAM Laboratories, Inc. San Diego CA 

FIRM CITY ST 

Rattan Software Austin TX 

Real-Time Analyzers Middletown CT 

Real-Time Innovations Sunnyvale CA 

ReliaCoat Technologies, LLC East Setauket NY 

RHAMM Technologies, LLC Xenia OH 

Rincon Research Corp. Tucson AZ 

RJ Lee Group, Inc. Monroeville PA 

RMIData, LLC Fort Collins CO 

ROCCOR, LLC Louisville CO 

S.D. Miller and Associates PLLC Flagstaff AZ 

SA Photonics, Inc. Los Gatos CA 

Sabre Systems, Inc. Warrington PA 

SAFE, Inc. Tempe AZ 

San Diego Composites, Inc. San Diego CA 

Scientic, Inc. Huntsville AL 

SeaLandAire Technologies, Inc. Jackson MI 

Select Engineering Services Layton UT 

Sensing Strategies, Inc. Pennington NJ 

SI2 Technologies, Inc. North Billerica MA 

Signature Research, Inc. Calumet MI 

Silverthread, Inc. Cambridge MA 

Silvus Technologies, Inc. Los Angeles CA 

SimQuest, LLC Annapolis MD 

SKC Powertech, Inc. Budd Lake NJ 

Smart Information Flow Minneapolis MN 

Technologies, d/b/a SIFT 

Soar Technology, Inc. Ann Arbor MI 

Sonalysts, Inc. Waterford CT 

Space Information 

Santa Maria CA 

Laboratories, LLC 

SpaceWorks Enterprises, Inc. Atlanta 

GA 

(SEI) 

Spectral Energies, LLC Dayton OH 

Spectral Sciences, Inc. Burlington MA 

SPIRITECH Advanced Products, Tequesta FL 

Inc. 

Sporian Microsystems, Inc. Lafayette CO 

Srico, Inc. Columbus OH 

St. Johns Optical Systems,LLC Sanford FL 

Stottler Henke Associates, Inc. San Mateo CA 

Structural Analytics, Inc. Carlsbad CA 

46


FIRM CITY ST 

Surface Optics Corp. San Diego CA 

Surmet Corp. Burlington MA 

Systems & Technology Woburn 

MA 

Research 

Systima Technologies, Inc. Kirkland WA 

T.I.M.E. to Accomplish, Inc. Grand Ledge MI 

Tanner Research, Inc. Monrovia CA 

Tau Technologies, LLC Albuquerque NM 

TDA Research, Inc. Wheat Ridge CO 

Technology Assessment & Annapolis MD 

Transfer, Inc. 

Technology in Practice Phelan CA 

Technology Service Corp. Silver Spring MD 

Texas Research Institute Austin, Austin 

TX 

Inc. 

The Design Knowledge Fairborn 

OH 

Company 

ThermAvant Technologies, LLC Columbia MO 

Toyon Research Corp. Goleta CA 

TransNova Technologies, LLC Madison AL 

Transparent Products, Inc. Valencia CA 

Trident Systems, Inc. Fairfax VA 

Triton Systems, Inc. Chelmsford MA 

Trusted Semiconductor Anoka 

MN 

Solutions 

UES, Inc. Dayton OH 

Ultra Communications, Inc. Vista CA 

Vector ElectroMagnetics, LLC Beavercreek OH 

Veracity Forecasting and Alexandria VA 

Analysis 

Veritox, Inc. 

Redmond WA 

(DBA: GT Engineering) 

Vescent Photonics Golden CO 

Vescent Photonics, Inc. Golden CO 

VEXTEC Corp. Brentwood TN 

Vibrant Corp. Albuquerque NM 

Vigilant Cyber Systems, Inc. Mount Airy NC 

Virtual EM Inc. Ann Arbor MI 

Virtual Reality Rehab, Inc. Clermont FL 

(VRR) 

VirtusAero LLC Brooklyn Park MN 

Voxtel Inc. Beaverton OR 

FIRM CITY ST 

Wang Electro-Opto Corp. Marietta GA 

Welkin Sciences, LLC Colorado Springs CO 

WINTEC, Inc. Shalimar FL 

WPL, Inc. Manhattan Beach CA 

XAnalytix Systems Clarence Center NY 

X-wave Innovations, Inc. Gaithersburg MD 

Zebra Imaging, Inc. Austin TX 

ZONA Technology, Inc. Scottsdale AZ 

47

Small businesses selected for Air Force STTR award in FY 2016. 

FIRM CITY ST 

Advratech New Carlisle OH 

Amethyst Research, Inc. Ardmore OK 

APIC Corp. Culver City CA 

Aptima, Inc. Woburn MA 

Attollo Engineering, LLC Camarillo CA 

Boron Specialties, LLC Ambridge PA 

Boston Fusion Corp. Lexington MA 

Busek Co. Inc. Natick MA 

CFD Research Corp. Huntsville AL 

Chip Design Systems, LLC Hockessin DE 

Chiral Photonics, Inc. Pine Brook NJ 

Concepts to Systems, Inc. Danville VA 

Control Vision, Inc. Sahuarita AZ 

DECISIVE ANALYTICS Corp. Arlington VA 

DFM Engineering, Inc. Longmont CO 

Echo Ridge, LLC Sterling VA 

Eduworks Corp. Corvallis OR 

Edward Pope Dr. 

(DBA: MATECH) 

Westlake Village 

CA 

Enig Associates, Inc. Bethesda MD 

Epitaxial Laboratory, Inc. Dix Hills NY 

ExoAnalytic Solutions, Inc. Mission Viejo CA 

Faraday Technology, Inc. Englewood OH 

Freedom Photonics, LLC Santa Barbara CA 

Galois, Inc. Portland OR 

GEOST, Inc. Tucson AZ 

Global Aerospace Corp. Irwindale CA 

Global Circuit Innovations, Inc. Colorado Springs CO 

Global Engineering and Mtls., Inc. Princeton NJ 

GrammaTech, Inc. Ithaca NY 

HyPerComp, Inc. Westlake Village CA 

Innovative Advanced Mtls., Inc. Hampton GA 

Intelligent Automation, Inc. Rockville MD 

Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Santa Clara CA 

Corp. 

InView Technology Corp. Austin TX 

IRFLex Corp. Danville VA 

J. T. McGraw and Assoc., LLC Placitas NM 

Knowledge Based Systems, Inc. College Station TX 

Koo & Associates Int’l., Inc. Austin TX 

Lambda Photonics, LLC Orlando FL 

Metacomp Technologies, Inc. Agoura Hills CA 

MetroLaser, Inc. Laguna Hills CA 

FIRM CITY ST 

Microelectronics Research Colorado Springs CO 

Development Corp. 

MZA Associates Corp. Albuquerque NM 

Nanohmics, Inc. Austin TX 

NextGen Aeronautics Torrance CA 

Nonlinear Control Strategies, Tucson 

AZ 

Inc. 

Novateur Research Solutions, Ashburn 

VA 

LLC 

Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc. Fayetteville AR 

PaneraTech, Inc. Chantilly VA 

Perceptive Innovations, Inc. ASHBURN VA 

Physical Sciences, Inc. Andover MA 

Prioria Robotics, Inc. Gainesville FL 

Quest Integrated LLC Kent WA 

Radiation Monitoring Devices, Watertown MA 

Inc. 

Rattan Software Austin TX 

R-DEX Systems, LLC Marietta GA 

Sandia Research Corp. Mesa AZ 

SEAKR Engineering, Inc. Centennial CO 

Smart Asset Monitoring & Scottsdale AZ 

Management Systems, LLC 

Smart Information Flow Minneapolis MN 

Technologies (DBA: SIFT) 

Soter Technology, LLC Leesburg VA 

Spectral Energies, LLC Dayton OH 

Spectral Molecular Imaging, Inc. Beverly Hills CA 

Streamline Numerics, Inc. Gainesville FL 

TallannQuest, LLC Sachse TX 

Tech-X Corp. Boulder CO 

Tenet 3, LLC Dayton OH 

Texas Research Institute Austin, Austin 

TX 

Inc. 

Third Dimension Technologies Knoxville TN 

Tier 1 Performance Solutions, Covington KY 

LLC 

Triton Systems, Inc. Chelmsford MA 

Truventic, LLC Orlando FL 

Unmanned Science, Inc. Dublin OH 

VESCO-NM, LLC Albuquerque NM 

Vuronyx Technologies Beverly MA 

Wasatch Molecular, Inc. Salt Lake City UT 

ZONA Technology, Inc. Scottsdale AZ 

48

ACRONYMS 

49

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

F 

H 

I 

J 

L 

M 

N 

O 

P 

R 

ACRONYM 

AARG 

AFB 

AFRL 

BAA 

BFI 

CR&D 

CRP 

DoD 

EW 

FY 

HUBZone 

IR&D 

JAF 

JDAM 

JDAM-ER 

LLC 

MDC 

MTTR 

NFF 

OSD 

PI 

R&D 

UNABBREVIATED 

Affordable Accurate Robot Guidance 

Air Force Base 


Broad Agency Announcement 

Briefing for Industry 

Collaborative Research and Development 

Commercialization Readiness Program 

Department of Defense 

Electronic Warfare 

Fiscal Year 

Historically Underutilized Business Zone 

Independent Research and Development 

Joint Direct Attack Munition 

Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range 

Limited Liability Company 

Major Defense Contractor 

Mean Time To Repair 

No Fault Found 

Office of the Secretary of Defense 

Principal Investigator 

Research and Development 

50

S 

T 

W 

ACRONYM 

SAF 

SAF/AQR 

SBA 

SBC 

SBID 

SBIR 

STMP 

STTP 

STTR 

TAP 

TEO 

TIM 

TSA 

WPAFB 

UNABBREVIATED 

Secretary of the Air Force 

Secretary of the Air Force’s Science, Technology 

and Engineering Directorate 

Small Business Administration 

Small Business Concerns 

Small Business Industry Days 

Small Business Innovation Research 

SBIR Technology Maturation Plan 

SBIR Technology Transition Plan 

Small Business Technology Transfer 

Technology Acceleration Program 

Technology Executive Officer 

Technology Interchange Meeting 

Test Strand Analyzer 

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base 

51


ACHIEVEMENTS 

The Air Force SBIR/STTR Program Office produced its annual Achievements book covering success stories written and 

published during FY 2016. 

This publication highlights a number of small business success stories from 2016. 

TRANSITION EQUIPPING THE WARFIGHTER 

SMALL BUSINESS HELPS DRIVE DOWN COSTS OF HIGH-IMPACT TITANIUM 

AIRCRAFT PARTS 

The Air Force is pushing hard to generate fuel 

savings and cut the maintenance costs of its 

planes by boosting the use of titanium components 

across its aircraft programs. 

While lighter and stronger than traditional aircraft 

materials, titanium parts are difficult to machine 

at high speeds so the cost is notoriously high and 

their applications are limited. Any improvement in 

the manufacturing of titanium parts could have a 

dramatic impact on affordability of aircraft, such 

as the F-35. 

Courtesy Joint Strike Fighter Program 




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