SBIR/STTR Commercialization Phase III: Transition Barriers

Abstract

The purpose of this mixed methods research project is to identify causes of the valley of death that prevent small businesses and the Department of the Air Force organization, AFWERX, from achieving a successful Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Phase III transition. Specifically, what are the causes and the potential solutions to barriers preventing small businesses and acquisition professionals from achieving Phase III transitions within the AFWERX organization and what are the current Phase III reporting practices and are there potential gaps in data collection? The results from the questionnaires and interviews show there are specific areas that can be addressed to eliminate some of the barriers this research identifies. Specifically, advocating for the recent Congressional proposed reform to the Planning, Budgeting, Programming, and Execution Model to address funding gaps and enhance agility in acquiring current technologies such as the creation of an agile innovation fund. Additionally, research emphasizes increasing awareness and understanding of Phase III among all stakeholders within the Department of the Air Force. There is an ongoing emphasis within the DAF on accurately recording Phase III awards in the Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation, which serves as the federal government's data repository. A recommendation to FPDS-NG requests an additional field be added to better track the progress of Phase III awards.