Army SBIR/STTR (incl. xTech open-topic competitions)
Phase I up to ~$250,000–$300,000; Phase II ~$1.1M–$2M. xTech prize tracks add cash awards (e.g., finalists ~$20k, winners ~$150k) plus a follow-on Phase I. · US Army (Army SBIR/STTR Program Office)
The US Army's SBIR/STTR program funds defense-relevant R&D from small businesses, and pairs with the 'xTech' family of open-topic prize competitions (xTechSearch, xTech|Inversion, etc.) that award cash prizes plus a fast track to submit an Army SBIR Phase I proposal. Current lifecycle: open. Real economics: Phase I up to ~$250,000–$300,000; Phase II ~$1.1M–$2M. xTech prize tracks add cash awards (e.g., finalists ~$20k, winners ~$150k) plus a follow-on Phase I..
Tier 2sbirsttrarmyxtech
ApplyOfficial siteOpen in the live directory
Key facts
| Funder | US Army (Army SBIR/STTR Program Office) |
| Amount | Phase I up to ~$250,000–$300,000; Phase II ~$1.1M–$2M. xTech prize tracks add cash awards (e.g., finalists ~$20k, winners ~$150k) plus a follow-on Phase I. |
| Decision time | xTech: multi-round over ~2–4 months; SBIR Phase I selection ~2–3 months after topic close |
| Eligibility | US for-profit small business (<500 employees), >50% US-owned; US-based work. STTR needs a US research-institution partner. xTech open topics welcome dual-use tech with Army relevance. |
| Restrictions | Awards are contracts or grants with technical milestones, invoices, cybersecurity and federal compliance; Phase II and transition funding are separately competed or negotiated. Funds pay only the awarded topic's allowable R&D costs; lobbying, unsupported costs and work outside contract scope are excluded. |
| Status | open |
Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.
Application process
- Register SAM.gov (UEI), SBIR.gov company registration, and DSIP account
- Choose path: standard Army topic (via DoD monthly BAA on DSIP) OR an xTech open-topic competition
- For xTech: submit a concept white paper → invited pitch/demo → win prize + eligibility to submit an Army SBIR Phase I
- Submit Phase I proposal (technical + cost + commercialization) via DSIP
- Army technical evaluation and selection
- Phase I award; invited Phase II follows
Background
US Army (Army SBIR/STTR Program Office) operates Army SBIR/STTR (incl. xTech open-topic competitions). This pass separates direct cash, repayable finance, credits, incentives and umbrella programs so later ranking does not compare unlike instruments. Army SBIR publishes topics, awards and xTech transition routes. The federal SBIR/STTR framework provides a competitive Phase I-to-Phase II pathway. Phase III uses non-SBIR funding and is not guaranteed.
How the application really works
Register SAM.gov (UEI), SBIR.gov company registration, and DSIP account → Choose path: standard Army topic (via DoD monthly BAA on DSIP) OR an xTech open-topic competition → For xTech: submit a concept white paper → invited pitch/demo → win prize + eligibility to submit an Army SBIR Phase I → Submit Phase I proposal (technical + cost + commercialization) via DSIP → Army technical evaluation and selection → Phase I award; invited Phase II follows
Tips
- Show direct fit with Army-relevant dual-use technology.
Watch out for
- Current lifecycle is open.
- Awards are contracts or grants with technical milestones, invoices, cybersecurity and federal compliance; Phase II and transition funding are separately competed or negotiated.
- Funds pay only the awarded topic's allowable R&D costs; lobbying, unsupported costs and work outside contract scope are excluded.
Track record
- Army SBIR publishes topics, awards and xTech transition routes.
- The federal SBIR/STTR framework provides a competitive Phase I-to-Phase II pathway.
- Phase III uses non-SBIR funding and is not guaranteed.
The reviewed official corpus does not publish an applicant denominator and comparable selection rate.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this actionable now?
- open. US Army uses Army topics and xTech-linked competitions; applicants must verify the live topic and close date because release windows change.
- What is the real economic value?
- Phase I up to ~$250,000–$300,000; Phase II ~$1.1M–$2M. xTech prize tracks add cash awards (e.g., finalists ~$20k, winners ~$150k) plus a follow-on Phase I.
- Who is eligible?
- US for-profit small business (<500 employees), >50% US-owned; US-based work. STTR needs a US research-institution partner. xTech open topics welcome dual-use tech with Army relevance.
- How does selection work?
- Register SAM.gov (UEI), SBIR.gov company registration, and DSIP account; Choose path: standard Army topic (via DoD monthly BAA on DSIP) OR an xTech open-topic competition; For xTech: submit a concept white paper → invited pitch/demo → win prize + eligibility to submit an Army SBIR Phase I; Submit Phase I proposal (technical + cost + commercialization) via DSIP; Army technical evaluation and selection; Phase I award; invited Phase II follows. xTech: multi-round over ~2–4 months; SBIR Phase I selection ~2–3 months after topic close
- What burden and restrictions apply?
- Awards are contracts or grants with technical milestones, invoices, cybersecurity and federal compliance; Phase II and transition funding are separately competed or negotiated. Funds pay only the awarded topic's allowable R&D costs; lobbying, unsupported costs and work outside contract scope are excluded.
- What evidence exists?
- Army SBIR publishes topics, awards and xTech transition routes. The federal SBIR/STTR framework provides a competitive Phase I-to-Phase II pathway. Phase III uses non-SBIR funding and is not guaranteed. The reviewed official corpus does not publish an applicant denominator and comparable selection rate.
Related grants
Sources
- armysbir.army.mil — Official US Army program, topics and public contact (checked 2026-08-10)
- www.sbir.gov/about — Official federal eligibility, phases, ownership and data-rights framework (checked 2026-08-10)
- www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app — Official live defense topic evidence where applicable (checked 2026-08-10)