Choosing the Right SBIR Track: Open Topic vs. Specific Topic

When pursuing SBIR funding through the Department of Defense (DoD), one of the most critical decisions a company must make is seeking the open topic or specific topic track. This decision can significantly impact the success and direction of your proposal, so it's essential to understand each track's key differences and benefits.

Understanding Open Topic and Specific Topic

Open Topic:

• Open-topic solicitations are broad and accept proposals in any area related to the DoD mission. This approach encourages companies to propose innovative ideas that align with the DoD's overall goals.

Specific Topic:

• Specific topic solicitations are narrow and target particular problems or needs identified by the DoD. This track focuses on predefined issues and often has more detailed requirements and expectations.
• Companies pursuing this track must understand the problem, technical requirements, performance metrics, and expected outcomes.

How They Work:

Open Topic:

• Accept any innovative idea related to the DoD mission.
• It may have higher competition and less guidance but offers broad possibilities.

Specific Topic:

• Targets particular problems or needs with detailed requirements.
• Focuses on solving predefined issues, often requiring a clear understanding of technical expectations.

Qualifications:

Open Topic:

• Requires an identified DoD customer or end user for Phase III.
• Proposals should have commercialization potential and defence impact.
• Compete across all domains and technologies

Specific Topic:

• Must address a specific DoD-defined problem.
• Requires clear technical understanding and expected outcomes.
• Competition is within the same topic area.

Choosing between open and specific topic tracks should align with your company's strengths and strategic goals. At Inspiralia, we continue to support innovative companies that push the boundaries and thrive through DoD SBIR? opportunities, fostering a competitive and dynamic industry landscape.