Advanced Research
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) /
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs
Advanced Research administers MDA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, which are the fourth largest in the Department of Defense. The agency's focus for the SBIR and STTR programs is to pursue technologies that could spur a revolutionary leap or enhancement, decrease the time required to transform them into actual applications for insertion into the Ballistic Missile Defense System, and benefit from commercialization of the technology. MDA system elements submit research topics that are applicable to the needs of the BMDS. Radar and Electro-optic Sensors, Manufacturing, Materials Development, Modeling and Simulation, Command and Control, and Propulsion are all example topics.
The MDA SBIR/STTR process has three phases. In Phase-I, companies apply for a seven-month award to test the scientific, technical, commercial feasibility of a particular concept. All companies who receive a Phase-I award are allowed to propose a two-year Phase-II project to further develop the concept, usually to the prototype stage. Phase-III is the commercialization and transition phase of the process. Once the company completes Phase-II there is an expectation on the company to obtain funding from the private sector and/or non-SBIR government sources to develop the concept into a product for sale in the private sector and/or military markets.
While STTR has the same objectives as SBIR regarding the involvement of small businesses in federal research and development and the commercialization of innovative technologies, the STTR program requires teaming with universities, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), or other non-profit research institutions.
Current and former MDA SBIR and STTR topics are available on the DoD SBIR/STTR Small Business Portal.
SBIR/STTR Resources
- Summary of the Kinetic Impact Debris Distribution Model (KIDD) capabilities, the Missile Defense Agency's Modeling and Simulation Program (MDA/DES) hit-to-kill intercept debris generation tool
- Summary of the Parametric Endo-Exoatmospheric Lethality Simulation (PEELS) capabilities, the Missile Defense Agency's Modeling and Simulation Program (MDA/DES) end-game lethality assessment tool
- Summary of the Missile Defense Agency's Propulsion-Related Signature Modeling capabilities and applications
- Summary of the Missile Defense Agency's Electro-Optical / Infrared hardbody signature modeling capabilities and applications
For additional information on MDA SBIR and STTR opportunities and procedures, please review the following brochures:
Learn more by clicking the links below:
- DoD SBIR/STTR website
- SBIR Outreach State Resources Listing
- Executive Order 13329: Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing
- Energy Independence and Security Act
Contact Us
MDA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office
(256) 955-2020
To Report Fraud, Waste, or Abuse, Please Contact:
MDA Fraud, Waste & Abuse
Hotline: (256) 313-9699
MDAHotline@mda.mil
DoD Inspector General (IG) Fraud, Waste & Abuse
Hotline: (800) 424-9098
hotline@dodig.mil