The DLA Small Business Innovation Programs (SBIP) consist of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
The SBIR Program was established by Congress in 1982 to fund research and development (R&D) by small businesses of 500 or fewer employees. Eleven federal agencies participate in the program.
The STTR Program was established in 1992 to fund cooperative R&D projects with small businesses and non-profit U.S. research institutions, such as universities. Seven federal agencies participate.
The objectives of the SBIPs are to stimulate technological innovation and increase commercialization of R&D within the DLA managed supply chains improving service to the warfighter.
The SBIR/STTR programs are structured in the following three phases.
- Phase I projects demonstrate the feasibility of technologies.
- Phase II projects develop prototype processes or products for proof-of-concept demonstration.
- Phase III is the commercial application of the technology. (Not a set-aside)