Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-2024
Abstract
Every year the United States invests $3.2 billion in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to promote innovation among the nation’s small businesses. Half of this investment is from the DoD. This research considers the challenges faced by small businesses innovating with the DoD, particularly those awarded SBIR contracts with the United States Air Force. The authors surveyed 286 unique small businesses that were previously awarded an Air Force SBIR contract. By asking the survey respondents open-ended questions and categorizing their responses, they pinpoint unaddressed challenges from the small business perspective. By categorizing survey responses through Qualitative Content Analysis, they further identify five categories of challenges: Solver-Seeker Disconnect, Funding, Engagement, Processes, and Seeker Education. With this new insight, the authors seek to inform SBIR policies and improve the program’s effectiveness.
Source Publication
Defense Acquisition Research Journal
Recommended Citation
Holt, H., Cox, A., Drylie, S., Long, D., Thal, A., & Fass, R. (2024). Innovation Challenges in the Air Force SBIR Program: From the Small Businesses’ Perspective. Defense Acquisition Research Journal, 31(2), 124–156. https://doi.org/10.22594/dau.24-916.31.02
Included in
Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Government Contracts Commons
Comments
The Defense Aqcuisition Research Journal is a publication of the Defense Acquisition University. The journal website and other ARJ articles are available here.