Aligning DOD Small Business Innovative Research (SBIRs) With Private-Sector Forces Driving Defense Innovation “BREAKING DEFENSE” By Jon Chung and Dan Berkenstoc
The Department of Defense's Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, which has invested $35 billion over 40 years, is facing reauthorization this fall. Lawmakers are considering reforms to better align SBIR funding with private-sector innovation driving defense technology. Proposed changes include the Strategic Breakthrough Funding (SBF) program, which would match SBIR funds with government contracts and private capital to accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies by the Pentagon. AI
IMPACT Potential reforms to SBIR could accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies, including AI, within the defense sector.