U.S. Navy Supports Small Business Innovation and Growth

The U.S. Navy has established a program aimed at assisting small businesses that develop technologies for military applications. This initiative serves to bridge the gap between innovation and contracting, ultimately focusing on supporting warfighters.

According to Steven Sullivan, director of the DoD SBIR/STTR Program, the Navy seeks to educate small businesses, many of which are new to engaging with the Department of Defense. This education is crucial for helping these businesses navigate the complexities of military contracting.

Upon successful completion of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, small businesses can participate in the SBIR/STTR transition program (STP). The STP is designed to help these companies transition their Phase II technologies to the Navy or DoD, providing educational resources, market research, and business consulting.

The STP focuses on overcoming the ‘valley of death,’ a term that describes the challenges businesses face in obtaining funding for further testing and development. The program includes networking events that connect small businesses with potential partners and clients, enhancing their opportunities for growth.

STP participants reportedly experience an 18% higher success rate compared to non-participants, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in addressing specific acquisition needs within the Navy and supporting small business objectives.

Corren McCoy, senior vice president of enterprise engineering and artificial intelligence strategy at G2 Ops, a participant in the STP, stressed the importance of focusing on customer needs rather than solely on product development.

Matt Wilson, corporate vice president for strategic initiatives at SimVentions, noted that the STP has empowered companies to improve their marketing strategies. The program has helped participants refine their messaging to better communicate their value to a broader audience.

Jim Ong, group manager at Stottler Henke Associates, shared that the guidance provided by the STP was instrumental in structuring their marketing messages, which focused on addressing customer pain points.

Emerging businesses involved in the program have found immense value in the consulting and networking opportunities offered, with trust being a core component of successful business relationships.