Air Force SBIR/STTR Winning Proposal Templates & Resources

An icon for winning SBIR proposals submitted to the US Air Force/AFWERX. The image shows a formation of five US Air Force fighter jets flying in a diagonal formation in the sky with clouds in the background.

How the Air Force SBIR/STTR Process Works

  1. Identify Open or Closed Topics: Use the DSIP (Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal) to find current Air Force opportunities.

  1. Start Your Proposal: Build out all required volumes using our guides and templates.

  2. Double-Check & Certify: Submit and certify before the deadline—avoid last-minute portal glitches!

  3. Respond to Feedback: Request feedback letters and iterate for future submissions.

The cover image for an article on how to decide whether to Bid or a SBIR topic or not. The image shows A woman presenting ideas with sticky notes on a whiteboard to a group of people in a meeting room.

Why Target Air Force SBIR/STTR Opportunities?

The U.S. Air Force invests millions each year in small business innovation through SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs. Whether you’re building advanced AI, aerospace systems, or dual-use tech, these programs offer up to $250K in Phase I and millions in follow-on funding.

Our Best Selling Resources and Templates

Winning SBIR Air Force Phase I Open Topic Proposal
Quick View
Winning SBIR Air Force Phase I Open Topic Proposal
$35.00

Winning Air Force Open Topic Phase I

Unlock the secrets to securing small business government R&D funds with this digital download: A winning and funded Open Topic Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) proposal submitted to and funded by the Department of the Air Force (DAF). We made these proposal available to help you navigate the complexities of bidding on a competitive Phase I government contract and win more work.

What’s Inside:

  • PDF 4:3 slide deck: The complete, exactly as submitted, Volume 2 for an Air Force SBIR Open Topic Phase 1 that was funded $75,000 for a feasibility assessment to bring a commercial software product to the warfighter. Identifying, financial, and sensitive information redacted for confidentiality.

  • Proven Structure: This funded Phase I follows a successful format used by a software small business, making it easier for you to understand how to present your ideas, businesses qualifications and work plan effectively.

  • Instant Access: Download your PDF instantly and start crafting your winning proposal today! No waiting—just a straightforward digital resource at your fingertips.

Winning SBIR Air Force Direct to Phase II Closed Topic Proposal
Quick View
Winning SBIR Air Force Direct to Phase II Closed Topic Proposal
$97.00

Winning Air Force Direct to Phase II closed topic proposal.

Unlock the secrets to securing government contracts with this digital download: a winning Air Force Direct to Phase II small business government contract SBIR proposal. This comprehensive proposal is designed to help you navigate the complexities of government procurement with confidence and clarity.

What’s Inside:

  • PDF White Paper: The complete, exactly as submitted, Volume 2 for an Air Force SBIR Direct to Phase II capped at $1.8M for bringing a commercial software product to the Air Force maintenance. Identifying, financial, and sensitive information redacted for confidentiality.

  • Proven Structure: This funded proposal follows a successful format used by a software startup, making it easier for you to understand how to present your businesses qualifications and proposals effectively.

  • Redacted for Confidentiality: All identifying, sensitive, and proprietary information has been carefully removed, ensuring you can use this document as a powerful framework without any risk.

  • Instant Access: Download your PDF instantly and start crafting your winning proposal today! No waiting—just a straightforward digital resource at your fingertips.

Fillable SBIR Cost Volume Builder
Quick View
Fillable SBIR Cost Volume Builder
$47.00

Build out your cost volumes in minutes with our all in one guide and template that we wish we had for our first government proposals. Every download includes a link to our video walkthrough breaking down each step.

This cost volume guide and template walks you through how to properly show your cost estimate for labor, materials, subcontractors, overhead, profit rate, and all the questions you will have to answer to submit a successful Volume II. Export your final copy to PDF to upload to Volume V to meet your "Additional Cost Volume" requirement.

What’s Inside:

  • Fillable Excel with Formulas: Go from Excel or Google Sheets to DSIP with ease and peace of mind that your numbers are solid. Fill in each tab according to the included guide and complete your cost volume in minutes.

  • Video Walkthrough: No wasting time second guessing what to write with an included strategy walkthrough video that breaks down each step to go from a blank Excel to a completed cost volume in minutes.

  • Instant Access: Download your Cost Volume builder instantly and start crafting your winning Vol III today! No waiting—just a straightforward digital resource at your fingertips.

Ready to Win Your Next Air Force Contract?

Browse our Air Force SBIR/STTR templates and guides now to give your proposal the winning edge.

Our Most Visited Free Resources

 FAQs

  • The Air Force SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs provide funding to small businesses developing innovative technologies with potential defense and commercial applications. U.S.-based small businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible. STTR proposals require a research institution partner.


  • The Air Force often uses “Open Topics” to encourage broad innovation, but proposals must still align with defense priorities and demonstrate dual-use potential.

  • Our templates are based on real, redacted winning proposals and include step-by-step guidance, compliance checklists, and strategy notes tailored to Air Force requirements. This helps you avoid common mistakes, save time, and present your solution in a way that resonates with evaluators.

  • Yes! Our redacted proposal examples show you exactly what works—without revealing proprietary or classified details. You can learn tone and see the strategy for laying out the case for funding you business without knowing the companies name.

  • Due to the digital nature of our products and the proprietary value, we do not offer refunds or feedback on submissions.

  • Winning proposals clearly address Air Force priorities, demonstrate technical merit, and show strong commercial potential. Our resources help you align your technology with open or closed topics, build a compelling case for dual-use innovation, and meet all submission requirements.

  • Yes, all our templates and guides are updated to reflect the latest Air Force SBIR/STTR solicitation requirements, including formatting, content structure, and submission instructions. However, submission requirements can change even after a set of topics is released so you should always cross reference our templates (or anyones!) with the BAA and agency specific instructions.

  • While proposal preparation time varies, our fillable templates and strategy guides can reduce your drafting time by 50% or more. Many users complete initial drafts within a week, depending on team size and readiness.