How the DoD SBIR/STTR release cycle works

DoD (now styled the Department of War on SBIR.gov) publishes most of its SBIR/STTR topics through the DoD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). Topics move through stages:

• Pre-release. Topics are published and you can usually talk directly with the technical point of contact (TPOC) listed on the topic. Once the topic opens, direct contact stops and questions go through the portal's Q&A.
• Open. Proposals are accepted until the close date.
• Closed.

SBIR.gov's funding planner notes: “Department of War releases are the first Wednesday of each month, and closes the last Wednesday of the following month.” Many topics also show a CMMC (cybersecurity) level on DSIP. SBIR Radar shows it when DSIP publishes it.

Official sources

• SBIR.gov – Funding opportunities & planner
• DoD SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal – Topics

This guide is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Rules change; the solicitation and SBA policy directive govern.