Tradewinds SBIR Blog
Ryan Connell, Acq/Tradewinds Lead

What the Heck’s Going on with Tradewinds and SBIR?

Navigating the Department of Defense's (DoD) contracting landscape can be confusing, especially when multiple initiatives like the Tradewinds Solution Marketplace (TSM), SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) Aisle, and an Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) SBIR announcement related to the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and Tradewinds are involved. These programs may seem similar on the surface, but they each serve a different purpose and provide distinct opportunities. Let’s take a moment to explore what each one offers and clarify how they work together to foster innovation within the DoD.

The Tradewinds Solution Marketplace

For those unfamiliar, the TSM is designed to simplify how the DoD finds cutting-edge solutions in a post-competition environment for easy contracting. Instead of going through lengthy, traditional contracting processes, the TSM allows the Government to require owners to discover solutions that are available after CDAO has completed the solicitation and competition phase of an acquisition (authorities rooted in a Broad Agency Announcement, Commercial Solution Opening, and/or Solicitation for Other Transaction, depending on the procurement). This process also facilitates a low barrier to entry for companies to submit video pitches showcasing their technology directly to DoD officials. The TSM Opportunity (on the Tradewinds opportunity webpage) provides solution providers a way to submit to TSM.

SBIR Aisle: Broadening the reach of your previously awarded SBIR

The “SBIR Aisle” within Tradewinds is a new call for 5-minute videos, much like the TSM; however, this is specifically created to promote solutions that DoD has already selected for SBIR Phase I & II awards. The SBIR statute allows for further procurement without further competition, which aligns with the intent of the original TSM. This open call for SBIR Phase I and II solutions will require similar criteria for pitch videos – limitation of 5 minutes, resolution requirements, marking limitations, etc. However, the CDAO will not perform any further competitive assessment; as per the SBIR statute, procurement is allowed without further competition.

Once a company wins a SBIR award, how does it keep momentum and get its technology in front of the right DoD stakeholders? That’s where the SBIR Aisle comes in. SBIR awardees can place their solutions in the TSM without needing to compete again. They’re automatically deemed competitive, since they’ve already been vetted through the SBIR program. This streamlines the process for these businesses, giving them a direct path to showcasing their innovations and securing DoD interest. This announcement is incorporated in the TSM announcement v7 on Sam.gov.

OSD SBIR Open Topic and CDAO for GenAI: A New Opportunity

Let’s introduce another Tradewinds-SBIR element: the OSD SBIR Open Topic, particularly in connection with the CDAO for Generative AI (GenAI). This initiative is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence within Defense, seeking out GenAI solutions that can enhance mission success. This is neither the TSM, nor the SBIR Aisle call for existing SBIR awardees; this is a new OSD SBIR call. However, the open topic is a bit different from the traditional SBIR process. Rather than a written technical volume, we aligned the requirement with our TSM model and require a 5-minute pitch video. The instructions for submitting will be outlined in the instructions on the Defense SBIR/Small Business Technology Transfer Innovation Portal (DSIP) and the Tradewindai.com opportunity page (SBIR opportunity). Unlike TSM and SBIR Aisle, this announcement has OSD/CDAO funding and anticipated SBIR awards during FY 25.

Conclusion: The Right Fit for Your Innovation

Whether you’re developing new AI solutions, participating in the SBIR program, or simply looking to get your foot in the door with the DoD, the combination of TSM, TSM SBIR Aisle, and the OSD SBIR Open Topic provides multiple entry points. By clarifying the workflows, requirements, and opportunities associated with each, solution providers can take the right steps to maximize their chances of success within the DoD.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to explore these opportunities and find your place within the DoD’s innovation ecosystem.