Q: What is The Bridge?

The Bridge is a service provided by the Small Business Consulting Corporation (SBCC) for Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), along with the Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP), which identifies and supports potential small business candidates for DoD customers. Our team is uniquely qualified to screen, mentor, and support small business enterprises in their pursuit of DoD onboarding.

Our mission is to establish a robust industry base that enables a healthy and technologically advanced military industrial complex.

The Bridge aims to give National Security Partners access to the best solution providers our nation has to offer, in a way that makes sense for both the government and our critical commercial partners. The Bridge team is dedicated to enabling the direct networking and sponsorship of technology solutions. Our focus is on selecting the best technologies, fostering strong partnerships with a foundation of trust, and providing the necessary networks to bridge the gap between the private and public sector to enable true transition.

Q: Why set up The Bridge?

While AFWERX has made great strides in understanding new ways to do business, that process has not been scaled, and brings challenges to the command level. The Bridge helps in the following ways:

1. To screen through the sea of awesome companies and find those best suited to the command’s mission set

2. Bring together different partners whose combined efforts solve Air Force problems in a trusted environment

3. Support companies through the challenges of working with the government

4. Evolve the requirements development process to better accommodate new technologies

5. Lead DoD customers toward establishing inclusive industry standards, allowing participation from a more diverse set of entrants beyond the typical prime partners

Q: How is The Bridge different from other SBIR/STTR consulting firms?

The Bridge is not an agency, it is a scouting service provided to DoD clients by our SBCC team of expert research and development scientists, financial advisors, and business consultants. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive and encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. The Bridge allows potential companies to speak directly to DoD customers to identify potential fits and begin the integration process.

Many consultant agencies are either unfocused on a customer and require companies to do their own searching OR they are focused on acquisition units with preexisting requirements. The former assertion is unrealistic in the complex customer environment of the DoD, where your customer is a combination of a user, a command/requirements office, and a purchaser-all who have been trained for decades not to talk to companies without a contracting officer in the room. The latter is restrictive, because program offices are limited in money they can spend on new innovative things, as there is no existing requirement.

We believe that the key to success for creating a transition path MUST include the requirements office who can generate new requirements, and override old ones. This is the process that drives congressional appropriations. We have partnered with the requirements office, who is the core customer for both technologists AND the acquisition core.

Q: Why is there another screening process, despite that of AFGSC?

With the awesome changes in the SBIR program, companies are reaching out to commands with all kinds of innovative ideas - the problem is that there are too many to sift through, and not enough time/ personnel available to adequately vet the technology and companies/teams providing them. 

SBCC saw and understood this issue, and created The Bridge Showcase to act as a mechanism to streamline efficiency for AFGSC and provide the resources to adequately address these gaps. In doing so, The Bridge is able to join technical, financial, and legal experts, with AFGSC decision makers to efficiently evaluate dual purpose innovations and the teams supporting, thereby efficiently channeling solutions that will directly support the AF and AFGSC.  

Our goal is that it will eventually be a natural and easy part of the process for new tech to be considered for any problem the AF is trying to solve, but we have to start that scaling process somewhere.  We will open other pathways - but pitch events are currently understood and exciting, and therefore a great play to start!  

Q: What is The Bridge’s relationship to AFGSC

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is the primary customer of The Bridge. They have hired SBCC as advisory consultants to identify potential commercial technologies to enhance mission needs The Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (EAP) from the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF) assists SBCC in this effort.

ABOUT THE SHOWCASE

Q: What is the Showcase

The Showcase is an opportunity for companies to directly connect with decision makers in Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). It begins with an open application where any small business may present an innovative solution that adds value to military operations and training. Selected finalists are chosen to pitch live to a virtual panel of AFGSC and SBCC leaders for an endorsement opportunity. Winners will receive coaching and networking opportunities within the Air Force and any future DoD partners. This is a call out for any small business solution that can support continuous global operations, from communications, to logistics, to crew comfort!

Q: Is the Showcase Virtual or In Person?

Fully remote virtual. Our panelists are logging in from all across the country, and we expect applicants to be across multiple timezones too. Currently we are hosting all activities - the Showcase and the follow up mentorship - remote to provide immediate services while also accommodating for diverse locations.

Q: How do I apply?

Check out our Showcase page for updates on our next event.

The application includes a basic company information form as well as submission portals for a white paper, quad chart, and video link as applicable. Templates are available on the submission page. We also suggest obtaining a CAGE code before applying.

Q: Is there a submission fee?

No, submission is free.

We are not middle-men, nor do we require a “finder’s fee” for connecting your company to a DoD customer.

Q: Can I submit multiple projects?

Yes, but as individual submissions and not together on one form. You will need to submit each new proposal with an updated company name to reflect the additional proposal. Example - (Company Name - Proposal 1) (Company Name - Proposal 2).

Q: How are applicants chosen?

A team of evaluators review every application in depth over a period of 10 days, selecting the best prospective solutions. The strategic partners convene with the evaluators during a down-select session to review all notes and choose the finalists. There is no set number of finalists nor winners, as we hope to provide as many connection opportunities as possible.

Q: Who makes up the panel?

Selected companies will pitch virtually to AFGSC and SBCC leaders, as well as potential commercial investors. These are the customers for your solution as well as the mentors who will guide you through the SBIR/STTR application process. Panelists will give real time feedback as well as greater detail in a follow up debrief.

Q: When are finalists chosen for the Live Pitch Event?

About a week after applications are submitted. Winners are then notified about 48 hours after the final Pitch day.

Q: How does the Live Pitch Event work?

The event is fully virtual with panelists tuning in from multiple time zones. Finalists will be given a Zoom registration link and an appointed time for their presentation. There will be a waiting room available for presenters to check their equipment and visual aids ahead of their scheduled present time. When the panelists are ready, presenters will be sent into the “pitch room” and will have 10 minutes to showcase their project. 5 minutes are reserved at the end for Q&A with the panelists. Presenters will then be sent through to a debriefing room where they will receive immediate feedback from panelists after short deliberations. Final decisions from panelists will be made after presentations have concluded, and all teams should be notified within about 48 hours of the last pitch.

Q: What do I get as a Winner?

Winners receive:

• A signed endorsement Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) or Letter of Support (LoS) for the SBIR/STTR program

• A TPOC/POC from AFGSC to support transition and relationships within the command and with key government stakeholders

• A retired O9 or O10 Air Force Officer as a mentor to help open doors within the DoD

• Direct support from The Bridge partners on you SBIR submission package

Q: Will winners get a USAF Contract?

The Showcase does not guarantee nor imply any future contracts with any of the armed forces. However, for those solutions that have promise, AFGSC and other DoD partners have innovation funding allocated towards exploring solutions and partnerships. Compelling solutions will be explored.

Q: Is there a monetary prize? Is this a decision challenge or an opportunity challenge?

There is no monetary prize. This is a showcase, not a challenge. The main “prize” is a MOU or LoS and the direct interaction with military decision-makers and investors, as well as continuing mentorship and support. If your idea gets the right attention, it could lead to a future contract or funding.

Q: What kind of projects, technologies, etc. will The Bridge seek?

Agile Communications, Non-GPS Time Synchronization, 3D Rendering For Advanced Manufacturing, Decision Support Systems, Data Visualization, 5G Technologies, Situational Awareness Enhancement, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning/Autonomy, Quantum (Computing, Communication, Encryption, Key Distribution, etc.), Remote Sensing, Low-SWaP (Size, Wight, & Power), Big Data Analytics, Cyber Resilience (system and/or data security), Adaptive Resilience, Flight Safety and Security, Flight Crew Support, Advanced Communication Technologies, Human-Machine Teaming, And more! We want your creativity and innovation, especially if it provides solutions beyond our current capabilities.

Q: Why is it worth the effort to go through the showcase?

1) Memorandum of Understanding//Letter of Support

MOU or LOS for their current stage of SBIR. If you're going into phase one, you'll get a letter of support written and signed by a general officer within the command. If you are in your phase one and you are looking for a phase two endorsement, you'll get that MOU from the command. In unique cases, where the work from your previous SBIR’s is highly relevant (either executed for an AFGSC unit, or directly relevant to AFGSC use case), we can also support with TACFI and STRATFI Applications. While this physical show of endorsement is something you can receive upon selection for endorsement, you do not have to go through SBIR – if you are not SBIR eligible, or another pathway makes more sense, AFGSC will consider the situation and can endorse through other contract mechanisms.

2) Person of Contact for Phase Two

The second thing that you get is a person of contact within the command to help you succeed throughout phase two. Companies that have engaged with the SBIR process know it can be difficult to receive the right access to the people, problems and data that you need in order to successfully build a product for them. We make sure that that's provided and that is someone who comes to you from the government and so far, POC's have been very engaged and enthusiastic about this work. If you ever have and issue, we act as a backstop for you to ensue you continue to receive engagement in the process.

3) General Officer Mentor

The third thing is a general officer mentor, someone who can really help you refine your product, refine your pitch, refine conversations. They will help you think about other agents within the command or DOD that you might want to aim to work with. They will help you frame your big-picture set of goals within the defense market.

4) Strategic Assistance

We help you build out your strategy for success for long-term revenue within the defense marketplace. We guide you towards a path to the most financial success with the broad Department of Defense.

5) EAP Support

Winning also comes with a bundling of services from the Entrepreneur Accelerator Program. This includes proposal development support, guidance and advice, as well as a third-party review to help you continue to succeed from a business perspective to make sure that this defense market isn't distracting you from success in the commercial market. 

Q: My project is outside the parameter for this cycle’s SBIR topics. How can one seek an MOU for their technology that may not correspond to a SBIR Topic?

All AF SBIR topics have an open call. We have posted some areas of interest above (see previous question) as a starting point for applicants, but we encourage companies with alternative technology to also apply. The panel reviews every submission equally even if their proposal is outside the posted list. Additionally, we’re happy to connect with folks who’ve not yet applied to SBIR—if selected, the AFGSC POCs will help identify tech use cases for the application process.

Q: I’m currently on a SBIR/STTR Phase I. Can You help me with a SBIR/STTR Phase II?

We absolutely invite companies who are already on phase I awards program, and beyond, looking for a match for their next phase of the process. That said, our current timelines will not meet the needs of 21.1 awardees.

Q: I Don’t Have a SBIR. Can Our Company Still Apply to the Showcase?

Absolutely—SBIR is our primary initial contracting tool because of the benefits that come with it – data rights and protections, external funding, and a golden ticket to sole-sourced follow-on awards (no competition required). If it makes sense, we are likely to vector you in that direction. That said, if you do not qualify for SBIR or another pathway that makes more sense for you, then we will vector you elsewhere. The Bridge is NOT a one-size-fits-all solution to government relationships – it’s aimed at aligning companies who benefit from a national security go-to-market strategy.

Q: How does The Bridge streamline the SBIR/STTR process?

The Bridge does not streamline the SBIR/STTR process. The Bridge ensures companies understand the process, and helps companies with technologies of interest to the Air Force apply for SBIR/STTR contracts. A Memorandum of Understanding or Letter of Support from an identified DoD customer will greatly increase a company’s chance of securing SBIR/STTR contracts.

Q: If our company isn’t ready to apply to the next round of SBIR but want to apply in the future, is that okay and how does that work?

We will work with you to find the best timelines for your company to create your own connection with Global Strike Command. That means if you want to apply to SBIR or STTR for a future round that works. We could end up finding an alternate pathway to get you to go to have your technology prove out its value, even if it ends up being a non-funding deal like a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) where you gain access to labs, resources or data. SBIR is a primary tool we use but there are a lot of other options, and we will work with you to make that happen. Should an MOU or LOS be the right choice for you regardless of whether it's in the next cycle or say a cycle or two down the line, if you're endorsed and our relationship continues to go well, you are guaranteed to get at least one endorsement into the SBIR program.

Q: How does The Bridge navigate acquisition models and requirements?

The Bridge has a host of acquisition and other government experts that help companies navigate these processes. We’ll walk you through each step to provide the best opportunities for securing contracts and technology transition.

Our team believes that the key to success for creating a transition path MUST include the requirements office who can generate new requirements, and override old ones. This is the process that drives congressional appropriations. We have partnered with the requirements office, who is the core customer for both technologists AND the acquisition core.

Q: Who is leading this effort

The Bridge has been contracted specifically by AFGSC to identify and recommend potential commercial partners. We collaborate directly with command decision makers within the DoD, operating within their vision.

Q: What type of programs or activities does The Bridge support?

All programs that would result in capabilities beneficial to the nation’s defense.

Q: Can I apply to the showcase more than once?

Companies are encouraged to apply again if their initial proposal did not receive an endorsement, however, the scope of the proposal and R&D must be different.

Q: Does The Bridge plan to partner with any other DoD entities in the future?

Yes. The Bridge plans to start showcases for many other DoD entities in the months and years to come.