The SBIR program seeks private sector input, primarily from major defense prime vendors, in identifying and refining potential topic areas for SBIR solicitations. We invite experts to submit one-page abstracts that include special interests in or contributions to proposed topic areas. This practice expands our ability to develop innovative and relevant topics to the science, technology, and business communities, as well as an ability to properly identify applications of new technologies to critical agency needs.

Topic suggestions may be submitted year round through the Army SBIR Small Business Portal. Suggestions are forwarded to relevant subject matter experts and potential topic authors, as well as made available publicly during the annual Army SBIR topic development and collaboration period.

Topic suggestions must be:
1. Relevant to the Army mission or Army needs.
2. Meet critical agency requirement.
3. Have dual-use potential in civilian commercial markets.
4. Be unique and represent innovative ideas.
5. Be considered research and development, not procurement.
6. Must describe requirement without specifying a ready approach or solution.
7. Not classified, sensitive, or proprietary in nature.