The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) Technology Transition Office is encouraging North Carolina small businesses, technology companies, entrepreneurs and research institutions to review important updates recently issued by the Department of War (DoW) to its Fiscal Year 2026 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program solicitations.

The updates could be particularly significant for North Carolina companies developing innovative technologies with potential defense and national security applications.

The Department of War's SBIR/STTR programs are designed to help small businesses develop and commercialize innovative technologies while addressing defense research and development needs. The programs provide an important pathway for companies to move promising technologies from research and development toward Department of War customers and broader commercial markets.

The FY2026 solicitation has been updated through Amendments 0001, 0002 and 0003, incorporating changes resulting from the reauthorization of the SBIR/STTR program.

Among the most significant updates are new or revised provisions involving:

• Foreign Risk Evaluation (FRE): Requirements designed to assess potential security risks associated with foreign relationships and influence.
• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC): Updated cybersecurity requirements that may affect companies pursuing Department of War opportunities.
• Joint Ventures: Clarification regarding the participation and eligibility of joint ventures.
• Technical Data Rights: Updated guidance concerning rights associated with technical data developed through the program.
• Direct-to-Phase II STTR: A new pathway allowing eligible companies to pursue certain STTR opportunities without first completing a Phase I award.
• Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): Updated provisions concerning assistance available to participating small businesses.
• Company Registration and Proposal Submission: Changes affecting SBA Company Registry requirements and proposal submission procedures.

The solicitation documents have also been updated to align with the Department of War's Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, including changes to regulatory terminology and references.

For North Carolina, the SBIR/STTR program represents an important opportunity for companies working in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, human performance, cybersecurity and other emerging technologies to connect their innovations with defense requirements.

North Carolina's combination of universities, research institutions, military installations, technology companies and manufacturing capabilities creates significant potential for companies to participate in the defense innovation ecosystem. However, successfully moving technology from the laboratory or commercial marketplace into defense use often requires companies to understand military requirements, funding pathways and the federal acquisition environment.

The NCMBC Technology Transition Office works to help strengthen those connections by increasing awareness of opportunities that can help North Carolina technologies transition toward Department of War and other federal customers.

Under the FY2026 program, Department of War Services and Components may release new SBIR/STTR research topics monthly throughout the fiscal year. New topics are expected to pre-release on the first Wednesday of each month, with specific opening and closing dates applicable to each individual topic release.

North Carolina companies interested in pursuing these opportunities are encouraged to review the complete solicitation documents and register for the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP) Listserv to receive updates on new topics and important program changes.

Full program solicitations are available through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal.

Companies can register for updates and monitor upcoming topic releases through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal.

The official opportunity announcement is available through SAM.gov.

For additional information about technology transition opportunities for North Carolina businesses, contact TJ Gilroy at gilroyt@ncmbc.us or visit NCMBC online at: https://www.ncmbc.us/.