A Clean Sheet Redesign of the Small Business Innovation Research Program

The Small Business Innovation Research program is fundamentally broken, failing to transition new technologies from small businesses to military end-users due to structural flaws. Key problems include a funding gap known as the "valley of death," a lack of engagement from acquisition program managers, and ineffective bridge funds. The proposed solution is a complete redesign that scraps the current system but retains its flexible contracting authorities. This new program would create a dedicated transition fund within each acquisition program, merge fragmented innovation offices, and automate topic selection based on end-user needs. The goal is to create accountable pathways that deliver real capabilities to the warfighter instead of funding "innovation theater."