Frequently Asked Questions

What types of capabilities does APFIT seek to fund?

The APFIT program seeks innovative, production-ready technologies that address critical capability gaps and have strong demand signals across DoD. See the Additional Resources & Opportunities section for resources on DoD critical capability gaps.

APFIT typically funds capabilities that are TRL 7-9. Previous SBIR Phase II and current Phase III awardees are often great APFIT candidates. Since APFIT requirements primarily focus on procurement funding tied to a clear path for post-award sustainment, capabilities that require subscription-based license purchasing (as opposed to a one-time software package purchase) are generally difficult to award.

How does APFIT funding differ from other OUSD(R&E) funding programs?

By authority established in the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act (Section 834), APFIT exclusively provides procurement funding for production-ready technologies. APFIT focuses on rapidly delivering capabilities to the DoD by bridging the “valley of death” between R&D and full-scale production, rather than supporting research and development efforts.

How does APFIT address the transition from RDT&E to procurement?

APFIT provides early procurement funding, on average two years ahead of Program Objective Memorandum (POM)/DoD budgeted funds, to help small businesses accelerate initial production without waiting years for POM funds to come to fruition.

How can I stay informed on the latest information from APFIT?

Send an email request to join the APFIT distribution list. Members of the APFIT distribution list are the first to receive updates on APFIT timelines, details on outreach events for one-on-one meetings with the APFIT team, and upcoming government and industry events.

Who is eligible to submit proposals?

Only U.S. government organizations such as Services, Combatant Commands, Agencies, and National Guard entities can submit proposals on behalf of eligible companies. We cannot accept submissions directly from industry. The full list of submitting organizations is listed in the Submission Process section.

Can APFIT funding be used for projects with Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E)?

APFIT funding is strictly for procurement and cannot be used for products that require additional RDT&E after an APFIT award. Therefore, all RDT&E should be successfully completed by the end of the selection process. APFIT can support the procurement of products that are ready for production and fielding, regardless of their design iteration or version.

What if my organization is not on the approved APFIT organization list?

Depending on the proposed capability, the APFIT team would help align it to a sustaining Service or CCMD for the appropriate submission pathway. DoD representatives are encouraged to reach out to the APFIT team to discuss their submission options.

Are there specific requirements for projects submitted to APFIT?

Yes, projects must meet the following criteria:

• Prime vendor and majority awardee on the recipient contract must be a U.S. based and meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
  • Small business (as defined in Section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632))
  • Non-traditional defense contractor (as defined in Section 3014 of title 10, U.S.C.)
  • A company that during the one-year period preceding the issuance of this solicitation, have not performed on contracts and subcontracts for the DoD under which the aggregate obligations of the DoD to such entity for such period exceeds $400,000,000
• Proposal is submitted through an approved organization
• Procurement items must be Government Owned, Government Operated or Government Owned, Contractor Operated
• Requested funding must be between $10M-$50M
• Funding request must be “stand alone”/one-time award and not dependent on follow-on APFIT funding
• Proposal must be appropriate for procurement funds (no RDT&E)

Can previously submitted projects apply again?

Previously submitted projects that were not awarded may resubmit in future APFIT cycles. Government applicants are encouraged to request feedback from the APFIT team on their prior submission to strengthen proposals for re-submission.

Can previously awarded, eligible companies apply again?

Companies that have previously received APFIT funding cannot be awarded additional APFIT funding.

How do I submit a proposal for APFIT funding?

As a government-to-government process, all proposals must be submitted by a government representative or sponsor to their respective APFIT Organization Lead. APFIT Organization Lead contact information may be requested by a government representative or sponsor, through the APFIT inbox listed at the top of this document.

As an industry partner, how does my proposal get to the APFIT table?

Industry partners must work with a government sponsor to prepare and submit their proposal. The sponsor coordinates with their organization’s APFIT Organization lead, who will advocate for the project and oversee the submission process. Proposals are then internally down-selected by the government organization through which the proposal was initially submitted before being presented to APFIT for consideration.

What is the submission schedule for APFIT selection?

Formal submission windows open late spring/early summer. Specific dates will be advertised through the APFIT distribution list. There are two APFIT submission deadlines, one for non-acquisition organizations and one for acquisition organizations. Please note, each submitting organization conducts an internal down-selection prior to submitting projects to APFIT. Therefore, they may have an earlier, internal submission window. APFIT Organization leads can provide internal deadline details to potential government submitters.

Acquisition vs Non-Acquisition Organizations

Each approved submitting organization falls under the acquisition or non-acquisition organization category. Non-acquisition organizations will have an earlier deadline than acquisition organizations since all non-acquisition proposals must ultimately be aligned and ranked by acquisition organizations. (see chart below)

What documentation is required for a complete submission?

Required submission documentation consists of a Letter of Attestation (LOA) confirming eligibility, project quad chart, and proposal briefing. Once the project has been selected for award, a white paper will be requested. Submission templates and proposal feedback may be requested through the APFIT inbox listed at the top of this document. Templates will also be disseminated through the APFIT distro at the beginning of each submission window.

May a company be involved in multiple submissions?

An eligible company may be listed as the prime vendor on multiple submissions but may only receive one APFIT award. An eligible company may also appear as a subcontractor on an unlimited number of proposals, which will not affect that company’s chances of being awarded a prime.

Can a proposal include both an eligible company and a non-eligible company?

Yes, as long as the APFIT eligible company is the prime vendor.

How long does the selection process take?

The APFIT selection process typically spans from the initial call for proposals in late spring/early summer to final selection in winter.

Are there additional submission windows?

While APFIT primarily follows an annual submission cycle, off-cycle submissions may be considered depending on available funding and specific DoD needs. A small reserve may be held for an off-cycle submission window. This ensures continued acceleration of innovative technologies throughout the year, due to critical mission needs and technology surprise. Government representatives may contact the APFIT team for more information regarding off-cycle submission opportunities.

What criteria are used to evaluate APFIT submissions?

Proposals are generally evaluated on:

• Warfighter impact - Level of demand signal from Services/CCMDs/ Agencies. Leverages innovative techniques or advancements to improve mission effectiveness, keep pace with emerging missions, or reduce cost/maintenance.
• Future Procurement - Level of funding & contractual path forward to transition program across valley of death from development into production. Demonstrated commitment to procure and sustain additional quantities beyond APFIT.
• Company impact - Level of improvements to the vendor providing the capability in question. For example, standing up production lines, hiring, etc.
• Applicability to the broader DoD - Level to which additional Services and/or Agencies, beyond the nominating Service/Agency, could benefit from the capability. How many users/how large is potential user base?
• Speed of obligation - How quickly can the funds be put on contract?

What is the selection process?

1. Submission: APFIT proposals are submitted by the APFIT Organization Leads to the APFIT inbox. Sn APFIT project manager will work the with government sponsor to champion the project through the selection process.
2. Review: APFIT team reviews proposals for eligibility. If eligible, the APFIT team conducts a thorough capability evaluation.
3. Ranking: Government project leads present Operational and Technical Panel (OTAP) briefings in front of the Scoring Committee of Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Acquisition Organizations, and Joint Staff for ranking.
4. Approval: Ranking and final funding decisions are submitted to senior OSD leadership for approval.
5. Announcement: Public announcement of awards is made. Regardless of whether the project is selected for award, the APFIT project manager will notify the government project lead through email once selections have been finalized. Industry should be notified by their government representative regarding proposal status.

How can I increase my project’s competitiveness?

• Existing contract vehicle in place allowing for quick funding obligation
• Programmed Procurement (PROC) funding obtained in out years to show demand signal
• Proposed capability is government owned and to be used by DoD
• Review proposal adherence to APFIT evaluation criteria
• Jointness/applicability to other Services and DoD programs

What are the next steps once a project is selected?

APFIT project managers schedule a kickoff meeting with managers of the selected projects shortly after awards have been publicized to facilitate the obligation of APFIT funds onto contract.

Post award, the APFIT project manager will advocate for additional procurement of the capability, as well as support the scaling and implementation of the capability across additional DoD organizations.

How is project performance monitored by APFIT?

APFIT monitors performance through project milestones, deliverables, and financial obligations and expenditures. APFIT project managers send out quarterly data calls or on an as needed basis for Congressional reporting purposes.

What is the funding range for APFIT?

APFIT funding is subject to availability of appropriations each year. Awards range between a minimum of $10M and $50M maximum per project to achieve meaningful impacts for eligible companies. It is important to note that contract fees will be deducted from the award before the funds are received by the eligible company. Therefore, industry partners and their government sponsors should plan accordingly and account for these fees when budgeting and setting project expectations.

How is APFIT funding allocated and disbursed?

Funds will be provided through either direct cite or reimbursable Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR), depending on what is specified in the White Paper. Specifically, APFIT funds are Procurement dollars 0300-defense wide. Once the project has been officially awarded, the APFIT Financial Manager (FM), will work with the government receiving organization FM to send the funds. Once the government Program Office has received the APFIT funds, they will obligate to the vendor.

How long does it take for APFIT funding to be committed?

Funds are typically committed to the government Program Office, following Congressional notification and public announcement. Meetings to discuss MIPR instructions will be scheduled shortly after awards have been made public. The time it takes to allocate funding depends heavily on how responsive and prepared the project’s program office is during this time. Historically, funds have been committed in as little as two days from public announcement of award.

Can there be multiple recipients of APFIT funding for a single project?

Each APFIT award is associated with one prime vendor that is eligible for APFIT funding. The prime vendor may then distribute funds to subcontractors as needed.

If my project is too early or not a good fit for APFIT, what are other options?

Visit the OSD(R&E) website to explore other defense innovation pathways or organizations. The APFIT team may be able to provide guidance on identifying other potential funding pathways, if applicable.

Additionally, there are other programs that can aid in SBIR/STTR processes or provide a marketplace for industry to submit solutions for Government organizations to view, such as:

• Navy SBIR Transition Program (STP)
• Academic Partnership Engagement Experiment (APEX)
• Space Systems Command Front Door
• SciTechCONNECT
• Navy SBIR Marketplace
• Tradewinds AI/ML Marketplace
• C-UAS Solutions Marketplace
• ARI Solutions Marketplace
• AFWERX - IGNITE Marketplace

Are there informational sessions or workshops available for potential submitters?

Yes, APFIT hosts periodic webinars and outreach events to provide detailed program guidance and answer questions. APFIT also regularly attends conferences to interact with DoD and industry partners. Stay informed by subscribing to the APFIT distribution list.

Where can I learn more about previously funded APFIT projects?

Details on past APFIT funded projects can be shared with government personnel upon request through the APFIT inbox. For industry and non-government audiences, information about successful APFIT-funded projects can be found in the Success Stories section of our website. The website is updated with public announcements on APFIT awardees and their accomplishments.

How can I find resources to help identify DoD capability gaps?

While there is no single source to identify critical capability gaps, multiple sources can be used to gain a sense of current capability gaps. We encourage you to work with your government representative to better understand how your capability might meet a critical capability gap. See the resources below.

• SBIR/STTR Topic Search Portal – The DoD releases SBIR/STTR topics multiple times a year, which directly outline capability gaps and technology needs identified by different branches and agencies.
• DoD R&E Initiatives – the DoD R&E website often provides insights into areas of interest and investment to address emerging technology needs.
• Reference documents:
  • National Defense Strategy – outlines DoD’s priorities including focus areas and critical operational gaps that align with current and future threats.
  • Joint Capabilities Integration and Development Systems – JCIDS documents, such as Initial Capabilities Documents (ICDs) and Capability Development Documents (CDDs), define capability gaps and priorities across all Services. These documents are only accessible with a CAC.
  • Service-Specific Modernization Strategies – Each military branch publishes modernization priorities and roadmaps addressing their capability needs.