If you're a small business or non‑traditional defense contractor looking to break into meaningful DoD procurement, APFIT might be the most important opportunity you’re not taking full advantage of yet. While programs like TACFI, STRATFI, and CATALYST help bridge the Valley of Death through R&D dollars, APFIT is different — it's procurement funding designed to actually buy your technology, not fund more development.

What APFIT Really Is (And Why It Exists)

APFIT — Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies — was introduced in the FY22 NDAA, under Subtitle D: Software and Technology. Its mission is simple:
Help innovative companies cross the Valley of Death by accelerating procurement and deployment.

This makes APFIT fundamentally different from R&D-heavy transition programs.
→ For a deeper look at how APFIT fits into the federal journey, check Long Capture’s Momentum guidance:
https://www.longcapture.com/pipeline/momentum/

The initial APFIT cohort included breakthrough technologies like improved night‑vision systems, undersea mine sensors, and advanced actuation systems — all selected because they were mature, production‑ready, and impactful.

APFIT Funding Levels: How Big Is This Opportunity?

APFIT provides $10M–$50M per project, with annual funding that has risen sharply:

• FY22: $100M total | 10 projects
• FY23: $150M total | 11 projects
• FY24: $300M total | 17 projects announced (values $10M–$22M), plus $45M+ remaining at the time
  → Long Capture’s APFIT guide summarizes year‑by‑year awards:
  https://www.longcapture.com/pipeline/momentum/apfit/

And zooming out, APFIT has awarded more than $1.4B across 75+ companies, catalyzing over $3.2B in follow‑on funding across the Department of Defense.

This isn’t research money. It’s real procurement.

How APFIT Differs From TACFI/STRATFI

APFIT is often mentioned alongside TACFI and STRATFI, but they serve very different purposes.

APFIT vs. STRATFI/TACFI

Program Funding Type Purpose

‍STRATFI/TACFI are SBIR/STTR R&D dollars Continue development, prepare for Phase III

‍APFITProcurement dollars Buy production-ready tech

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APFIT does not require matching funds, nor does it require prior SBIR participation.

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→ Long Capture’s comparison of APFIT vs. STRATFI/TACFI is here:
https://www.longcapture.com/blog/apfit-and-stratfi-tacfi-two-different-paths-over-the-valley-of-death/

Is Your Company Eligible for APFIT?

You may be a candidate if you meet these criteria:

1. You have an established technology that can use procurement dollars — not something still being developed.
2. You have won less than $500M in DoD contracts.
3. You are a small business or a non‑traditional defense contractor.

If this sounds like you, APFIT is one of the most direct paths to scaling into a Program‑of‑Record–ready capability.

Why APFIT Is a Strategic Game‑Changer

1. High-Dollar Awards That Create Momentum

Award ranges of $10M–$50M can dramatically accelerate:

• Manufacturing
• Production capacity
• Hiring
• Fielding timelines

→ More on APFIT’s momentum-building impact:
https://www.longcapture.com/blog/unlocking-growth-with-apfit-a-guide-for-tech-companies/

2. The Right Relationships

Winning APFIT requires having program office champions.
Long Capture emphasizes early, strategic engagement with:

• PMs and PEOs
• Acquisition leads
• End‑user units
• Transition partners

Even if you don’t win, these conversations often lead to TACFI, STRATFI, or OTA opportunities.

3. A Direct Bridge Across the Valley of Death

This is where many companies stall — not because the technology isn't viable, but because they lack the contracting pathway.

APFIT provides the bridge.

How to Position Yourself for an APFIT Nomination

APFIT nominations go through Services and Combatant Commands — not directly from companies — which means your success depends on building internal champions.

Long Capture’s strategic recommendations include:

1. Demonstrate Technology Maturity

Show:

• Operational pilots
• Field results
• Cross‑command alignment

2. Build a Clear Procurement Narrative

Your story should articulate:

• The acquisition pathway
• Your transition sponsor
• The justification for procurement now (not more R&D)

3. Use Small Wins to Build Toward Big Wins

Long Capture’s Pipeline model stresses gradual momentum:

• Start with SBIR, OTAs, or small pilots
• Win program office trust
• Transition into APFIT nominations

This approach moves companies from “interesting tech” to “acquisition-ready capability.”

Conclusion: APFIT Is a Rare, High-Impact Opportunity

APFIT is one of the most powerful transition tools currently available. It:

• Funds real production
• Accelerates fielding by years
• Builds transition momentum
• Strengthens your DoD partnerships
• Helps you scale into recurring federal revenue

It sits squarely in what Long Capture calls the Momentum Phase, where companies graduate from prototypes to becoming meaningful DoD suppliers.

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If you're interested in learning more about APFIT, be sure to join our upcoming Masterclass >> Register HERE