SBIR Reauthorization Isn’t Guaranteed — Here’s How to Keep Your Innovation Pipeline Moving

Planning for FY26 feels a little tricky right now. One of the most reliable funding sources for small businesses—SBIR (Small Business InnovationResearch)—is still waiting on reauthorization. That means it’s not even a guaranteed option at the moment.

For years, SBIR has been a go-to for innovators. It’s structured, predictable, and designed to help small businesses bring new technologies to life. But this uncertainty is a wake-up call: we can’t put all our eggs in one basket. If SBIR stalls, what’s your plan B?

The good news? There’s a LOT of money out there for research, development, and modernization—tens of billions of dollars, in fact. The challenge is knowing where to look and how to position yourself. So, let’s talk about why diversification matters and where you can find alternative entry points.

Why SBIR Isn’t Enough

SBIR is great, but it’s just one pot of money. And right now, that pot might not be available. Meanwhile, agencies and program offices are sitting on massive budgets earmarked for innovation. These funds often support modernization, emerging technologies, and rapid capability development. The catch? They’re not always as visible or as structured as SBIR.

That’s why building a resilient pipeline means thinking broadly. If you’re only planning around SBIR, you’re leaving opportunities—and potentially millions of dollars—on the table.

‍

Entry Points Worth Exploring

‍

Here are six strong alternatives to SBIR that can help keep your innovation pipeline moving:

1. Program Office R&D Budgets

Program offices often have discretionary research and development funds.These dollars can support prototypes, pilot projects, and modernization initiatives. Unlike SBIR, these opportunities aren’t always advertised, so success depends on relationships and proactive engagement. If you know the mission needs and can show how your solution fits, you’re in a strong position.

2. Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs)

BAAs are essentially open invitations for innovation. Agencies use them to solicit ideas that address capability gaps or advance technology. The best part? Many BAAs accept proposals on a rolling basis, so you don’t have to wait for a specific cycle. If you’ve got a solution that solves a real problem, this is your chance to pitch it.

3. Consortia & OTAs

Joining a consortium can unlock access to Other Transaction Authority(OTA) agreements. OTAs are designed for speed and flexibility, making them ideal for companies that want to avoid the red tape of traditional contracting.If you’re serious about working with DoD or other federal agencies, consortia membership can be a game-changer.

4. Rapid Innovation Programs (RISE)

The Rapid Integrated Scalable Enterprise (RISE) program—formerly known as the Rapid Innovation Fund—offers awards up to $6M for projects that can deliver mission-critical capabilities quickly. If speed and scalability are your strengths, this is worth exploring.

‍

How to Position Yourself

Finding these opportunities is only half the battle. You also need a strategy to stand out. Here are a few tips:

• Know the mission priorities. Agencies fund solutions that align with their biggest challenges. Do your homework.
• Build relationships early. Many of these programs rely on connections. Start conversations before you need the funding.
• Show scalability. Programs like STRATFI and RISE want solutions that can move fast and scale big.
• Stay agile. Funding landscapes shift quickly. Be ready to pivot if one source dries up.

‍

‍The Big Takeaway

SBIR uncertainty doesn’t mean innovation stops. It means we need to think bigger, diversify, and build a pipeline that can weather change. Whether it’s BAAs, OTAs, or modernization funds, the opportunities are there—you just need a plan to grab them.

‍

If you’re navigating FY26 funding, don’t wait for SBIR to come through. Start exploring these entry points now. The organizations that succeed will be those that plan ahead, stay flexible, and tap into multiple funding streams.

‍