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The Traction Phase for tech startups targeting the U.S. federal government—especially through SBIR Phase I and II—is about proving that your innovation can meet mission needs, scale across agencies, and transition into long-term contracts.
What Traction Means at the SBIR Stage
Phase I: Proof of Feasibility
You’ve secured a Phase I award and demonstrated that your technology addresses a real federal challenge. Traction here means strong technical results, enthusiastic feedback from agency stakeholders, and early signs of transition potential.
Phase II: Prototype & Pilot- You’re building and testing a working prototype. Traction in Phase II includes successful pilot deployments, letters of support from end users, and alignment with acquisition pathways like Phase III, OTAs, or IDIQs.
Agency Engagement- You’re not just delivering reports—you’re building relationships. You’re engaging with program managers, contracting officers, and end users to shape future requirements and identify transition champions.
Compliance & Readiness- You’re investing in cybersecurity (e.g., CMMC), export controls, and federal procurement readiness. These are essential for scaling beyond SBIR and into production contracts.
Demand Signals- Multiple agencies or offices are expressing interest. You’re seeing traction not just in technical merit, but in mission relevance and procurement viability.
Why It Matters
The traction phase is where your startup proves it can move from R&D to real-world impact.
It’s the bridge between innovation and implementation—where you show that your tech isn’t just promising, it’s procureable.
