SightLine Ventures Inc.

Winning a DOD contract helps you build credibility as a game-changing technology and establish another stream of non-dilutive revenue that will catalyze your business. Why partner with Sightline Ventures as your DOD contract consultant? Because no one should have to navigate DOD funding alone. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you get funding for further developing your technology from The Department of Defense! https://loom.ly/_cSnlB0 #SightlineVentures #Opportunities #Technology #ContactUs

Meet James Dougherty, our Executive Advisor and Senior Defense Innovation Strategist. James and Randy Mullen first collaborated 13 years ago at Spangdahlem Air Base and are now back together to support tech startups and small businesses. James’s passion lies in connecting military members with cutting-edge technology, focusing on quantum computing, software development, cybersecurity, and AI. With over 15 years in defense contracting, he has managed hundreds of millions in contracts across 79 countries and holds an MBA. A proud Colorado native, James enjoys raising his two young children in the stunning Rocky Mountains and giving back through their church. We’re thrilled to have James on our team, bringing his wealth of experience to SightLine! #SightlineVentures #DefenseInnovation #MilitarySupport #DefenseTech

Let’s kick this off by saying what this post is not – it’s not a “how to” or “basics” of STRATFI/TACFI. Those guides are everywhere, and AFWERX has got you covered on their website. Instead, this blog is a distillation of the top 5 keys you need to know and understand when deciding whether to pursue a STRATFI/TACFI with AFWERX. This list comes straight from the trenches, after successfully navigating multiple clients through the process. Here are our top 5 keys: 1. Time to Contract Award Strap in for the long haul – the process takes about 9 months from application submission to contract award. That’s right, 9 months. Compare that to the 75-day timeline for an Open Topic Phase II or Direct to Phase II, and you’ll understand why patience is key. Read on to key #2 to see why this takes so long. 2. The Initial STRATFI/TACFI Submission is NOT a Proposal, but an Application Your submission to AFWERX is just the application to be considered for matching funds. Once AFWERX gives the thumbs up, they pass it to your sponsor (the Customer) who handles the actual contract. This includes sending you the Request for Proposal (RFP), negotiating the contract, and finally executing it. The timeline here varies based on the complexity of the contract, how quickly your company responds, and how much groundwork you’ve laid. 3. Matching Funds Here’s a hard truth: securing matching funds from a Government program office for STRATFI or TACFI is tough. Budgets are locked down years in advance, so unless you’ve been in talks for months and the program office is already setting aside funds, a multi-million dollar match is unlikely. The simplest and most common route? Secure third-party funds (dilutive funding) as the matching source. See key #4 for more on this. Pro tip – some firms use lobbyists to help secure Government matching funds. This is an expensive endeavor, so go into this with the right team and expertise. 4. Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) Notes Raising third-party funds after your Phase II contract award date? Those can be used as your matching source for STRATFI/TACFI. Need more funds or haven’t raised at all? Consider a SAFE note from a third-party investor, making the investment contingent on AFWERX matching your STRATFI/TACFI application. This way, you negotiate better terms and only dilute equity if AFWERX says yes. 5. Government Submission Process Surprise! Your Government Sponsor has to submit your STRATFI/TACFI application. Why? AFWERX wants to ensure your sponsor is fully committed to the project, and nothing tests commitment like a time-consuming application upload. Make sure your sponsor knows about this requirement and that it’ll take at least 1-2 hours to complete the submission. #SightlineVentures #DOD #Navigate

This open topic accepts both Phase I and Direct to Phase II submissions. Phase I proposals are accepted for a cost up to $250,000 for a 6-month period of performance and Direct to Phase II proposals are accepted for a cost up to $2,000,000 for a 24-month period of performance. Checkout our website where we provide free content and resources: https://loom.ly/7rK4-Aw And, follow us on Linkedin for the latest in opportunities and events. #SightlineVentures #ArtificialIntelligence #RFP #DODOpportunities

SightLine Ventures is locked and loaded for the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS), happening from August 26th to 29th at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Our Med Tech experts, Scott Parker and Seth Jones, BDP, will be boots on the ground from Monday through Friday, ready to network, talk DoD SBIR/STTRs, and maybe even hook you up with some coffee or chow—if you play your cards right. These guys are absolute powerhouses in the med tech arena, having supported cutting-edge companies like Montuno Software, Flosonics Medical, and Code 1 Medical Devices. MHSRS is the Department of Defense’s premier scientific gathering, bringing together top minds from the military, academia, and industry to address the Warfighter’s unique medical needs. We’re honored to be part of this critical mission to advance military medical research. #SightlineVentures #MHSRS #MilitaryHealth #DOD #SBIR #STTR #MilitaryMedicalResearch #Warfighter

This RFP is an opportunity for small businesses to contribute to cutting-edge military technology. This is a Phase I (up to $250,000) or Direct to Phase II (up to $2,000,000) opportunity. Open Date: August 12, 2024 Close Date: September 17, 2024 Checkout our website where we provide free content and resources: https://loom.ly/7rK4-Aw And, follow us on Linkedin for the latest in opportunities and events. #SightlineVentures #RFP #Technology #FollowUs

Reach out to us if you are interested in learning more about our services, building your DOD sales pipeline, and getting your tech into the hands of the warfighter faster. Connect with us at https://loom.ly/_cSnlB0 and read our recent blog to learn more. https://loom.ly/H0LCThM #SmallBusinessFunding #SBIR #STTR #DisruptiveTechnology #InnovationFunding

The Department of the Air Force Information Technology and Cyberpower Event (DAFITC) "Reoptimizing IT & Cyber: Posturing the DAF for Great Power Competition" will be taking a deep dive into big data and emerging cyber technologies that are transforming our world. Link to event here: https://loom.ly/PmSyZiw #SightlineVentures #DAFITC2024 #CyberSecurity #BigData #ITInnovation #GreatPowerCompetition #MontgomeryAL

Interested in securing DOD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contracts? Understanding the eligibility criteria is essential for navigating these funding opportunities effectively. In our latest blog post, we take a look at the specific requirements necessary to qualify for DOD SBIR and STTR contracts. From organizational structure to ownership stipulations and size limitations, each criterion plays a crucial role in determining eligibility. Whether you’re a tech startup or established small business exploring opportunities with the DOD, this blog provides a quick overview of the necessary criteria in plain language. Link to blog: https://loom.ly/55ZY5Yk #DODfunding #SBIR #STTR #Innovation #GovernmentContracts #SightlineVentures

Join the dynamic ecosystem of entrepreneurs, government, and industry at Fed Supernova from August 20-22, 2024, in Austin, TX. This event is a hub for collaboration on dual-use solutions, enabling commercial technology to empower the DOD. Link to event: https://loom.ly/WDbGPm0 #SightlineVentures #FedSupernova #TechInnovation #DefenseTech #DualUseSolutions #AustinTX