Motivational Quote of the Week

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." – Henry Ford

Technical Quote of the Week

"The most important thing in government collaboration is not the technology itself, but the trust and partnership that enables it to be deployed at speed and scale." – Ellen Lord, former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (2017–2020)

Welcome

I’m Rashid Miraj, D.Sc., founder of Miraj Consulting LLC, working to bridge academia, primes, and DoD via Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), and Other Transaction Authorities (OTA). This biweekly briefing curates DoD priorities, university breakthroughs, global tech watch, collaborative opportunities, upcoming events, and foundations for talent pipelines to support program managers, prime contractors, and university innovation leaders.

SBIR/STTR remains stalled. The program lapsed October 1, 2025, and no new solicitations or awards are possible until Congress reauthorizes it. As of February 1, 2026, no extension or reauthorization has occurred. H.R.5100 (1-year extension) passed the House in late 2025 but has not advanced in the Senate. The ongoing negotiations have exchanged proposals, but no agreement has been reached. The January 30 continuing resolution did not include SBIR/STTR reauthorization. The FY2026 NDAA (signed Dec 22, 2025) omitted it due to reform disagreements.

This edition is especially for universities seeking tech-transfer paths and small businesses pursuing rapid funding — both can move forward today. Three proven, fully operational paths (BAAs, OTAs, CRADAs) work right now across DoD, NSF, DOE, NIST, NIH, and DOT.

You’ll find checklists, templates, exact next steps, and 2026 examples so you can submit a white paper, join a consortium, or contact a lab this week.

Link to Edition #2 on Critical Technology Areas (CTAs). CTAs are the DoD’s priority tech focus areas; revisit Edition #2 for a full overview, or use this link for a quick refresher https://www.mirajconsulting.com/p/miraj-tech-transition-pulse-no-2

Let’s keep moving — take one action from this edition today.

Please note shared URLs are current as of February 1, 2026; search site if moved.

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1. SBIR/STTR Status Update – Latest as of February 1, 2026

  • Lapsed October 1, 2025 — no new solicitations, topics, or awards possible.

  • Existing awards from prior cycles (mostly FY2025) can continue, but continuation funding is limited or paused in some cases (e.g., NIH has stopped certain continuation requests).

  • Reauthorization status: H.R.5100 passed the House but stalled in Senate; no inclusion in January 30, 2026 CR or FY2026 NDAA.

Immediate Next Steps

  • Log into SAM.gov → check your entity status and any open prior-cycle topics.

  • Bookmark these trackers and review weekly:

  • Reply to this newsletter email (end of document) if you need a quick review of your situation — I’ll help assess alternatives.

2. The Three Active Alternatives – Do This Today

The approaches can be confusing. Here is a quick summary table which compares the various features.

Mechanism

Funding

Best For 2026

Timeline

First Action Today

BAAs

Yes
Awards: $500K-$10M+

Research & ideas in CTAs

3-6 months

Search SAM.gov + pick 1 BAA

CRADAs

No
shared resources

University tech transfer & validation

3-6 months

Email 1 lab ORTA with white paper

OTAs

Yes
Awards: $1M-$100M+

Rapid prototypes & production

1-3 months

Join NSC or SOSSEC consortium

Details associated with each approach are listed below. If you are interested in structuring these vehicles for your team, reach out and let’s talk about the complexities of each process and the bandwidth required for success. Reply for support to avoid potential pitfalls and misallocated funds.

2.1 Broad Agency Announcement (BAAs) Open Right Now

“BAAs are flexible solicitations for research/prototypes — aligned to CTAs and unaffected by SBIR lapse.”

Why Act Now?

  • Awards: $500K-$10M+

  • Universities and small businesses qualify.

  • Many 2026 BAAs are live and accepting white papers.

Action Checklist – Complete This Week

  1. Go to SAM.gov → search “BAA” + agency (e.g., “BAA ONR 2026”). Direct link: https://sam.gov/search/?index=opp&sort=-modifiedDate&sfm%5Bstatus%5D%5Bis_active%5D=true&page=1&keywords=BAA

  2. Pick 1–2 open BAAs matching your tech (e.g., ONR FY25 Long Range BAA extended into 2026). https://www.onr.navy.mil/work-with-us/funding-opportunities/fy25-long-range-broad-agency-announcement-baa-navy-and-marine

  3. Write a 2–3 page white paper (copy-paste template below).

  4. Submit via the BAA portal (instructions on SAM.gov page).

  5. Follow up in 2 weeks if no reply.

There is no single universal file that serves as the official white paper template for all US Defense agencies. Instead, each BAA dictates a strict set of formatting rules (margins, font size, page limits) that you must build your document to match. The "template" is a structure you must create yourself based on the specific BAA number (e.g., N00014-24-S-B001). However, most ONR, ARL, and USAF white papers follow a standard Quad Chart + 3-5 Page Narrative format.

Agency-Specific Constraints

ONR (Navy)

ARL (Army)

AFRL (Air Force)

NRL (Naval Lab)

Page Limit

5 Pages (excluding cover)

Variable (Often 3-5 pages)

3-5 Pages (Check BAA)

~7 Pages (Long Range BAA)

Font/Format

Times New Roman
12pt 1-inch margins

Check BAA (Often TNR 12pt)

Standard 12pt Single Spaced

11pt or 12pt Standard margins

Key Requirement

Quad Chart
(Mandatory)

Contact TPOC
(Strongly advised)

Section A/B
(Split Admin/Tech)

Rough Cost
(Include in WP)

Generic White Paper Template

You may copy and adapt the below structure. It complies with the vast majority of standard DoD BAAs (specifically ONR and AFRL). The formatting rules provided below are derived from active BAAs for each agency. These PDF documents function as the legal source code for your white paper: they dictate the margins, page counts, and mandatory sections. Please use the structure with caution and always verify the layout against your selected BAA number.

SECTION 1: COVER PAGE (Usually not in page count)

  • BAA Number:

    • [e.g., N00014-24-S-8001]

  • Technical Topic Area: [e.g., Ocean Acoustics]

  • Title: [Descriptive Title of Research]

  • Principal Investigator: [Name, Title, Phone, Email]

  • Institution: [University/Company Name, UEI Number, CAGE Code]

  • Cost Estimate: [Base Year: $X; Option Year $Y; Total $Z]

SECTION 2: TECHNICAL CONCEPT (The Core)

1. Operational Need & Problem Statement

  • Briefly describe the naval/military gap you are addressing.

  • Why is current technology insufficient?

2. Technical Approach

  • Describe your proposed solution and scientific methodology.

  • What is the innovation? (Novelty is critical).

  • How does this advance the state of the art?

3. Future Naval/Military Relevance

  • Explicitly link your research to the agency's mission.

  • Example: "This sensor will reduce power consumption by 40% for UUVs."

SECTION 3: MANAGEMENT & COST

1. Key Personnel

  • Who is doing the work? (Brief 1-paragraph bio of PI).

2. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost

  • Breakdown of labor, materials, and travel.

  • Not a full budget, but a realistic estimate.

3. Schedule/Milestones

  • Year 1: [Goal]

  • Year 2: [Goal]

General Formatting Requirements

Most DoD agencies enforce strict formatting to ensure efficiency during review: 

  • Length: Maximum of 10 pages (excluding cover and table of contents).

  • Font: 12-point (standard for text); 8 or 10-point may be allowed for tables or charts.

  • Margins: 1-inch on all sides.

  • File Format: Typically MS Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF.

  • Classification: Must be marked as UNCLASSIFIED unless otherwise specified; include proprietary data disclosure if necessary. 

As noted above, always refer to the specific FOA/BAA on Grants.gov for the most current, binding, and detailed template requirements.

Downloadable Agency-Specific Templates

For more precise requirements, refer to the following official sources:

Mandatory Quad Chart

Most ONR and Army BAAs require a Quad Chart submitted as a separate single-page PDF or PowerPoint slide. It acts as an executive summary for program managers. 

[Top Left: Visual]

Insert a high-quality image or diagram of the proposed technology/concept.

(Must be legible)

[Top Right: Goals]

**Cost & Schedule**
- Bullet List of what the tech will DO for the warfighter

- Key performance metrics

[Bottom Left: Approach]
**Technical Approach**
- Methodology
- Scientific Basis
- Key Innovations

[Bottom Right: Cost]
**Cost & Schedule**
- FY26: $150K
- FY27: $175K
- TRL Start: 2 —> End: 4

- PI Contact Info

Quad Chart Templates

Below are the direct links to the specific government source documents that validate the above referenced formats and rules.

While most agencies do not host a permanent "fill-in-the-blank" form, the following files are official government-hosted templates that match the standard Quad Chart structure previously described.

Quad Chart Template (.pptx) Direct download from the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (valid for ONR/Army uses). https://www.dibconsortium.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Attachment-4-Quad-Chart-Template.pptx

DARPA Quad Chart Guide (.pptx) A definitive guide on how to fill out the four quadrants effectively. https://www.darpa.mil/sites/default/files/attachment/2024-12/DARPA_TCSP_Quad_Template-02-02-24.pptx

Multi-Agency Quick Starts

2.2 Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) – Low-Cost Entry

“A CRADA is a great fit for university PIs seeking to validate homegrown IP.”

A CRADA for the DoD is a formal, written partnership allowing federal labs (like those in the Department of Defense) to collaborate on research with non-federal entities (industry, universities) for mutual benefit, sharing resources like personnel, facilities, and IP, but generally without direct government funding to the partner, aiming to move technology from labs to commercial use or solve defense problems.

Key Aspects:

  • Collaboration: Connects federal labs (e.g., NRL, NPS) with outside partners for joint R&D.

  • Resource Sharing: Partners contribute resources (funds, equipment, people), and the government provides lab resources (expertise, facilities, IP).

  • No Direct Funding: Federal labs don't typically provide funds to non-federal partners under a CRADA, but partners can provide funds to the government.

  • Technology Transfer: A primary goal is to accelerate innovation and commercialize technologies developed in federal labs.

  • Flexibility: A flexible tool distinct from procurement, allowing for focused R&D efforts.

Benefits for DoD Partners:

  • Access to cutting-edge federal lab expertise, facilities, and technology.

  • Reduced R&D costs, time, and risk by leveraging shared resources. Opportunity to solve defense operational challenges with emerging tech.

  • Gaining rights to new intellectual property (IP) for commercial use.

In essence, a DoD CRADA is a strategic tool to bridge the gap between government research and practical application, fostering innovation in defense and commercial sectors.

CRADAs partner you with DoD labs — no federal cash outlay, just shared resources.

The below templates and structural components are derived from an amalgam of federal sources.

Why Act Now?

  • Perfect for university tech transfer and small business validation.

  • IP negotiable — keep commercial rights.

Action Checklist – Complete This Week

  • Pick a lab aligned to your technology (see examples below)

  • Determine Mission Alignment: Specifically how the collaboration benefits the DoD and/or the warfighter.

  • Define Background IP: Establish a list of all inventions or patents your organization owns that pertain to the work.

  • Disclose Foreign Ownership Status: Verification of whether your organization is foreign-owned or influenced.

  • Assess Resource Commitment: Detailed list of personnel, facilities, or funds your organization will provide.

  • Identify the laboratory's Office of Research and Technology Applications (ORTA), which handles all technology transfer and CRADA negotiations.

  • Write a 1–2 page white paper (copy-paste template below)

  • Email the lab’s ORTA (contacts on site)

  • Follow up in 2 weeks.

  • Negotiate IP early — retain commercial rights.

Example Laboratory Links:

It should be noted that securing a CRADA with a Department of Defense (DoD) laboratory requires a formal proposal that clearly outlines the collaborative nature of the research, as the government cannot provide funding to you under this mechanism.

CRADA templates are specific to the federal agency, national laboratory, or department managing the research (e.g., DOE, DoD, NIST, EPA). They are legally binding, generally non-negotiable for specific laboratories, and require a formal submission process. You may consider adapting the following template to match your target lab’s CRADA instructions

Email Template: Proposed CRADA Collaboration 

Subject: Proposal for CRADA Collaboration: [Your Project Title] – [Your Organization Name]

Dear [ORTA Coordinator Name or Lab Director],

I am writing to formally express interest in establishing a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with [DoD Lab Name] to collaborate on [Specific Research Area].

Collaboration Overview:
Our organization, [Organization Name], is developing [Brief Layman’s Description of Technology/Process]. We have identified a significant mission alignment with [DoD Lab Name]’s work in [Specific Lab Mission Area/Program].

Proposed Contributions:
Under the proposed CRADA, we are prepared to provide:

  • Personnel & Expertise: [Specific technical experts who will work on the project].

  • Resources: [Specific equipment, facilities, or proprietary data you will share].

  • Funding (if applicable): [Note if you will provide funds for lab-incurred costs, as DoD labs can receive, but not provide, funds under a CRADA]. 

Joint Benefit:
We believe this partnership will [State how the DoD benefits, e.g., "accelerate the transition of X technology to the warfighter"] while allowing us to leverage the lab’s unique [Mention specific lab facility or expertise].

Next Steps:
I have attached a preliminary Statement of Work (SOW) draft for your review. Please advise on the next steps to begin the application process and provide the relevant CRADA template for our industry sector. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this potential partnership further via a brief call.

Thank you for your time and for your commitment to advancing defense innovation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Phone Number/Email]

Critical Requirements for 2026

  • Statement of Work (SOW): You must include a detailed research plan that outlines specific tasks, methods, and relative contributions of both parties.

  • Intellectual Property (IP): CRADAs grant the government a "government purpose license" while offering you an option to negotiate an exclusive license for any resulting inventions.

  • Foreign Influence: You must disclose if your organization is foreign-owned, as some agencies like USSOCOM restrict CRADAs with foreign-controlled interests. 

In 2026, securing a CRADA with a DoD laboratory requires a two-step approach: an initial application and a formal Joint Work Plan (JWP) or Statement of Work (SOW). 

Because CRADAs involve a formal legal commitment and intellectual property (IP) negotiations, DoD labs typically follow a standardized structure to ensure mission alignment and legal sufficiency. 

Formal CRADA Proposal Template

The following structure is based on standard 2025/2026 DoD requirements for initiating a CRADA. 

I. Title Page

  • Project Title: [Descriptive Title of Collaboration]

  • Organization: [Your Company/University Name]

  • Primary Point of Contact (POC): [Name, Email, Phone]

  • DoD Lab Targeted: [Specific Lab/Center Name]

  • Proposed Period of Performance: [e.g., 24 Months]

II. Abstract (Limit 250 words)
A concise summary of the innovative solution, the collaborative research goals, and the anticipated outcome of the partnership. 

III. Technical Proposal / Joint Work Plan (JWP) 

  1. Background & Objectives: Describe the problem being solved and why this specific DoD lab is the ideal partner.

  2. Scope of Work: Detail the specific technical tasks each party will perform. Distinguish between independent tasks and collaborative tasks.

  3. Deliverables: List what will be produced (e.g., software, prototype, data sets, technical reports).

  4. Schedule/Milestones: A timeline with key research phases (e.g., Month 1-6: Baseline Data Collection). 

IV. Contributions of the Parties

  • Collaborator (You): [List personnel, proprietary materials, or funding for lab costs].

  • Government (DoD Lab): [List lab equipment, subject matter experts (SMEs), or facilities needed]. 

V. Intellectual Property & Commercialization Strategy
Briefly state your intention for the technology (e.g., "Our goal is to integrate this technology into existing DoD acquisition programs such as [Program Name]") and your plan for commercializing results. 

Key Submission Guidance for 2026

  • Formatting: Use standard 11-point font and 1-inch margins. Number all pages starting from the Technical Section.

  • Small Business Consideration: If you are a small business, explicitly state this, as DoD laboratories are mandated to give "special consideration" to small business partners in 2026.

  • No Government Funding: Remember that a CRADA is not a grant. The lab can receive funds from you to cover their costs, but they cannot provide funds to you. 

Standard CRADAs are governed by 15 U.S.C. § 3710a, but each DoD service branch maintains its own model template to address specific mission needs and intellectual property (IP) policies. 

Army Standard CRADA Model

The Army's model is primarily managed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). It is highly structured to support small business participation and dual-use technology transition. 

Navy Standard CRADA Model

The Department of the Navy (DON) uses models designed for rapid technology insertion into fleet operations. Agencies like the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) and NAVAIR use templates that emphasize data protection for up to 5 years. 

  • Key Feature: Strong focus on "Government Purpose Rights" for resulting inventions while granting the partner an option for an exclusive commercial license.

  • Access: Use the Navy T2 Portal or the NRL Business Directorate for the official NRL model. 

Air Force Standard CRADA Model

The Air Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), uses a model that aligns with the "Open Innovation" framework. It is designed to be "FAR-exempt," allowing for faster execution than traditional procurement. 

  • Key Feature: Includes specialized appendices for Cyber Command (Capability Development CRADAs) and software-intensive partnerships via programs like Platform One.

  • Access: Templates are available through the AFRL Technology Transfer Office and the Air Force T3 site. 

Common 2026 Legal Boilerplate

Across all branches, the following articles are standard in 2026 models: 

  1. Preamble: Identifies the laboratory and the non-Federal collaborator.

  2. Joint Work Plan (JWP): The heart of the agreement, detailing technical tasks.

  3. Financial Obligation: Explicitly states the Government provides personnel and facilities, but no funds to the partner.

  4. Intellectual Property: Governs rights to "Subject Inventions" and "Background Technology". 

Key Agency-Specific Links

Critical Considerations

  • No Funds to Non-Federal Parties: CRADAs cannot be used to transfer government funds to the private partner.

  • Subject Invention Rights: Partners usually have the first option to negotiate a license for inventions made under the CRADA.

  • Review Time: Preparation and finalization typically take a minimum of six weeks.

  • Export Control: Technical data created may be subject to U.S. export laws.

2.3 Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) – Fastest Path to Funding

“OTAs are ideal for startups needing near‑term revenue.”

An OTA is a special contracting vehicle used by the Department of Defense (DoD) to fast-track research and prototyping. Unlike standard government contracts, OTAs are not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This allows the DoD to bypass traditional bureaucratic hurdles to rapidly acquire cutting-edge technology from startups and commercial firms that might otherwise avoid doing business with the government.

OTAs are flexible agreements — often via consortia. NDAA 2026 expanded them heavily.

The Three Types of Authorities OTAs are legally authorized under Title 10 of the United States Code. They are generally categorized into three distinct phases.

Research OT (10 U.S.C. § 4021) Used for basic, applied, and advanced research projects. These are intended to foster dual-use technologies (useful for both commercial and military applications) and often require a 50/50 cost share. Research planning meeting

Prototype OT (10 U.S.C. § 4022) The most common type. Used to build and test prototypes that enhance military mission effectiveness. If the prototype is successful, it can unlock a streamlined path to a production contract without a new competition. Prototype development diagram

Production OT (10 U.S.C. § 4022(f)) A non-competitive follow-on award. This can only be issued if the preceding Prototype OT was competitively awarded and the prototype was successfully completed.

Why Act Now?

  • Awards in 1-3 months.

  • $1M–$100M+ possible.

Action Checklist – Complete This Week

1. Join 1–2 consortia (free/low-cost):

2. Check current solicitations on consortium sites — submit a white paper this week.
3. Use the BAA white paper template above (adapt for OTA).
4. Email consortium manager (contacts on site).
5. Follow up in 1 week.

Multi-Agency Quick Starts

3. How to Choose & Get Started – Immediate Next Steps (Do One Today)

  1. Pick one mechanism (e.g., OTA via NSC if speed is priority).

  2. Write/submit a 1–2 page white paper this week (use templates above).

  3. Send 1 outreach email today (use samples).

  4. Follow up in 1–2 weeks.

  5. For universities: Emphasize tech transfer/student involvement.

NDAA 2026 includes several acquisition reform provisions to reduce barriers to small businesses and to participation by nontraditional defense contractors (Sec. 824). Source: https://www.pilieromazza.com/fiscal-year-2026-ndaa-signed-into-law-6-key-takeaways-for-defense-contractors

4. STEM Talent Bridge & Diversity Hires

Executing these vehicles requires diverse, skilled teams. DoD emphasizes DEI for resilience (NDAA Sec. 824).

2026 Opportunities – Act Now

My STEM Talent Bridge connects cleared, diverse talent to these vehicles. Reply to [email protected] to start matching.

5. Global Lens

Adversaries use flexible mechanisms too — China’s civil-military fusion mirrors OTAs; Russia leverages CRADA-like partnerships. Align U.S. alternatives to CTAs.

6. Upcoming Events & Conferences – Register This Week

Next Edition

CTA rotation starts with #3 (Feb 5): Biomanufacturing (BIO) for resilient supply chains.

  • Reply for intros, proposal packaging or selection.

  • Reply for BAA/CRADA/OTA help and I’ll send a 1‑page starter guide

  • Book 15‑minute BAA review

  • Request CRADA lab match

Rashid Miraj, D.Sc. | Miraj Consulting LLC | [email protected] |
@MirajConsult | www.linkedin.com/in/rashid-miraj | 571-201-7594

Verification Links

Verification Links (URL current as of February 1, 2026; search site if moved):

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