Podcast Show Notes
2025-04-25 Federal Market Insights Episode 9 — Session Overview
WPI Podcast Episode 9 Summary
Podcast Summary: The Federal Marketplace for Those Who Have the Next Great Idea
Purpose: This podcast aims to provide valuable information to businesses with innovative ideas or those interested in conducting research and development (R&D).
Issue Addressed: The podcast expands the perspective of federal opportunities beyond the commonly seen listings on SAM.gov, highlighting federal websites and programs that focus on innovation and R&D. While federal opportunities often support Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO), innovation and R&D represent another significant set of programs.
Purpose of Federal Innovation:
- Expand the Defense Industrial Base (DIB)
- Drive the Future
- Solve Problems
- Advance Technology (specifically technology identified by the Department of Defense as Critical Technology)
Federal Goals: The government aims to attract non-traditional contractors—small, innovative companies not currently restricted by federal requirements and currently not performing under any federal contracts. These companies often have great ideas and can bring fresh perspectives to federal projects.
Federal Programs Mentioned:
- Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) – https://www.acq.osd.mil/asda/dpc/cp/policy/docs/guidebook/TAB%20A1%20-%20DoD%20OT%20Guide%20JUL%202023_final.pdf
- Challenge.Gov – https://www.challenge.gov/
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) – https://www.diu.mil/
- DARPA – https://www.darpa.mil/
- CTO Innovation – https://www.ctoinnovation.mil/
- SBIR/STTR – https://www.sbir.gov/
- Unsolicited Proposals (FAR 15.6) – https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15#FAR_Subpart_15_6
Key Points:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of conducting research that leads to products or commercial applications, particularly within the SBIR and STTR programs, where companies must develop a commercialization plan.
- There is a continued interest in Artificial Intelligence for both administrative purposes and war-fighting, along with new software and technology.
- DoD also has a website dedicated to Critical Technologies. The site provides an overview of each category and how to make contact with appropriate individuals.
Reminder for Awardees: Companies need to have a DCMA or DCAA-approved accounting system, which includes among other requirements:
- Determination of Allowable Costs
- Segregation of Costs (Allocability)
- Determination of Fair and Reasonable Costs
- Companies also need to be able to identify, separate and track direct costs from indirect costs
- Companies need to be able to calculate their Indirect Rate
Please note: We are experimenting with how AI can assist staff with a variety of tasks. This summary was initially created using Microsoft Copilot, reviewed for correctness, and edited as needed.