Open Topic vs Specific Topic

Also called: AFWERX Open Topic

An open topic is an SBIR/STTR topic that accepts proposals in any technology area that could meet an agency need, unlike a specific topic written around one defined problem and customer.

The Department of the Air Force Open Topic, run by AFWERX, is described as truly open and agnostic of industry, technology or program area. It seeks dual-use technologies for both defense and non-defense markets and focuses on applied research, development, test and evaluation rather than basic research.

A Specific Topic has clearly defined requirements and a known Air Force customer built into the topic. After award, the small business works with that end user on the stated capability gap or problem.

Phase I differs between the two. For a Specific Topic it is a technical feasibility study, while for an Open Topic it also includes customer discovery to find a Department of the Air Force end user.

Note that the DoW BAA also uses 'open topic' to mean any topic currently accepting proposals, as in its rule that a small business may submit only one proposal to each open topic.