SBIR Communications
When can founders contact TPOCs
Why communications rules matter
When pursuing DoD SBIR/STTR funding, how you communicate with the government is just as important as what you propose. The Department of Defense strictly controls when and how you may talk with topic authors and other government experts to ensure fairness, prevent undue influence, and keep the competition transparent. Missteps here can damage your credibility and, in extreme cases, risk your eligibility.
Pre-release period: when direct contact is allowed
During the pre-release period, topics are published with the topic authors’ names and contact information. This is the only window in which DoD allows you to communicate directly with government technical experts about the topic. You are encouraged to:
Ask technical clarification questions about the problem, constraints, and desired outcomes.
Validate whether your technology is a good fit for the topic.
This is the time to schedule short calls or exchange emails to refine your understanding of requirements—before you invest in writing a full proposal.
Open submission period: no more direct technical conversations
Once the BAA/CSO moves from pre-release into the open period, DSIP begins accepting proposals. At that point, direct communication between proposers and topic authors is no longer permitted. From then on:
You may still ask written questions about the topic, but only through the DSIP Topic Q&A system (or other mechanism specified in the BAA/CSO).
All questions and answers are posted publicly, without identifying the company or government responder, to maintain a level playing field.
Trying to contact topic authors or other government insiders directly about a live topic during the open period is against the rules and can undermine your proposal.
Bottom line for DoD SBIRs
For DoD SBIR/STTR:
Pre-release = direct technical conversations are allowed and encouraged.
Open period = no direct technical conversations; use the portal Q&A only.
Always read each BAA/CSO’s dates and instructions carefully so you stay inside the lines.