Department of the Air Force Grants | OpenGrants
Federal Funder
Department of the Air Force Grant Funding
The Department of the Air Force — including the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force — invests over $1.5 billion annually in small business innovation, research, and technology development through AFWERX, SpaceWERX, and AFRL.
$1.5B+
Annual Air Force SBIR/STTR budget
5,900+
SBIR/STTR contracts awarded (FY 2024)
$2.1B
AFRL total S&T investment
40+
Technology focus areas
What Are Department of the Air Force Grants?
The Department of the Air Force is one of the most active federal funders of small business innovation and defense technology research. Through AFWERX (the Air Force’s innovation arm) and SpaceWERX (the Space Force’s technology accelerator), the department administers one of the largest SBIR/STTR programs in the federal government.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) serves as the department’s primary science and technology organization, investing over $2.1 billion annually across nine technology directorates. AFRL funds external research through grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) — supporting everything from hypersonics to directed energy to autonomous systems.
Who is eligible?
Air Force SBIR/STTR programs are open to U.S. small businesses (under 500 employees, at least 51% U.S.-owned). STTR requires partnership with a U.S. research institution. AFRL Broad Agency Announcements fund universities, research institutions, and companies of all sizes. AFWERX Open Topics allow any small business to propose solutions to Air Force challenges. Some programs require or may require ITAR compliance or security clearances.
Key Air Force grant programs
AFWERX manages the Air Force’s SBIR/STTR program through Open Topics and Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI/TACFI) mechanisms. SpaceWERX runs parallel programs for Space Force priorities including space domain awareness, satellite communications, and launch technology. AFRL posts Broad Agency Announcements for fundamental and applied research across autonomy, materials, sensors, propulsion, and cyber. The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) funds basic research at universities.
Funding Landscape Insights
AFWERX: Innovation at Scale
AFWERX manages the Air Force’s SBIR/STTR program, awarding over 5,900 contracts in FY 2024 alone. Open Topics allow companies to propose innovative solutions to broad Air Force challenges. STRATFI/TACFI mechanisms can scale successful SBIR technologies to $15M+ in combined funding.
SpaceWERX: Space Force Innovation
SpaceWERX is the Space Force’s technology accelerator, modeled after AFWERX. It funds small businesses developing space domain awareness, satellite communications, launch technologies, space cyber, and orbital logistics. SpaceWERX SBIR topics address the unique challenges of space operations.
AFRL Research Directorates
AFRL’s nine technology directorates fund cutting-edge research: Aerospace Systems, Information, Materials & Manufacturing, Munitions, Propulsion, Sensors, Space Vehicles, and the 711th Human Performance Wing. External funding flows through BAAs, grants, and cooperative agreements.
STRATFI/TACFI: Scaling Innovation
The Strategic Funding Increase (STRATFI) and Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) programs combine SBIR funds with operational dollars and private capital to scale promising technologies. STRATFI awards can reach $15M+, bridging the gap between prototype and production.
Essential Resources
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GOV
AFWERX Air Force innovation and SBIR/STTR programs
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GOV
SpaceWERX Space Force technology accelerator and SBIR topics
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GOV
AFRL — Air Force Research Lab Science and technology research directorates
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DATA
USASpending.gov Track Air Force spending, awards, and trends
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TOOL
DoD SBIR/STTR Portal Search Air Force solicitations and submit proposals
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EDU
AFOSR — Office of Scientific Research Basic research grants for universities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Air Force invest in SBIR/STTR?
The Department of the Air Force invests over $1.5 billion annually in SBIR/STTR programs, making it one of the largest SBIR funders in the federal government. In FY 2024, the Air Force awarded over 5,900 SBIR/STTR contracts through AFWERX and SpaceWERX. Phase I provides $50K–$275K; Phase II offers $500K–$1.8M.
What is AFWERX and how does it work?
AFWERX is the Air Force’s innovation arm, managing SBIR/STTR programs, technology accelerators, and innovation challenges. AFWERX uses Open Topics that allow small businesses to propose solutions to broad Air Force capability needs rather than narrow technical requirements. This approach has dramatically increased participation and award rates.
What is the difference between AFWERX and SpaceWERX?
AFWERX serves the U.S. Air Force while SpaceWERX serves the U.S. Space Force — both fall under the Department of the Air Force. SpaceWERX focuses specifically on space-related technologies including satellite systems, space domain awareness, launch capabilities, and orbital operations. Both use similar SBIR/STTR mechanisms and Open Topic approaches.
What research areas does AFRL fund?
AFRL’s nine technology directorates fund research across aerospace systems, directed energy, information and cyber, materials and manufacturing, munitions, propulsion, sensors, space vehicles, and human performance. Research ranges from basic science (through AFOSR) to applied technology development and prototype demonstration.
How does OpenGrants help with Air Force grants?
OpenGrants matches your company to relevant AFWERX, SpaceWERX, and AFRL funding opportunities. Access grant writers experienced in defense proposals, plus live support to navigate the Air Force’s SBIR/STTR process and maximize your chances of winning.
Find Air Force grants matched to your technology — for free.
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Sources & Further Reading