SBIR Phase III Contracting Guide for Navaide's AI-DDSF
A comprehensive reference guide for applying SBIR Phase III authority in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements
Document Information
SBIR Phase III Contracting Guide
For DASN(P) Acquisition Planning
December 1, 2025
Why Leverage SBIR Phase III Authority?
Due to Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Procurement (DASN(P)) being the DON Acquisition Functional Sponsor with Secretariat level authority for the DON Procurement Mission, the Navaide SBIR Award provides the ability for other DASN(P) contractors (with a signed NDA) to leverage the SBIR technology to implement AI solutions throughout the DON procurement enterprise.
No Competition Required
15 U.S.C. §638(r)(4) provides statutory authority for sole-source awards without full and open competition
→ Faster acquisition timeline, reduced administrative burden
Unlimited Value & Duration
No dollar limit, duration limit, or contract type restriction for Phase III awards
→ Flexibility to structure contract for mission needs
No Formal J&A Required
SBA Policy Directive states "Further justification is not needed" beyond SBIR connection documentation
→ Reduced paperwork, faster processing
20-Year Data Rights
SBIR technical data and software receive enhanced protection under DFARS 252.227-7018
→ Protects contractor innovation while ensuring government use rights
Small Business Participation
Maintains DON small business utilization goals while accessing innovative technology
→ Mission capability + socioeconomic objectives
Validated AI-DDSF Framework
Technology demonstrated under Phase I SBIR contract with CDAO
→ Reduced technical risk, faster deployment
No CICA Justification
Modifications to scope or ceiling don't require Competition in Contracting Act justification
→ Agile contract management, responsive to changing needs
Demonstrated Capability
Navaide's proven performance on Contract N0018921CZ045 ($12.6M, 2021-2026)
→ Low performance risk, institutional knowledge
Purpose of This Guide
This SBIR Contracting Guide provides a concise reference guide for applying SBIR Phase III authority in accordance with statutory and regulatory requirements. It outlines the legal foundation, administrative procedures, and supporting documentation necessary to establish a defensible contracting record when awarding follow-on work that derives from, extends, or completes prior SBIR efforts. The guidance is intended to facilitate compliant, efficient, and mission-aligned acquisition planning for professional services, products, or hybrid solutions enabled by SBIR-developed technology.
Navigate the Guide
Mission & Technology Foundation
DASN(P) mission context, statement of need, and AI-DDSF technology overview
Key Topics:
- •DON acquisition policy role
- •Data fragmentation challenges
- •AI-DDSF capabilities
5-Step Contracting Process
Complete walkthrough from requirements gathering to contract award, including SBIR connection demonstration
Key Topics:
- •Requirements gathering
- •SBIR logical connection
- •Acquisition planning
- •RFP development
- •Contract award
Performance Work Statement
Detailed technical requirements for IT portfolio management, data analytics, and prototyping services
Key Topics:
- •DON ACQ LOB Manager support
- •Data analytics & BI
- •Optional prototyping tasks
Complete Acquisition Plan
Comprehensive acquisition strategy including cost analysis, contract structure, and sole-source justification
Key Topics:
- •Market research
- •Cost estimates & IGCE
- •Contract type selection
- •Risk assessment
SBIR Data Rights Explained
Complete guide to SBIR data rights protection, government obligations, and practical implications
Key Topics:
- •What IS protected
- •What IS NOT protected
- •Government rights
- •AI-DDSF specifics
Statutory Authority & Precedent
Complete legal foundation including USC, FAR, DFARS, SBA Policy Directive, and GAO case law
Key Topics:
- •15 U.S.C. §638(r)(4)
- •FAR 6.302-5 authority
- •GAO precedent analysis
Post-Award Management
Contract administration procedures, modifications, performance monitoring, and closeout
Key Topics:
- •FAR Part 42 procedures
- •Modification flexibility
- •Performance assessment
Templates & References
Glossary, acronyms, checklists, templates, and contact information
Key Topics:
- •Glossary & acronyms
- •CO checklist
- •Document templates
- •FAQ
Key Metrics
Acquisition Timeline & Milestones
SBIR Phase I Award
W519TC25P0046 to Navaide by CDAO
Incumbent Performance
N0018921CZ045, $12.6M CPFF
SBIR Connection Documentation
In Progress
Contract Award Required
Current contract expires
Important Notice
This guide provides general information on SBIR Phase III contracting procedures. All contract awards are entirely subject to the discretion and determination of the assigned contracting officer. The contracting officer's decisions, interpretations, and requirements supersede any content in this guide. This document does not create any contractual rights, obligations, or entitlements.