Phase II Projects and Goals
The goal of SOCOM Phase II SBIR efforts is to demonstrate that the technology selected for further development is achievable and can be provided to SOCOM at an acceptable cost. The Phase II SBIR effort is included in SOCOM's business plan to assess whether the new technology is suitable for its intended use and will be affordable. Prototypes, oftentimes demonstrations and tests are required during the Phase II effort to validate that the technology is achievable.
Phase II proposals must describe the "vision" or "end-state" of the research and the most likely strategy or path for transition. SBIR R&D efforts transition to an operational capability that satisfies one or more SOCOM operational or technical requirements. SOCOM SBIR technologies transition to new or existing systems, larger research programs, or as stand-alone products or services.
SOCOM invests in the more mature technologies and the expected Technology Readiness Level at the end of Phase II is 6 or 7. Technology Readiness Levels are described at http://esto.nasa.gov/files/TRL_definitions.pdf.
During Phase II, the SBIR firm is also required to further develop the Commercialization Plan initialized during Phase I. Commercialization plans are required 90 days after the Phase II contract is awarded and 90 days prior to the end of the Phase II contract. The Commercialization Strategy addresses all the business disciplines needed to sell the innovative technology to SOCOM, to other Department of Defense agencies and federal agencies, and to private industry as well.