NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – More than 200 small businesses showcased new technologies, ranging from training systems to high powered turbines, at the annual Navy Opportunity Forum in Crystal City, Va., recently.

The event, a culmination of the Navy Transition Assistance Program (TAP), is one of the largest events of its kind for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Donna Moore, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) SBIR program manager said approximately 100 NAVAIR professionals attended this year’s conference. “This was my first experience attending the forum and I was very impressed by the businesses’ displays, presentations and the high level of interaction among the attendees. After speaking with the small companies and hearing their enthusiasm for their developing innovations, I understand why NAVAIR depends on these small businesses to design and develop new technologies.”

The Navy Opportunity Forum provides the acquisition community, prime contractors and first and second tier suppliers with an opportunity to review and assess innovative technology developed by small businesses. The small companies had the opportunity to demonstrate their technologies, present ideas on integration and use, and network with the acquisition community.

Moore said SBIR statistics show this year continuing positive trend in transitioning small business technologies to full military use. Additionally, Vice Adm. David Architzel, NAVAIR Commander, awarded the Strike Planning and Execution Systems program office (PMA-281) with the NAVAIR National Commander’s Award for Small Business Advocacy, which recognizes the program office’s dedication, innovative spirit and drive for results that enable the fleet to accomplish its mission.

Prior to the event, an online virtual acquisition showcase allowed attendees to preview and evaluate the companies and their technologies. Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for one-on-one sessions, allowing for more individual discussions.

“You know, everyone is talking about small business now,” said John Williams, Navy SBIR/STTR director, “but the Navy Opportunity Forum is a genuine marketplace where SBIR technologists and technology customers come together to launch deals that will create jobs, wealth and products for our defense and security needs. That's a huge contribution to our nation, in my view.”

The SBIR program, a three-phase award system, is the primary vehicle by which NAVAIR funds small companies to perform innovative research as well as research and development projects.

A sister program to SBIR, STTR requires the small business to team with a research partner, either a university, Federally Funded Research and Development Center or qualified non-profit research institution.

The TAP is offered annually to current Phase II SBIR and STTR awardees. Spanning an 11-month period, the TAP begins with a kick-off meeting held each July and culminates with the Navy Opportunity Forum in June.

The Navy SBIR program is designed to address the needs of the Navy and its System Commands, which include NAVAIR, Naval Sea Systems Command, Office of Naval Research, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and U.S. Marine Corps.