CATAPULT: NAVWAR’s Secret Weapon for Fast-Tracking SBIR Tech (and How Small Businesses Can Get In)
Small businesses with promising tech should pay close attention to a Navy program that’s quietly changing the SBIR game. NAVWAR’s CATAPULT platform is making it faster — and far more likely — for innovative startups to leap from Phase II R&D to real Navy contracts. For companies in the federal contracting space, especially those eyeing 8a contracts services or SBIR Grant Assistance, this could be a golden opportunity hiding in plain sight.
What’s CATAPULT, and Why Should You Care?
CATAPULT is NAVWAR’s in-house pipeline that identifies high-potential Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) technologies — even ones developed for other agencies — and quickly funds their next stage of development. Think of it as a “Phase II-plus” program that bridges the dreaded “valley of death” between research and real-world use.
Instead of waiting for a new solicitation, Navy program managers can nominate existing SBIR projects for a follow-on Catapult award, usually worth $1.5–$2 million. These contracts are issued fast — within three to four months — and come with built-in collaboration from Navy end-users, improving the odds of long-term adoption and even a Phase III production contract.
Why This Matters for Small Business Contractors
If you’ve ever completed a Phase I or II SBIR and wondered, “What’s next?”, this is your answer. CATAPULT is a direct path to sustained funding and customer engagement. Better yet, it accepts nominations from any federal SBIR/STTR project — not just Navy-funded ones.
Here’s why that’s a big deal:
Cross-agency visibility: Your Air Force or DHS SBIR could be picked up by NAVWAR if it solves a Navy problem.
Accelerated contracting: The 3–4 month award cycle is lightning-fast compared to traditional acquisitions.
Built-in customer feedback: You work directly with Navy stakeholders to tailor your tech for operational use.
Real transition dollars: NAVWAR has seen over $1 billion in follow-on funding from SBIR-derived efforts — that’s real traction.
For companies with women owned small business certification or disabled veteran small business certification, this model opens new doors to defense tech adoption — without having to wait for set-aside solicitations.
Want In? Here’s What to Do
Getting selected for CATAPULT isn’t automatic. Here's how you can position your company:
Get proactive: Don’t wait for an announcement. NAVWAR accepts nominations year-round. Reach out to Navy program managers and tech scouts at PEO C4I or NIWC PAC.
Show alignment: Your technology must solve a clear Navy need. Craft your pitch around operational relevance — not just tech specs.
Secure a transition partner: The strongest candidates have a Naval sponsor ready to co-fund or support future Phase III work.
Be ready to collaborate: CATAPULT isn’t hands-off. You’ll engage with end-users throughout the contract — a huge win if you're looking to refine your solution with real feedback.
Know the basics: Follow proposal instructions, connect with topic authors, and treat this like any other part of the government contracting certification process.
Final Take: CATAPULT Is a Testbed for the Future of GovCon Innovation
CATAPULT is part of a larger DoD shift toward faster, more flexible tech acquisition. The Army’s SBIR CATALYST and the Air Force’s STRATFI/TACFI programs are doing similar things. If your company is exploring SBIR Grant Assistance, Government Contract Proposal Writing, or just trying to break into defense contracting with a strong NAICS code for government contractors, this is a trend you can’t afford to ignore.
This isn’t just a Navy thing — it’s a signal of how federal contracting certifications and procurement strategies are evolving to favor speed, collaboration, and innovation.
If you’ve got a solution ready to go, the Navy might just have a contract with your name on it — you just need to pick up the phone and start the conversation.
Curious about which agencies and NAICS codes are leading the way in SBIR transitions? Don’t miss our deep dive into The Most Competitive Federal Contracting NAICS Codes of 2024—and How Small Businesses Can Still Win. It’s the perfect follow-up read.
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