Background:

The military relies on small businesses for critical technologies, tools, and weaponry to maintain defense superiority. Supporting this collaboration is the Department of War Small Business Innovation and Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Innovation Portal (DSIP), managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. DSIP connects small businesses with resources and contracts to drive innovation for the Department of War (DoW).

To modernize this vital platform, the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) launched a streamlined, web-based DSIP. The upgraded system addresses the limitations of the previous platform, which struggled to serve over 65,000 small business users and 15 DoW components, causing downtime and inefficiencies. With a user-friendly interface, cloud-based infrastructure, and microservices architecture, the new DSIP simplifies collaboration, reduces duplication, and enhances access to over $1 billion in annual funding through SBIR and STTR programs.

Challenge:

The DoW, supported by Congress, uses the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs to enhance warfighting capabilities. However, overlapping efforts and complexity often created challenges for small businesses. The OSW faced additional issues with the DSIP portal, including infrastructure limits, networking complexities, and scaling difficulties. Initial attempts to migrate DSIP to the cloud failed, leaving the platform unreliable.

A turning point came with a successful cloud solution and a full portal upgrade led by REI Systems, known for its work with NASA, HRSA, FDA, GSA, and others. REI Systems revamped DSIP’s infrastructure, networking, and web application, creating a secure, reliable, and userfriendly platform. The updated DSIP streamlines the application process, eliminates redundancy, and improves collaboration across 15 DoW components, enabling efficient support for innovative ideas.

Approach:

Digging deeper into REI’s work on the DSIP sheds light on the innovative and strategic depth that went into the project. We did more than just offer technical solutions; we completely transformed how OSW taps into technology to boost efficiency and impact, making it easier for small businesses to contribute
to defense innovation.

Agile Development and DevSecOps

REI’s agile development approach was key. We tackled the project in bite-sized pieces, weaving in iterative feedback loops to keep every step-in sync with what users needed and OSW’s goals. This agile method brought a level of flexibility and adaptability, making it easy to tweak things along the
way based on real-world feedback and testing.
Integrating DevSecOps practices into the development process was another innovative step. By making
security a priority from the start, REI ensured the DSIP was not only robust and reliable but also met the stringent security standards required by OSW’s FedRAMP IL4 Cloud Infrastructure. This early focus on security cut down on potential risks and vulnerabilities significantly.

Cloud Migration and Optimization

Moving the DSIP to a cloud-based infrastructure was a major undertaking that showcased our expertise in cloud technologies. Selecting Amazon Web Services (AWS) as the platform, REI deployed a suite of services including EC2 for computing power, S3 for storage, ALB for load balancing, and RDS for database management. This shift made the system more scalable and reliable, and it improved the portal’s capacity to meet the evolving demands of small businesses and DoW components.

User-Centric Design and Microservices Architecture

Understanding how vital user experience is, REI employed a user-first design strategy, getting input from actual users via focus groups and feedback loops. This made sure the DSIP was easy to use and get around in, breaking down hurdles for both small business users and DoW staff. Opting for a microservices architecture was a key decision that allowed for greater flexibility and scalability. By breaking the system into smaller, independently deployable services, we streamlined updates and maintenance, setting the stage for the portal to grow and shift as needed.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

REI didn’t stop at deployment; we committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We used automated testing and updates through a CI/CD pipeline, making it easier to add new features and fixes without causing downtime. We also added auto-scaling and load balancing, so DSIP can automatically handle different levels of use, staying efficient during busy times and saving resources when it’s quieter.

Impact:

REI’s DSIP overhaul significantly improved its reliability, ease of use, and security. Beyond meeting OSW’s immediate needs, we set the stage for future innovations and stronger partnerships between
DoW and small businesses.

Improvements:

Innovation: Thanks to a more user-friendly system, small businesses are bringing 20% more new ideas without extra burden on staff or resources.

Accessibility & Reliability: The previous system’s frequent downtimes are history. With REI’s upgrades, the portal boasts over 99.9% uptime, improving trust and satisfaction among users.

Accountability: The office is now consistently meeting its reporting obligations, thanks to streamlined processes.

Security: Moving the application to a secure, government-managed cloud setup under REI’s guidance drastically cut security risks and unauthorized data exposure, increasing confidence across the board.

Cost Efficiency: Expertise in cloud architecture and strategic advice from REI slashed the portal’s AWS costs by 30%.

Efficiency: The new system allows small businesses to pitch their innovations effortlessly and quickly.

Who Benefits from DSIP?

• Small businesses looking to get DoW funding for their innovations.
• American workers getting more jobs and economic benefits from growing small businesses.
• Warfighters using better equipment, making their jobs safer and more satisfying.
• DoW tapping into a bigger pool of fresh ideas, working smarter as a result.
• Taxpayers enjoying smarter use of their money with clearer, more efficient defense spending.

Achievements So Far:

• A 10% jump in innovative proposals from small businesses.

• A 20% increase in new small business applicants, showing the process is easier to navigate.

• A 52% reduction in yearly support requests from these applicants, thanks to a more user-friendly design and updated technology.

Operational Adaptability:

• Better data quality, customization, and control for 15 DoW components.

• A 10% uptick in application submissions.

• Data normalization across systems for consistent measurement and reporting.

• Integration of mandated Congressional policies to the DSIP application.

Data Security and Performance:

• 

  Reached 99.9% uptime for the system.

• Rolled out strong data encryption and backups.

• Boosted security with solid password rules, multi-factor authentication, Common Access Card (CAC), and intrusion detection measures.

Impact on Oversight and Reporting:

• Full support for key reporting functions to SBA, DoW leadership, Office of Management and Budget, and Congress.

• An 80% faster turnaround in reports to Congress, meeting deadlines once out of reach.

REI demonstrated how creative problem-solving and applying technology strategically can transform government initiatives and boost national defense. Our work on the DSIP has helped the DoW meet its imperative of innovation by engaging small businesses at key moments. This effort has led to job creation and economic growth, while boosting the nation’s defense—a win-win outcome.

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