What does REI Systems do for federal SBIR and STTR programs?
REI helps agencies design, modernize, operate, and support the systems and processes behind Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Our work spans solicitations, applicant experiences, proposal reviews, awards, reporting, data analysis, and program operations. We also provide outreach, communications, change management, help desk, and program support when needed.
Which agencies has REI supported with SBIR/STTR work?
REI has more than 35 years of relevant experience with federal agencies, including NASA, the Department of War, EPA, and SBA. NASA and the Department of War are examples of long-running program-system work; we handled EPA review-system modernization and support for SBA’s SBIR.gov portal. The scope differs by agency.
Is REI an SBIR graduate?
Yes. REI is an SBIR graduate. That experience informs our work with agencies that need to make opportunities easier for small businesses to find, understand, and pursue, while giving program teams the tools to manage submissions and oversight.
Can REI modernize an existing SBIR/STTR system without replacing every process at once?
REI offers application modernization, solution architecture, roadmaps, software development, operations and maintenance, cloud strategy, and data services. The starting point is the agency’s current systems and program needs; a roadmap can sequence the work around the most pressing user and operational problems. Our experience includes modernizing existing systems for NASA and the Department of War.
How does REI improve the experience for small business applicants?
We improve the systems and communications small businesses use to find opportunities, submit proposals, and get support. After we modernized the Department of War’s Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal, new small business applicants increased by 20% and applicant support requests fell by 52%. We tailor our approach to each agency’s program and goals.
How does REI help agencies manage solicitations and proposal reviews?
We develop and modernize workflows for solicitations, submissions, evaluation, and selection. For EPA, we replaced a legacy SBIR review support system with a modern solution that streamlined reviews and annual reporting. Your agency retains control over program criteria, reviewer roles, and award decisions.
Can REI help agencies with SBIR/STTR reporting to SBA?
Yes. We help agencies collect, validate, and report SBIR/STTR program information to SBA. We modernized EPA’s review and reporting process and improved reporting turnaround for the Department of War. For each project, we align data fields and submission procedures with current agency and SBA requirements.
Does REI provide support beyond software development?
Yes. We support SBIR/STTR programs with strategy, PMO services, organizational change, training, communications, outreach, and help desk support. At NASA, we provide these services alongside the technology platform to help staff and small businesses use the system effectively.
How does REI support SBIR/STTR programs at scale?
We build and operate systems for large, information-intensive SBIR/STTR programs. NASA’s modernized platform manages more than $190 million in annual awards, while the Department of War’s Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal connects more than 50,000 small businesses with opportunities.
How does REI help agencies measure participation and program outcomes?
We bring together program data, analytics, and outreach to help agencies track applicant participation, process performance, awards, and progress toward commercialization. In our Department of War work, innovative small business proposals increased by 10% and new small business applicants by 20%. We work with each agency to define the measures that matter to its program.
Is GovSBIR the same as REI’s SBIR/STTR services?
No. GovSBIR™ is REI’s configurable commercial product designed for SBIR/STTR program management. REI also provides broader services, including modernization of existing agency systems, custom development, operations, data and analytics, outreach, and program support. Explore the GovSBIR product if a product-based approach is under consideration.
