But at WEST 2026, NAVWAR leadership sent a clear message: The light is staying on.
The Impact by the Numbers:
∙ $1B+ Transitioned: NAVWAR has moved over $1 billion into Phase III (non-SBIR funded) efforts, proving small business tech isn’t just a “set-aside,” it’s a warfighting priority.
∙ 41% New Partners: Nearly half of small businesses responding to Navy solicitations last year were doing business with the service for the first time.
∙ Frictionless Entry: Through the “Catapult” initiative and Commercial Solutions Openings, NAVWAR is actively cutting the red tape that keeps non-traditional firms out.
NAVWAR isn’t just waiting for the SBIR “pause” to end; they are aggressively looking for partners to operationalize readiness and deliver decision superiority at sea.
If you’re a small business with high-impact tech, now is the time to engage.