Blog · 2026-07-23 · 6 min read

Open SBIR Topics: How to Track Deadlines Without Missing the Drop

Open SBIR/STTR topics move fast. Use a deadline calendar, component feeds, and alerts so you never discover a close date after the window closes.

Missing a close date is the most expensive free mistake in SBIR. Open topics do not wait for your calendar. Here is a durable system for tracking open SBIR topics without living on DSIP all day.

1. Use one deadline-sorted feed

Start at open SBIR topics or the full opportunities feed. Sort by close date, filter by WERX component (AFWERX, NavalX, SOFWERX), and open the topics that match your tech domain.

2. Watch AFWERX and SpaceWERX on purpose

Air Force and Space Force innovation topics move on a monthly DSIP rhythm. Bookmark AFWERX open topics and read how the monthly drop works so you are ready before the window opens — not the day it closes.

3. Put dates on a calendar

The deadline calendar plots open and pre-release topics by close date. Use it in weekly BD standups so the whole team sees the same cliff dates.

4. Set alerts early

On any opportunity page you can set a deadline alert or track the topic on a pipeline board (Pro). Topic watches email new open solicitations in your domain. Free accounts get limited watches and alerts — enough to start a habit.

5. Vet before you write

Tracking is not bidding. Once a topic is on your radar, run the 15-minute go/no-go checklist, then a free top-3 capability match and optional readiness scorecard.

Checklist

• Monday: scan open opportunities sorted by close date.
• After each DSIP drop: check AFWERX and component feeds.
• For every shortlist topic: set alert + pipeline stage + match score.
• Friday: clear anything that fails the 15-minute vet.

Browse open SBIR/STTR topics now →