CATAPULT: Fast-Tracking SBIR Tech for Navy Contracts

Unlock the secrets of government contracting and defense innovation! In this episode, we deep dive into NAVWAR’s CATAPULT platform, a game-changing initiative that is revolutionizing how small businesses transition their innovative technologies into real-world Navy solutions.

Discover why CATAPULT is being called "NAVWAR’s secret weapon for fast-tracking SBIR tech". This in-house pipeline identifies high-potential Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) technologies—even those developed for other federal 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 operational use.

We'll explore:

• What CATAPULT is and why it matters: Learn how it functions as an "interim technology maturity" pipeline, leveraging prior SBIR investments to offer Sequential Phase II awards (often $1.5–$2 million or more) that can run for 2–3 years.
• The incredible speed of transition: Find out how CATAPULT contracts are issued lightning-fast, within three to four months, a significant acceleration compared to traditional acquisitions.
• Built-in customer engagement: Understand how small businesses work directly with Navy end-users and stakeholders, tailoring their technology for operational use and greatly improving the odds of long-term adoption and even a Phase III production contract.
• Cross-agency visibility: Hear how your Air Force or DHS SBIR project could be picked up by NAVWAR if it solves a Navy problem, opening new doors for your company. NAVWAR has seen over $1 billion in follow-on funding from SBIR-derived efforts, demonstrating CATAPULT's effectiveness in speeding up tech transition.
• How small businesses can get in: We'll break down the proactive steps you need to take, such as reaching out to Navy program managers, showcasing alignment with clear Navy needs, and securing a Naval sponsor or "transition partner".
• CATAPULT as a testbed for the future of GovCon: This isn’t just a Navy thing; it's part of a larger DoD shift toward faster, more flexible tech acquisition, mirroring programs like the Army’s SBIR CATALYST and the Air Force’s STRATFI/TACFI.

Whether you're a small business eyeing 8a contracts, seeking SBIR Grant Assistance, or a women-owned or disabled veteran-owned small business looking for new defense tech adoption pathways, this model offers a direct path to sustained funding and customer engagement without having to wait for set-aside solicitations.

Join us to understand how this platform is helping turn prototypes into real-world Navy solutions and why it’s a trend in federal contracting you can't afford to ignore.