Army xTech
Valid Eval white papers, competition phases, and the gated DSIP follow-on for selected firms.
Before you begin
Know the two Army routes: direct DSIP vs xTech-gated. Keep DSIP firm setup ready even if your first submission is Valid Eval.
Why this matters
Some Army opportunities start outside DSIP. Army xTech competitions often collect first-round white papers through Valid Eval, then invite selected firms to a gated Army SBIR topic for the full proposal through DSIP.
Two Army routes
Find Army topic → read Defense and Army instructions → create proposal in DSIP → Corporate Official certifies and submits.
xTech competition → white paper via Valid Eval → pitch/demo phases → selected firms access a gated Army SBIR topic → full proposal through DSIP.
| Activity | System |
|---|---|
| Search Defense topics / submit full Defense SBIR/STTR | DSIP |
| Submit an xTech first-round white paper | xTech through Valid Eval |
| Submit an invited xTech-linked Army SBIR | DSIP (gated topic) |
| Manage SBIR company registration | SBIR.gov |
| Apply for socioeconomic certification | MySBA Certifications |
xTech competition playbook
- 1Read the competition announcement
Eligibility, white-paper format, evaluation criteria, prize structure, and whether an SBIR follow-on is contemplated.
- 2Submit the white paper in Valid Eval
Use the competition’s portal and template. Do not invent a DSIP submission for round one.
- 3Prepare for pitch / demo phases
If invited, treat briefing materials as controlled — match what you claimed in the white paper.
- 4If selected for gated SBIR
Open the gated DSIP topic, re-read Army + program instructions, and run the full seven-volume process.
You understand the xTech branch
- You can tell whether an Army opportunity is direct DSIP or xTech-gated
- You know first-round white papers go through Valid Eval, not DSIP
- You treat prizes as distinct from SBIR awards
- DSIP firm setup stays ready for a gated invitation