ETC supported the Department of the Navy’s Small Business Office in expanding outreach to underrepresented businesses across the country as part of a larger effort to increase awareness and participation in the Navy SBIR/STTR programs. First, ETC used data analysis to target ecosystems with high underrepresented populations and low Navy SBIR awards. Next, ETC collaborated with regional stakeholders (local universities, incubators, SBDCs, MBDA Centers, APEX Accelerators, etc.) to minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses developing promising technologies.

The work included organizing 15 outreach events, conducting 14 regional innovation ecosystem assessments, and producing five Technology Matching Guides to help small businesses and partner organizations better understand how their capabilities aligned with Navy research priorities. ETC coordinated three strategic events featuring senior Navy leadership to elevate the visibility of the SBIR/STTR program and create new entry points for small businesses. This work resulted in engaging over 100 businesses on Navy SBIR/STTR opportunities.

ETC brought relevant experience in regional ecosystem analysis to the project and adapted its existing TechFire® Ecosystem Assessment Tool (TFEAT) to meet the Navy’s specific needs. The team also built a mapping and data analysis capability using ArcGIS that allowed them to visualize and prioritize outreach across more than 3,000 counties. In response to challenges reaching technically focused businesses in underrepresented communities, ETC pursued partnerships with support organizations and worked directly with a tech cohort in Houston, Texas, to connect entrepreneurs with Navy opportunities. Throughout the project, ETC used practical tools like SharePoint, Teams, Power BI, and Zoom to manage communications, coordinate deliverables, and track progress. At project’s end, ETC’s work provided Navy leadership new insight into how different regions support small business innovation, best practices in reaching underrepresented businesses, which helped lay the groundwork for more targeted, effective outreach going forward.

Specifically, the team:

• Conducted Technology Evaluations: Using our TechFire® Ecosystem Assessment Tool (TFEAT), ETC performed 14 regional innovation ecosystem assessments, analyzing over 3,000 counties with ArcGIS to identify high-potential, underrepresented regions with low SBIR awards. Assessments evaluated technology alignment with Navy priorities, achieving 100% deliverable acceptance.
• Identified Potential Partners: Collaborated with regional stakeholders (universities, incubators, SBDCs, MBDA Centers, APEX Accelerators) to identify 120 small businesses with CBRNE-relevant technologies. Quarterly Potential Partner Lists were delivered in Microsoft Excel.
• Supported Agreements: Facilitated 10 Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and Technology Support Agreements (TSAs), drafting terms and protecting proprietary information for up to five years. All documentation was stored on Government network drives.
• Organized Collaboration Events: Coordinated 15 outreach events, including three strategic events with senior Navy leadership, engaging over 100 businesses. Meeting minutes were submitted within three business days in Microsoft Word.
• Events used Microsoft Teams and complied with security protocols.
  Managed SBIR/STTR Programs: Produced five Technology Matching Guides to align small business capabilities with Navy research needs, delivered monthly status lists in Excel, and increased SBIR participation by 20%, meeting PRS#7 requirements.
• Provided Technical Consultation: Advised Navy ORTA on CRADA formation, royalty calculations, and NDAs. Recommendations were included in Monthly Status Reports.