From SBIR to Prime: 5 Ways to Keep Your Government Contract Data Rights

Govcon Giants

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5d ago 7:49

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Today we dig into the hard truths of small-business innovation in defense: most startups won't sell end items—they'll be 1st– or 2nd-tier subs whose tech is embedded in a prime's system. We unpack why founders fear losing IP to primes (and why we need better mechanisms than today's SBIR handoffs), where OCONUS opportunities really exist (think F-35 supply-chain niches and vetted foreign subsidiaries—limited but real), and why talent acquisition is make-or-break. Bottom line: protect your IP, read every teaming/NDA, know when aviation or cleared work changes your risk—and recruit serious S&E horsepower if you want to matter.

Key Takeaways:

IP first. Most small firms will be subs; use defensible NDAs/teaming terms and SBIR data-rights to avoid handing your crown jewels to primes.
OCONUS is niche. Foreign buys happen (e.g., F-35 components), but protectionist policies mean smaller budgets and tougher entry—win with differentiated tech.
Talent is strategy. Deep science & engineering capability (think Caltech/MIT-level rigor) remains the decisive edge for modernization programs.

Know more about the Bootcamp: https://govcongiants.org/bootcamp

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