The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to host its first “pitch day†as part of its Small Business Innovation Research program in March, Fedscoop reported Wednesday.
Fifty-nine companies will deliver pitches to Air Force officers in areas such as special forces, digital technology and command, control, communication, intelligence and networks. Successful firms could receive up to $158,000 as an initial payment for a five-month term.
Ryan Helbach, chief intrapreneur at the Air Force Research Laboratory, said the event will highlight the branch’s ability to “move at the speed of relevanceâ€. He added that the Air Force had to make adjustments to launch the pioneering effort, notably by streamlining contract procedures.
“We need to adapt our business practices to the world that’s around us,†Helbach said.