The Pathways
MAPs provides a clear set of acquisition options that align the nature of a requirement with the most effective procurement strategy.
SBIR Phase III
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III is a direct award mechanism for transitioning government-funded research and prototype capabilities into production and operational deployment. Phase III awards can be issued by any federal agency, are not funded with SBIR dollars, and have no limits on dollar value or timeline.
MAPs enables SBIR Phase III by providing a detailed white paper that documents how your requirement derives from, extends, or completes prior SBIR-funded innovation — giving your contracting team a defensible, ready-to-execute acquisition package.
Commercial Solutions Opening
A Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is a streamlined approach used by federal agencies to solicit and award innovative commercial solutions outside of the traditional FAR-based process. CSOs work best when speed matters and the requirement can be evaluated through a commercial-style process.
MAPs supports CSO acquisitions through pathway fit assessment, acquisition planning alignment, evaluation criteria refinement, and vendor communication — accelerating the path from requirement to award.
Justification & Approval
A Justification and Approval (J&A) is a documented rationale that authorizes a sole-source contract award when full and open competition is not required or practical. J&As provide a compliant route to award when the acquisition strategy supports a directed approach.
MAPs supports J&A acquisitions with market research inputs, justification structure, and drafting support — enabling a defensible decision that meets FAR requirements and agency policy.
Looking for a traditional contract vehicle? GWACs, IDIQs, BPAs, and agency vehicles are also part of MetaPhase Acquisition Pathways. View our Contract Vehicles
Benefits
MAPs helps agencies accelerate award timelines without sacrificing compliance, competition, or oversight.
Rapid Sole Source Ability
Use authorities that enable speed when the acquisition strategy supports a sole-source award.
Broad Scope
Structure work to cover prototyping, integration, deployment, and sustainment — as needed.
Expedited Award Process
Shorten cycle time with pathways designed for streamlined evaluation and award.
Scalable Contract Design
Start focused, then scale — from a pilot to a multi-year program.
Small Business Credit
Support small business goals while accessing modern, mission-relevant capabilities.
All Security Levels
Support unclassified through classified environments based on the requirement.
Open to All Federal Agencies
Applicable across federal missions — civilian, defense, and homeland security.
No Funding Limits
Select structures that align to your funding and timeline realities.
Minimal Protestability
Extremely narrow grounds for protest — SBIR Phase III has never been successfully protested.
Capabilities
MAPs can support a wide range of technology, data, and mission workflow needs.
To learn more about our full range of services, visit our Capabilities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pathway is best for my requirement?
For most federal technology requirements, SBIR Phase III offers the fastest compliant route to award — pre-competed, no dollar or time limits, and minimal protestability. However, we evaluate every requirement individually. When we engage, we provide a custom acquisition pathway assessment that maps your requirement, timeline, and constraints to the best-fit option — whether that is SBIR Phase III, a Commercial Solutions Opening, a J&A, or a traditional contract vehicle. Contact us and we will deliver a tailored recommendation.
What is SBIR Phase III and why is it the preferred pathway?
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a congressionally authorized initiative that transitions government-funded research into production and operational deployment. Phase III is the commercialization phase — it is pre-competed, FAR compliant, can be completed in days, has no dollar or time limits, and has never been successfully protested. It offers the government the fastest, most defensible route to award for technology-driven requirements.
Does MetaPhase hold a SBIR that can receive Phase III awards?
Yes. MetaPhase owns SBIR 40816: A General Framework for Incorporating Intelligent Agents into User Interfaces — a broad award aimed at innovation associated with software automation. Direct Phase III sole source awards or IDIQs can be issued from this SBIR by any federal agency.
Can any federal agency issue a SBIR Phase III award?
Yes. Any federal agency can award a Phase III contract. Agencies did not need to fund the original Phase I/II work to issue a Phase III award.
Is a J&A or formal RFP required for Phase III?
No. Under 15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4), agencies are not required to conduct another competition or provide further justification beyond stating the work is a Phase III award. A Phase III can result from an unsolicited proposal, a simplified acquisition, or a non-competitive directed award.
Are there limits on dollar value, timeline, or number of Phase III awards?
No. There are no limits on the dollar value, contract size, or the number of Phase III awards a firm can receive. There is also no statutory limit on the time that may elapse between Phase I/II and Phase III. Phase III contracts can include options, and IDIQs may be issued for recurring or evolving needs.
What is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)?
A CSO is an alternative procurement approach that allows agencies to solicit and evaluate innovative commercial solutions outside of the traditional FAR-based process. It is best suited for requirements where speed matters and a commercial-style evaluation is appropriate. MetaPhase supports agencies through CSO pathway fit assessment, planning, and execution.
How does MetaPhase help my agency get started?
Contact us with your requirement and we will provide a tailored acquisition pathway assessment — mapping your need, timeline, funding, and constraints to the right pathway. We deliver a custom white paper that gives your contracting team the documentation and rationale they need to move forward with confidence.
