R. Jill Dickman, Program Manager
AF SBIR/STTR Program AFRL/XPXP 4375 Chidlaw Road, Suite 6
Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-5006

Voice: (800) 222-0336
Fax: (937) 257-3398
email: dickman@techmail.wpafb.af.mil

The federal SBIR program is a uniquely American success story. A leading architect of the programÕs growing importance is Ms. R. Jill Dickman, SBIR Program Executive for the United States Air Force. Her dynamic management of the Air Forceprogram has resulted in enormous dividends in essential Defense Department R&D. Her exceptionally creative leadership continues to shape the character and importance of this vital national program. Ms. Dickman is widely recognized by both government leaders and small business as an extraordinarily effective SBIR advocate and a respected SBIR leader.

Repeatedly Ms. Dickman has found a way to resuscitate stalled projects, overcome complex legal and financial obstacles and encourage new approaches in business relationships. These actions showcase her personal dedication and management skill. She has enhanced the vitality of SBIR and maximized the dividends it continues to provide in high risk R&D. Her willingness to take the time to recognize and understand promising new technologies, to match them to Air Force requirements and to encourage and support small firms continues to make a significant difference.

In budget ($212 million in 1997), number of topics (249), number of proposals (3,655), number of Phase I awards (421), and Phase II awards (210), Ms. Dickman manages the largest SBIR program in DOD. The size of the Air Force SBIR program is matched by only one other federal SBIR program, that in the National Institutes of Health. Continuing success in SBIR demands strong management and visionary leadership. Ms. Dickman has proven she has the vision of the SBIR potential. That vision is complemented by her passion for program excellence and ability to focus the energy of the program. Her enthusiasm for the program is shared with her field program managers and contracting officers, encouraging their proficiency in program administration while Òthinking outside the box.Ó Her innovative problem solving approach has served to make the Air Force SBIR program more responsive to Air Force needs while remaining fully supportive of participating small firms. A business environment has been created that emphasizes personalized service and minimal bureaucracy while remaining responsive, user friendly and Òin-tuneÓ with the highly competitive research environment.

Program initiatives instituted by Ms. Dickman have helped position SBIR as a cutting edge force for DOD's science and technology needs. Program success depends on reducing the time-to-market of SBIR technology. Ms. DickmanÕs streamlining approach, featuring a team concept using Òbest practices,Ó has led to the shortest contracting times in DOD for Phase I and Phase II.

She led the development and later instituted use of a Òpre-solicitationÓ release. This assists small firms to focus networking opportunities with appropriate technical personnel, yielding better proposals for Air Force consideration. A well refined, closer linkage has been created between research requirements, Air Force science and technology investment strategy, and contract awards, fully leveraging available funds for maximum impact.

A rich and diverse small business outreach program has been created with an ambitious, results oriented emphasis. Focused on communications aimed at expanding SBIR participation by qualified small businesses, a targeted advertising campaign was initiated. Extensive support has been provided for state economic development organizations with a push to recruit minority and women-owned businesses into SBIR. This marketing effort is a cornerstone of SBIRÕs growing success. An award winning group of informative brochures and a video has been created along with a highly specialized workbook for Phase II and Phase III participants. This serves as a road map in navigating the business aspects of the program. Ms Dickman has also spearheaded the development of the SBIR portion of an award winning Air Force Website featuring extensive program information and full integration of related sites. Her widely used Air Force SBIR ÒSuccess StoryÓ program, aimed at highlighting the technology solutions generated by small firms, continues to be a model for other Federal agencies.