Track Your DoD SBIR Submission in DSIP

Introduction

Submitting your proposal to the Department of Defense (DoD) SBIR program is a major milestone—but it’s just the beginning. Once your application is in, the next critical phase begins: tracking its status through the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). For many small businesses, this post-submission period can be confusing and full of uncertainty. DSIP status labels like “Submitted,” “In Progress,” or “Selected” aren’t always self-explanatory, and timelines can vary widely by component.

This guide breaks down exactly how to monitor your proposal after submission, what each status label means, and how to avoid common tracking pitfalls. Whether you’re anxiously waiting for a decision or just want to understand what comes next, here’s what to expect—and what to watch for.

Where to Track Your Proposal

Once your proposal is submitted, the official place to monitor its progress is the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal (DSIP). Every DoD component uses DSIP to receive, manage, and evaluate SBIR submissions. This is the system of record—and it’s where you’ll find the most current status of your proposal.

To check, log in to DSIP and navigate to your proposals dashboard. You’ll see a list of your submissions along with their current statuses. It’s a good idea to check this periodically, especially as the review period progresses. Some components also send email notifications at key decision points, such as selection or rejection. These emails typically come from domains like dodsbir.net, reisystems.com, or .mil addresses—so be sure to check your spam folder and whitelist those senders.

Don’t expect detailed updates along the way. DSIP won’t show reviewer comments or internal progress updates. Instead, you’ll see broad status labels that reflect your application’s stage in the process.

Understanding DSIP Status Labels

DSIP uses a series of status labels to show where your proposal stands in the evaluation process. While they may seem vague at first, each label has a specific meaning—and knowing what they indicate can help you interpret what’s happening behind the scenes.

Expected Timelines After Submission

Once the submission window closes, it’s time to wait—and the wait can be long. Most DoD components take at least 90 days to announce Phase I selections, though the exact timeline varies by agency, volume of submissions, and topic complexity.

During this time, your proposal may still show as “Submitted” or “Under Review” in DSIP. That doesn’t mean something is wrong. It simply reflects that your application is still being evaluated. Unless the agency reaches out to you directly, there’s nothing you need to do.

Some proposers worry when months go by without a status change. But unless your status changes to “Not Selected” or “Selected,” no news is usually a sign that review is still ongoing.

Pro Tip
Check DSIP weekly and your spam folder for updates after the deadline—agency emails may go unnoticed.

Common Post-Submission Issues and Fixes

While waiting for review results, it’s not uncommon to encounter confusion about your proposal status. Here are a few of the most frequent issues applicants face—and how to address them:

Certification Not Finalized

The most common mistake is assuming your proposal was submitted when it wasn’t. If DSIP still shows “In Progress” after the deadline, your submission was not received and will not be evaluated.

Critical Compliance Note
If your proposal still shows “In Progress” after the deadline, it was not received and will not be evaluated. You likely missed the certification step (13 CFR § 121.702).

Contacting the Wrong Office

If you’re unsure about your proposal’s status, do not contact DSIP tech support—they won’t have information about review progress. Instead, reach out to the SBIR program office for the specific DoD component you applied to.

What Happens If You’re Selected (or Not)

Once your proposal completes evaluation, you’ll see one of two outcomes in DSIP—either your project moves forward, or it doesn’t. Here’s what each scenario involves:

If Selected

If your proposal is marked as “Selected” or “Award Pending,” the agency intends to fund your project. You’ll likely receive a call or email from a contracting officer or SBIR program manager to begin contract negotiations. Be prepared to submit:

• Updated cost details
• Revised milestones
• Paperwork required for the contract award

This phase can include back-and-forth clarifications, and the timeline will depend on the responsiveness of both parties. Your DSIP status may show “Negotiations” or “Award in Progress” during this time. Once finalized, it will switch to “Awarded.”

If Not Selected

If your proposal is not moving forward, DSIP will show “Not Selected” or a similar label. Many DoD components now include a short feedback summary when this happens.

Note
If rejected, most DoD components now provide automated feedback. Read it closely—it can strengthen your next proposal.

Don’t get discouraged. Use the feedback to refine your idea, and consider submitting it in a future cycle—or to a different agency, if appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your DoD SBIR proposal after submission can feel like a waiting game—but knowing what each DSIP status means can ease the uncertainty. While you won’t receive granular updates, the status labels give you key signals about where your proposal stands.

Remember:

• “Submitted” means you’re officially in the system.
• “Under Review” means it’s being evaluated.
• “Selected” is the good news you hope for.
• “Not Selected” is common—and often comes with feedback to help you improve.

Most importantly, don’t let silence or rejection stall your momentum. Every submission cycle is a chance to sharpen your approach and build experience navigating federal funding systems. Understanding how to track and interpret your submission status gives you a stronger foundation for future success.