DAFPD90-18 governs Department of the Air Force small business programs, policies, opportunities, and acquisition participation.
View DAFPD90-18 on armypubs.army.mil
It addresses small business categories, SBIR and STTR programs, acquisition participation, technology transfer, and support for the industrial base. It requires maximum practicable opportunities, fair proportions of awards, and effective compliance assistance.
Applies to: This publication applies to the Regular Air Force, U.S. Space Force (USSF), Department of the Air Force government civilian employees, and members of the Air Force Reserve.
DAF commanders/directors must continually plan, execute, and measure contract awards to maximize opportunities for small businesses. (paragraph 1)
The objective of DAF Small Business Programs is to utilize small businesses to ensure timely, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of products and services in support of the Airmen and Guardian warfighters. (paragraph 2)
DAF promotes maximum practicable opportunities for small businesses to participate in Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluations (RDT&E), technology transfer and transition, as well as in all other aspects of the acquisition process. (paragraph 2)
The DAF Office of Small Business Programs establishes policy, guidance, and procedures to plan, execute, and measure the effectiveness of the DAF Small Business Programs. (paragraph 3)
The Director, SAF/SB, is responsible for: 4.1.1. Developing and managing the DAF’s Small Business Programs, including developing policies for approval by the Secretary of the Air Force, and issuing policies, goals, guidance, and procedures necessary to implement and execute small business programs in DAF acquisitions and assistance transactions. (paragraph 4)