The government has cash and startups could get some. That’s according to panelists at this week’s Tandem NSI event in Arlington, Va. The org brings together innovative tech companies with federal agencies. The funding comes from the SBIR/STTR programs, which fund R&D that has commercial potential. This panel, made up of DOD’s Christopher Rinaldi, DHS’s Frank Barros, and Navy’s John Williams, says the money means the company has a foot in the door with the agency. Some tips: Develop something that has wide market appeal but think of the initial customer first; and look at an agency’s past awards to learn its interests.

Why does the government say it wants to be innovative but isn’t? DIA’s Dan Doney says the acquisition process was developed 40-50 years ago and designed around building big systems, making innovation a challenge. Dan was joined by Army Research Laboratory’s Larry Holmes, IARPA’s Edward Baranoski, and DARPA’s Richard Guidorizzi and Mike Geertsen. They say the government is moving in two directions; tightening spending and having to innovate in the age of austerity. Look for ways to communicate with the right people in government and look for programs like DIA’s NeedapeDIA, an online database of agency needs. “Innovative solution providers” have a direct way to apply for those opportunities.