The Fluency Score: A Quantitative Data Tool for Evaluating Commercial Viability of AF SBIR Applicants

The Fluency Score: A Quantitative Data Tool for Evaluating Commercial Viability of AF SBIR Applicants Company Name: Fluent; Topic Number/Name: DoD SBIR X20.1: J201-CS01 Open Call for Innovative Defense-Related Dual-Purpose Technologies/Solutions with a Clear Air Force Stakeholder Need; Proposal: FX201-CS01-0107 Technical Abstract: The Fluency Score, which works like a FICO Score for startups, can provide SBIR Phase 1 and Phase 2 selection teams with a data-driven numerical score and visualization of the private sector risks and opportunities presented by applicant companies, enriching their understanding of the commercial viability - far beyond what is possible through the current pitch deck and technical volume process. Overview:  Fluent will conduct customer discovery interviews with the selection team for Phase 1 and Phase 2 AFWERX SBIR contracts to investigate how The Fluency Score could assist with the selection of companies for these contracts, specifically providing objective, data-driven insights on the commercial viability of the startups in non-defense applications. We will also interview stakeholders in STTR and other innovation programs to understand the scope of the potential roll-out of The Fluency Score.  Technical Merit: Fluent has conducted over 100 Fluency Score evaluations on startups in the past year, including over 50 evaluations as part of paid pilots. In 2020, we are contracted to produce 600 Fluency Score evaluations in over two dozen startup accelerators for a pilot with InBIA and funded by JP Morgan Chase Foundation. Team: Since 2016, the Fluent team has led a combined 30 accelerator cohorts in five states and mentored hundreds of startups. We are professionals at customer discovery. We are executing a $300,000 commercial contract and have the capacity to scale.  Commercialization:  Fluent’s total revenue since founded in 2018 is $533K. Of that, $326K is directly from Fluency Score sales. Prior, Current, or Pending Support of Similar Proposals or Award? No prior, current, or pending support for proposed work.