No, however having an implementation/testing partner within the Air Force is a major advantage. This is because AFWERX SBIR/STTR programs are contracts meant to fund technologies with active Air Force usage as the goal.

A Phase 1 contract is often won by startups who believe they have a use within the Air Force but haven’t yet had a chance to find their Air Force partner. The startup will be expected to find such a partner during its Phase 1 period, if funded.