Landing government contracts is not easy but a possibility. Jeffrey Hicks, Chairman and CEO of 21st Century Systems, Inc. (21CSI) (21csi.com) details 21CSI's experience accessing defense contracts through the SBIR (Small Business Innovation and Research) grant program. The plus is that a company can follow both a commercial and government application of the products at the same time. 21CSI has a balance of R&D, government contracts and commercial products. (21csi.com)