Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs Phase I

Background
The USDA SBIR/STTR programs focus on transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. The STTR program aims to foster technology transfer through formal cooperative R&D between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The programs provide equity-free funding and entrepreneurial support at the earliest stages of company and technology development.

Grant Details
The USDA SBIR/STTR programs are carried out in three separate phases. This program solicitation is only for the preparation and submission of SBIR/STTR Phase I applications. The aim of a Phase I project should be to demonstrate technical feasibility of the proposed innovation and thereby bring the innovation closer to commercialization. Proposals should describe the development of an innovation that involves a high degree of technical risk, has the potential for significant commercial impact and/or societal benefit, and concentrates on research that will significantly contribute to proving the scientific or technical feasibility of the approach or concept.

Eligibility Requirements
The act requires agencies with an SBIR or STTR program to assess the security risks presented by offerors with financial ties or obligations to certain foreign countries. To comply with this requirement, the program will require all offerors selected for negotiation of a 2024 SBIR/STTR Phase I award to complete additional certifications disclosing ties to foreign countries of concern prior to award and as needed during the life of the funding agreement.

Period of Performance
Grant Duration: 8 Months SBIR | 12 Months STTR

Grant Value
Anticipated Program Funding: FY 2024: $13,000,000 for SBIR, $2,500,000 for STTR; FY 2025: $13,000,000 for SBIR, $2,500,000 for STTR; Average Individual Award Range: $125,000 - $181,500 (As Applicable)