Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II

Background
The purpose of the Federal SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The specific purpose of NIDILRR's SBIR program is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through R/R&D products generated by small businesses, and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of people with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes. Phase II projects expand on the results of and further pursue the development of Phase I projects.

Grant Details
NIDILRR's mission is to generate new knowledge and to promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community and to expand society's capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities. The Small Business Administration defines Research or Research and Development (R/R&D) as a systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the subject studied; a systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a recognized need; or a systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods. NIDILRR's SBIR program can support each of these types of activities toward new knowledge or products that can be used to improve the health and function, employment, or community living and participation outcomes of people with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirements
Each organization submitting an application must qualify at the time of the award as a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration. Consultative or other arrangements between applicant firms and universities or other nonprofit organizations are permitted, but the small business concern must serve as the grantee. For SBIR Phase II, a minimum of one-half of the research or analytical effort must be performed by the Awardee. In addition, the primary employment of the principal investigator must be with the small business firm at the time of award and during the conduct of the proposed research. For both Phase I and Phase II, the research or R&D work must be performed in the United States.

Period of Performance
Grants will have a 24-month project period with two 12-month budget periods.

Grant Value
$1,150,000 total funding for 4 awards. Award Ceiling: $287,500 per Budget Period. Award Floor: $280,000 per Budget Period.