Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I

Background
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I is administered by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). The program aims to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal research needs, and improve the lives of people with disabilities through R&D products generated by small businesses.

Grant Details
The purpose of the Federal SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector and to strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs. The specific purpose of NIDILRR’s SBIR program is to increase the commercial application of research and development results and improve the return on investment from research and development that can be used to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. The program will make 11 grants under this opportunity, with a 6-month project period and corresponding six-month budget period.
The three phases of the SBIR program are:
- Phase I, intended to determine scientific or technical merit and feasibility;
- Phase II, intended to expand on Phase I results;
- Phase III, where small businesses use non-SBIR capital for commercial applications.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include for-profit small business concerns that are at least 51% U.S.-owned and independently operated, have their primary employment with the small business during the project, have 500 or fewer employees, and perform at least two-thirds of the research or analytic effort for Phase I projects. Joint ventures are permitted if they qualify as a small business according to the Small Business Act. All applicants must register at the SBA Company Registry prior to application submission.

Period of Performance
The grant has a 6-month project period. Contingent upon funding availability, additional awards may be made in FY 2025 from approved but unfunded applicants from this competition.

Grant Value
$1,100,000 is estimated for a total of 11 awards. The award ceiling is $100,000 per budget period with an award floor of $95,000 per budget period.

Place of Performance
The research or R&D work must be performed in the United States.