Your Trusted Partner for SBIR Success
You’re a small business owner with a promising idea that could become a marketable product or service. You know funding may be available through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, but you may not know where to start.
That’s where Team 80 comes in.
As your SBIR accounting experts, Team 80 helps small businesses understand the financial and compliance side of pursuing SBIR and STTR awards. We’ve put together this guide to help you navigate key resources, understand upcoming deadlines, and prepare for the next step in your funding journey.
SBIR FAQs
We understand how challenging it can be for small business owners to work with the federal government. That’s why we put together this list of frequently asked questions and resources to help you understand the SBIR process and prepare for funding opportunities.
What is the SBIR Program?
SBIR stands for Small Business Innovation Research. It is a highly competitive federal program that provides funding to small businesses conducting research and development for innovative ideas with commercial potential.
The SBIR program encourages U.S.-based small businesses to take part in federal research and development while helping move promising technologies toward commercialization.
What are the three phases of the SBIR program?
Phase I
Phase I is focused on proof of concept. This is where a small business tests the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of its idea.
Phase I awards generally run 6–12 months and typically range from $50,000 to $275,000, depending on the agency and solicitation.
Phase II
Phase II builds on the work completed in Phase I. This phase supports continued research and development, prototype development, testing, and evaluation of commercial potential.
Phase II awards are larger and usually last about 24 months. SBIR.gov lists typical Phase II funding at $750,000 to $1.8 million, though amounts vary by agency and solicitation.
Phase III
Phase III is focused on commercialization. This is where the company works to bring the product, process, or technology into the commercial market or federal marketplace.
SBIR/STTR program funds are not used for Phase III. Instead, companies typically pursue private investment, sales, follow-on contracts, or other non-SBIR/STTR funding sources.
Do you have to be a Phase I awardee to be eligible for Phase II?
In most cases, yes. Phase II is usually for small businesses that have successfully completed Phase I and are ready to continue the research and development work they started.
There is one important exception: some agencies offer a Direct-to-Phase-II (DP2) option. This allows eligible small businesses to apply directly for Phase II without a prior Phase I award, as long as they can show they have already completed the equivalent of Phase I feasibility work. DP2 availability depends on the agency and the specific solicitation.
Phase II awards are typically larger, longer, and more complex than Phase I awards. SBIR.gov notes that Phase II awards are generally up to $1,000,000 over about two years, but actual funding amounts vary by agency and solicitation, so always review the specific opportunity before applying.
How do I apply for SBIR?
How do I find an appropriate topic?
To apply for an SBIR or STTR award, you’ll need to find a current funding opportunity from one of the participating federal agencies. These opportunities may be called a Request for Proposals (RFP), Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Topic, or Solicitation.
No matter what the agency calls it, the opportunity will explain what the agency is looking for, who is eligible, how to apply, and when proposals are due.
Participating agencies release SBIR/STTR opportunities throughout the year. Some agencies post multiple solicitations annually, while others may only release one each year. Once you find an agency or topic that fits your work, be sure to review that agency’s official process, instructions, and deadlines before preparing your application.
You can start by searching current topics on SBIR.gov, then confirm the details on the agency’s official solicitation page before applying. As you review opportunities, pay close attention to any accounting, budget, or compliance requirements so you’re prepared before funding is awarded.
Who is eligible to receive SBIR awards?
SBIR awards are designed for small, for-profit U.S. businesses. To be eligible, a company generally must:
- Be organized for profit, with a place of business in the United States.
- Have fewer than 500 employees, including affiliates.
- Be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or by other qualifying small business concerns.
Some solicitations may include additional requirements, such as principal investigator rules, registration steps, or agency-specific documentation. Always review the opportunity carefully before applying.
Are non-profits eligible for SBIR awards?
No. SBIR and STTR awards are made to eligible small, for-profit U.S. businesses. However, non-profits may be able to participate as a subcontractor or sub-grantee on an SBIR/STTR project.
For STTR awards, collaboration with a qualifying research institution is required, but the small business is still the applicant and awardee.
What is an SBIR funding agreement?
An SBIR funding agreement is the official award between a participating federal agency and a small business. Depending on the agency and opportunity, it may be structured as a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement.
The agreement outlines the funded research or development work, award requirements, reporting expectations, and the responsibilities your business must follow. This is where strong accounting and organized records become especially important.
What are the performance benchmark requirements?
Some companies with multiple prior SBIR/STTR awards must meet minimum performance benchmarks before applying for new Phase I or Direct-to-Phase-II awards.
These benchmarks look at whether past projects moved from Phase I to Phase II and whether prior Phase II work made progress toward commercialization.
For most first-time or early-stage applicants, these benchmarks may not apply yet. If your company has received multiple SBIR/STTR awards, check your status on SBIR.gov before applying.
What agencies participate in the SBIR program?
There are currently 11 federal agencies that participate in the SBIR program. Each agency manages its own topics, funding opportunities, deadlines, and application process.
The right agency for your business depends on your technology, research area, and which agency’s mission your work supports. Each agency also has its own SBIR office and point of contact, so it’s important to review the agency’s official guidance before applying.
- Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Department of Commerce (DOC) – National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- Department of Commerce (DOC) – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Department of Education (ED)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Air Force (AFWERX)
- Army
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Defense Health Agency (DHA)
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA)
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
- Missile Defense Agency (MDA)
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
- Navy
- Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (ND-CBD)
- Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
2026 SBIR & STTR Deadlines by Agency
UPDATE: On April 13, 2026, the President signed bipartisan legislation (S. 3971) into law, reauthorizing the SBIR and STTR programs through Sept. 30, 2031.
Due to the April 2026 reauthorization, many agencies are updating FY2026 schedules. Dates below reflect the most current confirmed deadlines and expected timelines.
Department of Agriculture
FY2026 Phase I Solicitation — TBD
USDA releases one SBIR/STTR solicitation annually through NIFA.FY2026 Phase II Solicitation — TBD
No current FY2026 Phase II deadline has been posted.
Department of Commerce
- NOAA FY2026 NOAA SBIR Solicitation — No Current Deadline Posted)
- NIST FY2026 NIST SBIR Phase I — To Be Announced
Department of Defense
DoD currently has overlapping solicitations due to the reauthorization delay, including 2025.4 topics and FY2026 BAA releases.
- DoD SBIR/STIR FY2026 Release 2 – Closes (06/24/2026)
- DoD SBIR/STIR FY2026 Release 2 – Closes (07/22/2026)
- DoD SBIR/STIR FY2026 Release 2 – Closes (08/19/2026)
- DoD SBIR/STIR FY2026 Release 2 – Closes (09/23/2026)
- DoD SBIR/STIR FY2026 Release 2 – Closes (10/21/2026)
- ARMY SBIR/STTR (DoD SBIR 2025.4) – Closes (05/13/2026) & CSO – xTech/Other) – Closes (08/28/2026)
- USAF Air Force SBIR/STTR (DoD SBIR/STTR 2025.4) – Closes (05/13/2026) & (DoD SBIR 2026 BAA) – Closes (06/03/2026)
- DARPA • 2026 BAA Topics — Closes 06/03/2026
- SOCOM SBIR/STTR (DoD SBIR 2025.4) – Closes (05/13/2026)
CBD Chemical Biological Defense SBIR/STTR – Closes (05/13/2026) - DMEA SBIR/STTR – Closes (05/13/2026)
- DTRA SBIR/STTR – Closes (05/13/2026)
- DARPA SBIR/STTR (DoD STTR 2026 BAA) – Closes (06/03/2026)
- DHA – Defense Health Agency SBIR/STTR – Closes (06/03/2026)
- DLA – No Opportunities
- NAVY – SBIR/STTR (DoD SBIR/STTR 2026 BAA) – Closes (06/03/2026)
- OSD – Office of the Secretary of Defense – Closes (06/03/2026)
- SOCOM SBIR/STTR (2026 BAA) – Closes (06/03/2026)
Environmental Protection Agency
- No Current EPA SBIR Solicitation Open
*EPA currently lists no open SBIR solicitations.*
Department of Transportation
FY2026 DOT Phase I Solicitation Period — Expected 06/03/2026 to 07/07/2026
*FY26 Proposed Research Topics*
- NASA SBIR Phase II – Closes (05/21/2026)
- Additional NASA Appendices — TBD
Department of Education
- ED/IES SBIR FY2026
• Phase IA Solicitation — Closes 06/29/2026
• FY2026 Phase IB Solicitation — Closes 06/29/2026 ED/IES FY2026 Direct to Phase II Solicitation — Closes 06/29/2026
Department of Energy
DOE SBIR/STTR Select Phase II Opportunity — Expected Spring 2026
• DOE plans to open an opportunity for select Phase II topics in spring 2026 for eligible Phase I awardees.
- DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I Opportunity — Expected Later in 2026
* DOE plans to open a Phase I opportunity later in 2026 across the latest DOE priority areas.
Department of Homeland Security
- No current solicitation – FY2026 Solicitation
National Science Foundation (NSF)
- No Current Opportunities
- FY2026 Solicitation – Expected (TBD)
Department of Health & Human Services
(NIH, CDC, FDA)
Standard Application Due Dates are September 5, January 5, and April 5. Due dates that fall on weekends or Federal holidays are moved to the next business day.
- NIH SBIR/STTR Parent and Specific NOFOs — No Active SBIR/STTR NOFOs Currently Posted
*NIH does not currently have active SBIR/STTR funding opportunities open for application. New opportunities are expected to be listed on Grants.gov before applications open. - NIH SBIR/STTR Standard Due Dates
• 09/05/2026
• 01/05/2027
• 04/05/2027
• 09/05/2027
Team 80 STTR & SBIR Deadlines
Updated 05-14-2026
Official SBIR Resource
SBIR.GOV Updated Solicitations
SBIR Grant Writers
SBIR Events
SBIR.GOV EVENTS
current events from sbir.gov
SBIR/STTR Spring Innovation Conference
March 10, 2026 – March 12, 2026
SBIR/STTR Fall Innovation Conference
September 21, 2026 – September 23, 2026
SBIR Accountant
Navigating the SBIR program journey can be daunting and time-consuming.
With over 25 years of experience working with agencies that participate in the SBIR program, Team 80 is an SBIR-approved accounting team that offers remote SBIR accounting services to help you navigate your STTR / SBIR Phase I & II journey. Let us take over so that you can get back to focusing on what matters!
SBIR Additional Resources
- Department of Energy Lab Partnering Service – this is a resource for connecting investors with DOE experts to quickly answer innovation questions.
- FLC Business-Your One-Stop Shop For U.S. Laboratory Information – this is a comprehensive list of federal laboratory resources.
- SBIR Resources by State – A complete list of states that match funds—and the amounts they match
Get in touch today to learn more about how Team 80 can help with your SBIR accounting needs. There’s money out there for you – it’s time to take advantage of it.
Sarah Sinicki
Team 80 CEO
Sarah is a leader focused on serving small businesses in various industries. She has worked with a multitude of companies over the last 25 years and loves helping business owners find success. Sarah is genuinely committed to unburdening Team 80 clients so that they have the freedom to focus on their business. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her husband, two kids, and her Yorkies, Marley and Ziggy. When she is not helping business owners, you can find her in a Reb3l Groove class dancing it out. Sarah is also an avid Colorado Avalanche fan, so if you ever want to talk about hockey, she’s your gal.
