Strategy

Do You Need a Ph.D. to Get an NSF SBIR?

Every project has a Principal Investigator (PI). Also called the technical lead, this is the person capable of tracking and communicating any progress made in pursuit of the NSF SBIR award. The PI stays in contact with the federal program director during the process, monitoring the performance and ensuring performance goals are met on time. The PI is also responsible for submitting the required reports to the NSF.

The PI is not required to have a Ph.D. or any other degree. However, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers can be the PI on an NSF SBIR Phase I proposal. In fact, many NSF SBIR awards also have PIs with no graduate training.

• Advanced Analytics 
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Advanced Materials 
• Artificial Intelligence 
• Augmented and Virtual Reality 
• Biological Technologies 
• Biomedical Technologies 
• Chemical Technologies 
• Cloud and High-Performance Computing 
• Cybersecurity and Authentication 
• Digital Health 
• Distributed Ledger 
• Energy Technologies 
• Environmental Technologies 
• Human-Computer Interaction 

• Instrumentation and Hardware Systems 
• Internet of Things 
• Learning and Cognition Technologies 
• Medical Devices 
• Mobility 
• Nanotechnology 
• Other Topics
• Pharmaceutical Technologies 
• Photonics 
• Power Management 
• Quantum Information Technologies 
• Robotics
• Semiconductors
• Space 
• Wireless Technologies

How Do You Apply for an NSF SBIR Phase I Award?

NSF proposals must be submitted through either the NSF FastLane System, Research.gov, or Grants.gov. NSF SBIR program applicants are required to submit the aforementioned Project Pitch outlining the project objectives, technical innovation, and associated technical risks. Projects that seem to be a good fit will be officially invited to submit a full proposal.

How Long is NSF SBIR Phase I?

NSF SBIR Phase I funding is intended to support projects from six to 12 months in duration. Small businesses are typically notified of the award decision between four to six months after the submission deadline. 

What Do I Need To Do To Revise My Phase I Budget?

Budgeting can be a fluid process in the world of NSF SBIR programs. Projects expand or contract, team members come and go, unforeseen breakthroughs happen—it all means you’ll need to submit a revised budget. To do so, both a project’s PI and sponsored research office must send in a revision.

NSF SBIR budget revisions must include a Revised Budget Justification, uploaded or entered via a Budget Impact Statement Module. To submit a revised budget, follow the steps presented by America’s Seed Fund.

1. Small Business Administration

   Start your journey here. More of a governing body than a participant, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the coordinating agency for the SBIR program, directing the agencies’ implementation of SBIR, reviewing their progress, and reporting annually to Congress on its operation. SBA is also the information link to the SBIR program, meaning it distributes important details to small businesses looking to learn more and take part in the SBIR.

2. Department of Agriculture

   The SBIR program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers grants to qualified small businesses in support of research related to scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture, particularly those that significantly benefit the public. A grant from the USDA stimulates private-sector technological innovations in the agricultural field, funding a range of projects including rural development, conservation of natural resources, aquaculture, and more.

3. Department of Commerce

   The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) engages with businesses, communities, universities, and workers to promote job creation, economic growth, sustainable development, and improved living standards. Endowed with a workforce that includes economists, Nobel-winning scientists, patent attorneys, law enforcement, and other specialists in various sectors (including aerospace engineering), the department has inspired several advancements in many different fields through the SBIR.

4. Department of Defense

   Investing more than $1 billion annually in small business technology through the SBIR, the Department of Defense provides high-tech, small businesses with the opportunity to propose innovative research and development solutions in response to critical defense needs. DOD SBIR focuses on the many branches of national defense, awarding grant money to the few, the proud, the small businesses developing defense-minded technological advancements.

5. Department of Education

   Housed within the Department of Education’s (ED) research arm, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) funds for-profit technology firms to research, develop, and evaluate commercially viable education technology products. Awardees must demonstrate relevant student or teacher outcomes in education or special education; success stories from the department’s SBIR program run the gamut from online instructional platforms to math game apps.

6. Department of Energy

   The SBIR program works collaboratively with offices throughout the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE technical program managers develop research topics selected for SBIR grants. At the same time, the department offers more than 60 technical topics and 250 subtopics, spanning the fields of energy production and use, fundamental energy sciences, energy storage, security, environmental management, and defense nuclear nonproliferation.

7. Department of Health & Human Services

   The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) deploys the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in search of innovative technologies in the world of biomedical research. Through the SBIR, the departments seek paradigm-shifting expertise that can be applied to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. One fascinating success story comes from a Colorado-based company that developed medical devices that inhibit bacteria growth by mimicking shark skin.

8. Department of Homeland Security

   The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SBIR program provides qualified small businesses with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet specific homeland security research and development technology needs. Grants from the DHS SBIR tend to focus on particular areas of concern, including cybersecurity, first responders, chemical and biological defense, detecting bioterrorism, critical infrastructure, border security, and more.

9. Department of Transportation

   The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) SBIR program awards contracts to domestic small businesses working on research and development for solutions to the country’s transportation woes. The main focus of DOT SBIR grants is to benefit both the department itself and the public at large. For example, one such awarded business used technology to stop invasive species from hitching a ride on construction vehicles that cross ecological biosystems.

10. Environmental Protection Agency

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delivers SBIR grants in the search for entrepreneurs who utilize innovative technologies in the stewardship of the environment. With its stated mission of protecting human health and the environment, the EPA seeks to address a host of concerns with SBIR, including natural resources, public health, air quality, energy conservation, international trade, and more.

11. National Aeronautics and Space Administration

    Much more well known as NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration exercises the human spirit of exploration with the help of SBIR funds. NASA SBIR has inspired generations of geniuses to boldly go where none of us have gone before. For example, NASA SBIR companies supplied the technology necessary to develop the Phoenix Lander mission, which investigated the presence of water in the Mars arctic region.

12. National Science Foundation

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) SBIR program takes scientific and engineering innovations and turns them into products and services with a societal impact. Dubbed America’s Seed Fund, the NSF’s SBIR program is housed within the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships within the Directorate for Engineering. One awardee success story features a company that developed technology to recycle carbon dioxide into fuel.

All SBIR grants are federally funded. This means that funds ultimately come from the public in the form of taxpayer dollars. The congressionally mandated SBIR program requires every federal agency with an external research budget of more than $100 million to earmark between 1.5 to 3.2 percent of their budget for small businesses.

Nothing worth having comes easy—and that’s certainly the case with SBIR grants. With the work needed to apply, the SBIR grant process can be exceedingly time-consuming and onerous for small businesses with limited staff and budgets. What’s more, the time between submission and receiving the funds can be a nerve-wracking, drawn-out process. 

This is precisely why you need an accounting partner that can crunch the numbers for you and relieve a measure of the burden.

Department of Agriculture

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to Precision Combustion, Inc.

Amount: $599,640

Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI), located in North Haven, CT, developed an innovative air purifier to reduce ammonia concentrations in poultry houses. The SBIR Phase II award gives PCI the boost it needs to see the project to fruition.

With poultry consumption in the U.S. at an all-time high (and expected to continue its upward trajectory), this SBIR Phase II award-winning project figures to have an immediate, positive effect on consumers. 

The solution enables improved poultry health while lowering operating costs through savings on propane for ventilation and other ammonia reduction methods. According to Precision Combustion, flushing out ammonia from animal agricultural operations is critical to the well-being of the animals, the workers, and the environment at large. While other efforts to reduce ammonia simply shift it elsewhere, Precision Combustion’s award-winning solution eradicates the ammonia. 

The SBIR Phase II award helps the project mature to the next level, optimizing components and improving the system’s cost-effectiveness.

Department of Defense

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to RAVN INC.

Amount: $1,106,363

The Department of Defense SBIR Phase II Award (Navy branch) spearheaded the production of a new augmented reality vision system. Developed by Ravn Inc., the cost-effective helmet-mounted systems offer advanced sensor capabilities that can project a wide array of data piped in from various sources. It’s a real game-changer for troops in the field.

In Phase I of its SBIR, Ravn Inc. conceived of a High-tech Assaulter’s Virtual Command and Control (HAVOC) Interface. This multi-modal display-and-compute platform leverages a head-worn display and associated peripherals to provide an intermediate augmented reality capability to infantry forces. 

The display enables users to send, receive, view, and manage digital information in a platform that’s functional in the field of battle. Additionally, it increases situational awareness and the ability to interact with external technology platforms. 

With the SBIR Phase II award, Ravn proposes further development of its head-worn display for Odin, an intermediate augmented reality capability for infantry and special operations forces that enables a team-up between human and machine. 

Department of Education

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to Parametric Studio, Inc.

Amount: $900,000

The world of augmented reality also enhances learning, as demonstrated by Parametric Studio, Inc. A recipient of the Department of Eduction’s SBIR Phase II Award, Parametric Studio developed NEWTON-AR, an augmented reality application-based engineering, computer science, and STEM puzzle game for kindergarten to grade three.

Parametric Studio, an Iowa-based ed-tech company, specializing in engineering-centric, project-based STEM software, designed the project for use in classrooms, after-school programs, and at-home learning. 

NEWTON-AR combines augmented reality, engineering, simulation, and programming into a sandbox game where students create, modify, simulate, prototype, and test contraptions to solve puzzle challenges.

The SBIR Phase II Award furthers the development of supporting curricular materials for teachers, student workbooks, and online media resources.

Department of Energy

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to Giner, Inc.

Amount: $249,999

Greenhouse gases have devastated the environment, and reducing these emissions is vital to the planet’s long-term health. The Department of Energy’s SBIR Phase II Award looks to be part of the solution, recognizing Giner, Inc. for its development of a system to “capture” carbon dioxide (CO2) before it chokes the air we breathe. 

A large portion of the CO2 emitted by the U.S. is released from sources such as cars, smaller factories, and farms—which are known as distributed sources. Giner, Inc, based in Newton, MA, conceived of a system to “direct capture” CO2 from ambient air, contain it and transform it into a purified, concentrated CO2 stream that can be redirected for use as raw material to fuel a wide variety of industrial processes. 

The SBIR Phase II of this project will scale up the application, with no environmental limitations and virtually no waste generated, for an energy-efficient and low-cost strategy to remove carbon dioxide from ambient air.

Department of Health & Human Services

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to DiamiR, LLC

Amount: $1,250,063

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 5.8 million Americans aged 65 years or older had Alzheimer’s disease in 2020. This number is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. Since Alzheimer’s typically begins with a prolonged asymptomatic stage, DiamiR, LLC sought to develop a minimally invasive diagnostic tool for primary screening individuals with early stages of the disease. 

The Department of Health & Human Services SBIR Phase II Award helps DiamiR continue advancing such medical technology. The project involves a platform that detects and monitors different stages of Alzheimer’s based on targeted selection and analysis of brain-enriched and inflammation-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) circulating in blood plasma.

The SBIR Phase II Award will see the test broadly launched to gerontologists/neurologists and other medical professionals engaged in AD treatment and care.

Department of Homeland Security

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to Karagozian & Case, Inc.

Amount: $999,644.84

The Department of Homeland Security’s SBIR Phase II Award landed on Karagozian & Case, Inc., a science and engineering consulting firm that developed a capability to identify and mitigate threats toward Soft Targets and Crowded Places (ST-CPs) with a software application.

ST-CPs, such as sports arenas, shopping venues, schools, and transportation systems, are locations that are easily accessible to large numbers of people and that have limited security or protective measures in place. 

This vulnerability to attack makes ST-CPs a crucial area of concern to address. Karagozian & Case, Inc., located in Glendale, CA, incorporates advanced technologies such as augmented reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into an application to enable security professionals to view their environment through a mobile device to identify potential threats, assess vulnerabilities, and evaluate possible mitigation strategies.

The SBIR Phase II award enables a 1-year beta release of the Security Mitigation Assessment of Risks and Threats (SMART) software before a subscription model is licensed.

Department of Transportation

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to SEA, Ltd.

Amount: $498,554.25

While it seems like we’ve heard about self-driving cars forever, we might be on the precipice of it becoming a common sight in traffic. The main roadblock is the lack of traditional driving controls in autonomous vehicles, which presents a significant challenge for regulatory tests typically conducted manually or by driving robots. 

SEA, Ltd., based in Columbus, OH, sought to change everything by designing and producing a market-ready prototype for a test data interface (TDI). Consisting of a port installed on a vehicle that interfaces internally with the car’s driving systems, it allows manual control via standardized electronic command signal inputs.

The SBIR Phase II Award helps SEA, Ltd. move forward and develop the required safety and security measures, along with the communication protocol details. 

Environmental Protection Agency

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to KWJ Engineering Inc.

Amount: $300,000

With wildfires becoming more and more prevalent, we must look at the subsequent environmental impact of these devastating blazes. KWJ Engineering Inc. is doing just that with its Ultra-Low Power Sensor Package project. 

Wildfires produce significant air pollution, posing health risks to first responders, residents in nearby areas, and downwind communities. As such, KWJ developed technologies to measure air pollutants, including particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon dioxide, over the wide range of levels expected in areas downwind of wildfires. 

In addition, the California-based engineering firm evaluated ultra-low-cost sensors, advancing technologies to measure such environmental hazards cost-effectively.

In SBIR Phase II, KWJ will assemble and field-test a sensor package that can be deployed in various ways. This includes devices worn by personnel, attached to stands located around the perimeter of the fire, and fixed to vehicles and drones. 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc.

Amount: $746,758

If you’ve ever read about Europa, one of the 79 known moons of Jupiter, you know it’s one of the most mysterious and intriguing bodies in our solar system. NASA has always expressed interest in exploring the icy moon, which is why the administration awarded Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. for its Autonomous Melting Probe for Icy Planets Exploration.

The project developed a thermal probe that can penetrate the thick and cryogenic ice layer of Europa efficiently and reliably. A nuclear-powered probe, the technology consists of multiple features that minimize penetration time while mitigating a series of previously complex challenges. 

The SBIR Phase II award enables Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. to mature the proposed thermal technology and develop a full-scale thermal probe for an envisioned Europa mission.

National Science Foundation

Past SBIR Phase II Awarded to IngateyGen LLC

Amount: $996,698

Peanut allergies have confounded the medical and scientific community for decades. No one is 100 percent sure why this allergy occurs or has become increasingly prevalent among children. IngateyGen LLC took on this project to Development An Allergen-Free Peanut Using Genome Editing Technology.

Given the ubiquity of peanut products, peanut allergy is a significant medical and legal concern worldwide, with a rising incidence of this potentially fatal condition in children. An allergen-free peanut developed from this project has the potential to dampen the life-threatening reactions to peanuts significantly. The proposed project aims to develop and commercialize an allergen-free peanut devoid of all clinically documented allergens using a genome-editing tool.

The SBIR Phase II Award further funds IngateyGen LLC to study peanut allergies and to assess the possibility of developing an allergen-free peanut.

Start your SBIR journey today.

You’re a small business owner with a brilliant idea that could turn into a marketable product or service. You know there’s funding available for research and development through the (SBIR) Small Business Innovation Research and (STTR) Small Business Technology Transfer programs.

But you don’t know how to set the wheels in motion.

Team 80, your SBIR accounting experts, have set up the ultimate guide for SBIR resources to help your small business along your journey to landing Phase I & II awards.

Table of Contents

• SBIR FAQs
• SBIR Deadlines
• SBIR Grant Writers
• SBIR Accountant
• SBIR Additional Resources

SBIR FAQs

We understand the challenges small business owners face when it comes to doing business with the federal government. So we decided to pull together a list of frequently asked questions and resources to help you secure SBIR funding:

What is the SBIR Program?

SBIR stands for The Small Business Innovation Research program. It’s a highly competitive United States government program that awards grants and contracts to small businesses conducting early-stage research and development.

SBIR programs encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R&D) for innovative commercial ideas.

Phase I

Phase I establishes the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposed R&D efforts. The government generally awards $50,000 – $250,000 for six months or one year.

Phase II

Phase II continues the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. The government bases Phase II funding on Phase I results. They also base funding on the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.

Phase III

Phase III helps small businesses pursue commercialization objectives resulting from the Phase I/II R/R&D activities. The SBIR/STTR programs do not fund Phase III. At some Federal agencies, Phase III may involve follow-on non-SBIR/STTR funded R&D or production contracts for products, processes, or services intended for use by the U.S. Government

How do I apply for SBIR?

You can follow this link to start your SBIR application process.

How do I find an appropriate topic?

You can find a list of available SBIR topics here at the official U.S. government website for people who make, receive, and manage federal awards.

You can go here to explore the topics currently under trial.

What agencies participate in the SBIR program?

There are currently eleven agencies participating in the SBIR program. Each agency accepts proposals from small businesses that match an opportunity from a list of designated R&D topics.

Here is a list of participating agencies:

• Department of Agriculture – 10/25/2021
• Department of Commerce
  1. NIST – 03/16/2021
  2. NOAA – 02/13/2021
• Department of Defense:
  1. DoD 21.1 – 02/12/2021
  2. DoD 21.2 – 07/02/2021
  3. DoD 21.3 – 10/24/2021
• Department of Education:
  1. Contracts – 01/21/2021
  2. Grants – 03/03/2021
• Department of Energy – 10/24/2021

• Department of Health & Human Services (NIH, CDC, FDA):
  1. PHS/NIH (Grants – 3 Closing Dates) – 01/05/2021, 05/05/2021, 09/05/2021
  2. PHS/NIH (Contracts) – 10/22/2021
• Homeland Security 2021.1 – 01/22/2021
• Department of Transportation 2021 – 03/20/2021
• Environmental Protection Agency – 07/31/2021
• NASA – 03/29/2021
• NSF (4 Closing Dates) – 03/03/2021, 06/03/2021, 09/03/2021, 12/03/2021

• Aaron Rome
• Science Docs Inc
• Bruce Mckee
• EVA Garland Consulting, LLC
• Innovative Research Grants LLC
• Lighthouse Consulting
• Altaclair Consulting LLC
• Greenwood Consulting Group
• HSSA Spokane
• Tn Consulting LLC
• TypeWiser
• Venture Wrench
• UPWORK

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.