SBIR Ultimate Guide
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
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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.
What are the three phases of the SBIR program?
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
Do you have to be a Phase I awardee to be eligible for Phase II?
Yes, you must be a Phase I awardee to become eligible for Phase II. Typically, only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award. SBIR/STTR Phase II awards are generally $750,000 for two years.
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.
Who is eligible to receive SBIR awards?
Small businesses must meet the following eligibility requirements at the time of Phase I and Phase II awards:
- Organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States
- More than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or by other small business concerns that are each more than 50% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens or permanent resident aliens of the United States.
- No more than 500 employees, including affiliates
Are non-profits eligible for SBIR awards?
No, but small businesses can use nonprofits as subcontractors.
What is an SBIR funding agreement?
An SBIR funding agreement is a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement between a small business and a Federal Agency participating in the SBIR program for research and development.
What are the performance benchmark requirements?
Small businesses must meet minimum performance requirements – you can familiarize yourself with those requirements here.
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 (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)
Each agency has its own SBIR office and point of contact.
- Department of Defense (DOD)
- Air Force (USAF)
- 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 and Biological Defense (CBD)
- Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
SBIR Deadlines
- 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
SBIR Grant Writers
SBIR Accountant
Navigating the SBIR program journey can be daunting and time-consuming.
With over 20 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.
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.
