Section V. Special Programs


J. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is a highly competitive three-phase process which provides eligible small businesses with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet specific research and Research and Development (R&D) needs of the Federal Government. Phase I is a 6-month feasibility research project which establishes eligibility for Phase II. Phase II is the principal research effort, normally for 24-months, which enables the investigator and his/her team to demonstrate the potential for commercial development. Phase III, the development activity, is to be conducted with non-Federal funds by the small business concern to pursue commercial application of the research funded in Phases I and II. For more detailed information regarding the SBIR Program, proposers should consult the annual issuance of the NSF SBIR solicitation.