Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Description

The SBIR program was originally established in 1982 by the Small Business Innovation Development Act (P.L. 97-219). It was then expanded by the Small Business R&D Enhancement Act of 1992, extending the program to the year 2000. Subsequent legislation (P.L. 106-554) has extended the program to September 30, 2008. Ten federal agencies set aside a portion of their extramural research and development budget each year to fund research proposals from small science and technology-based firms.

The SBIR Program goals are:
1. to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D;
2. to use small business to meet federal research and development (R&D) needs;
3. to stimulate small business innovation in technology; and
4. to foster and encourage participation by minority and disadvantaged persons in technological innovation.

SBIR supports creative advanced research in important scientific and engineering areas and is designed to encourage the conversion of government-funded R&D into technological innovation and commercial application. SBIR research can lead to important new technology, major breakthroughs, innovative new products, and next-generation products or processes. The program funds the gap from a research-based idea to a prototype that many industrial and venture capital companies find difficult to support.

This web site contains information on the SBIR Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). During the open Solicitation period (usually in the autumn), applicants may submit a proposal in response to a subtopic in which they feel qualified. Proposals must adhere to the guidelines provided in the Solicitation; proposals that do not comply will not be considered.

At times other than during the open Solicitation period, the most recent NIST SBIR Solicitation is available for reference. Though representative of the typical Solicitation, no assertions are to be made regarding technical subtopics that will be included in any future Solicitation. In general, the Solicited subtopics do differ substantively from year to year.

SBIR Home | Selection Process | Awards | Schedule | FAQs | Links | Contact SBIR

For technical questions concerning the Small Business Innovation Research Program, contact us:

Office of Technology Partnerships, NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2200, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2200
Phone: (301) 975-3085, Fax: (301) 548-0624, Email: sbir@nist.gov

Date created: February 15, 2002
Last modified: January 9, 2004

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