Research-based companies interested in developing new solutions for aeronautics, scientific discovery, and space exploration are invited to explore NASA Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer program funding opportunities through NASA’s 2019 solicitation. Applications are due March 29 by 4 p.m.
Both NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I contract awards are up to $125,000. SBIR awards are for six-month project performance periods and STTR awards have 13-month project performance periods. Phase I is the opportunity to establish scientific, technical, commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed innovation and quality of the applicant company’s performance.
Phase I awardees can apply for Phase II awards up to $750,000 for two additional years. Phase II projects are focused on development, demonstration, and delivery of the proposed innovation.
Historically, 24% of SBIR Phase I proposal submissions receive awards while 35% of STTR Phase I proposals receive awards. About 41% of the completed Phase I projects receive funding for Phase II development.
The following mission directorates are participating in this year’s solicitation:
Research Topics
There are over 100 SBIR and STTR research subtopics organized into 23 groupings called “Focus Areas.”
Focus Areas were developed with the intent of making it easier for proposers to understand related needs across the agency and identify subtopics where their research and development capabilities may be a good match. Within this document, “pointers” are used to indicate subtopics that are asking for related technologies. Where applicable, these pointers will appear in the subtopic headers to assist applicants with identifying those related subtopics that potentially seek related technologies for different customers or applications. Pointers in conjunction with the focus area listings of subtopics will make it easier for proposers to find all subtopics that may be of interest.
Topics can also be explored by mission directorate by selecting the “Mission Directorate” tab at the top of this page.
An applicant may not submit the same (or substantially equivalent) proposal to more than one subtopic. Applicants are responsible for selecting which subtopic to propose to. Under this solicitation, NASA will not accept more than 10 proposals to either program from any one firm in order to ensure the broadest participation of the small business community. NASA does not plan to award more than five SBIR contracts and two STTR contracts to any one applicant.
NASA Electronic Handbook
Applicants must register in the Electronic Handbook here. This is the second year that proposals will be submitted in the EHB. It was modernized with the goal of providing a seamless user experience by building an intuitive, user-friendly and integrated digital service.
NASA Technology Available for SBIR/STTR Use
Offerors have the option of using technology developed by NASA (Technology Available (TAV)) related to the subtopic to which they are proposing. NASA has over 1,400 patents available for licensing in its portfolio, including many sensors and materials related patents. NASA also has over 1,000 available software codes/tools listed in its Software Catalog. Even though NASA scientists and engineers conduct breakthrough research leading to innovations, NASA’s efforts don’t include commercial product development within intramural research efforts. Additional work is often necessary to exploit these NASA technologies (TAVs) for either infusion or commercial viability and likely requires innovation on behalf of the private sector.
These technologies can be searched via the NASA Technology Transfer Portal and may be a NASA owned patent and/or computer software. TAVs are available for use during both Phase I and Phase II award periods. Whether or not a firm proposes the use of a NASA patent or computer software within their proposed effort will not in any way be a factor in the selection for award.
I-Corps
NASA recommends opting in for consideration to participate in the I-Corps Program when submitting your proposal. By opting in, you are indicating interest and will receive notifications when the I-Corps proposal submission period is open. Opting in does not obligate or require you to participate.
The NASA SBIR/STTR Program is partnering with the National Science Foundation to offer the NSF Innovation Corps Program . I-Corps focuses on educating teams on how to translate technologies from the laboratory into the marketplace. Participation in I-Corps will require selected contractors to conduct either 30 interviews (shortened version for the SBIR Program) or 100 interviews (full version for the STTR Program) to enable contractors to understand the commercial potential of their ideas. Selected contractors will be awarded training grants separate from their Phase I contract that must be completed prior to the conclusion of Phase I contracts.
NASA will conduct an abbreviated competition for I-Corps after it selects applicants for Phase I SBIR and STTR contracts. NASA anticipates awarding a total of approximately 42 grants to SBIR and STTR Phase I contractors. The amount of funding is up to $25,000 for the full I-Corps Program for STTR firms, and up to $10,000 for the shortened version for SBIR firms.
Tools for NASA SBIR/STTR Proposal Development
Applicants are encouraged to check out the Proposers section of the NASA SBIR/STTR website for resources to help prepare their applications such as proposal templates, an interactive participation guide, and FAQs. Applicants are encouraged to review the 2015 NASA Technology Roadmaps, as they consider a wide range of needed technology candidates and development pathways for the next 20 years (2015-2035).
Arkansas-based companies and entrepreneurs may reach out to Rebecca Todd for SBIR/STTR proposal development assistance at rctodd@ualr.edu or 501.683.7717.
2019 NASA SBIR/STTR Solicitation