NIDILRR’s mission is to generate new knowledge and to promote its effective use to improve the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community and to expand society’s capacity to provide full opportunities and accommodations for its citizens with disabilities. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of individuals with disabilities (see 29 U.S.C. 760). An application to NIDILRR’s SBIR program must support this mission and should present a sound approach to the investigation of an important technological, engineering, or scientific question that it is worthy of support under the stated criteria of this program announcement. The applicant should review the program announcement carefully to ensure that information and data essential for evaluation are included. The scientific and technical merit of the proposed research and research and development (R/R&D) is the primary concern for all work supported by NIDILRR.
The Small Business Administration defines the following activities as research or research and development (R/R&D):
1. A systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the subject studied;
2. A systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a recognized need; or
3. A systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet specific requirements.
The application's R/R&D must be responsive to NIDILRR’s SBIR program objectives, and it should also serve as the basis for technological innovation, new commercial products, or processes or services.
Deadlines:
- Letter of Intent: Nov. 21, 2024
- Application: Dec. 16, 2024
Applicants must address topics that support NIDILRR's mission as described above. For FY 2025, there are several invitational priorities of interest to the agency (see below). We do not give an application that meets one of these invitational priorities a competitive or absolute preference over other applications.
1. Technology or products to address the needs, experiences, and outcomes of people with disabilities that are related to climate change.
2. Technology or products focused on oral health among people with disabilities.
3. Enhanced sensory or motor function of individuals with disabilities through the development of technology to support improved functional capacity.
4. Enhanced workforce participation through the development of technology to increase access to employment, promote sustained employment, and support employment advancement for individuals with disabilities.
5. Enhanced community living and participation for individuals with disabilities through the development of voting technology that improves access for individuals with disabilities.
6. Improved health-care interventions through the development of technology to support independent access to community health-care services for individuals with disabilities.
7. Technology that increases access to caregiving for individuals with disabilities. This can include access to personal care assistants.
Each organization submitting an application must qualify at the time of the award as a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.
Award Ceiling: $100,000 Per Budget Period
Award Floor: $95,000 Per Budget Period
Length of Project Period: 6-month project period