The U.S. Department of Commerce/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program awards early-stage funding to U.S. small businesses to catalyze technological innovation. NOAA’s SBIR Program specifically aims to invest in high-impact emerging technology areas and support the research and development of commercializable technologies that solve problems related to climate, weather, oceans, and coasts. The NOAA SBIR Program runs an annual grant competition and provides education and other support to entrepreneurs throughout the process of researching, developing, and commercializing products or services.
The Department of Commerce (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invites small businesses to submit research proposals under this NOFO. Firms with the capability to conduct research and development (R&D) in any of the research topic areas listed in Section 9.0 of this announcement and to commercialize the results of that R&D are encouraged to participate. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is not a substitute for existing unsolicited proposal mechanisms. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted under the SBIR program.
Only FY 2023 Phase I applications may be submitted in response to this NOFO. Phase II applications are not being accepted at this time. NOAA will publish a Phase II NOFO approximately 30 days prior to the end of the previous year’s Phase I period of performance to request Phase II applications. That NOFO will provide instructions for Phase I awardees to prepare a Phase II application and the closing date for submission of applications; only the previous year’s Phase I awardees are eligible to submit a Phase II application.
The purpose of Phase I is to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed research and the quality of performance of the SBC receiving an award. The Phase I proposal should focus on research that will significantly contribute to evaluating the feasibility of the project, a prerequisite to further support in Phase II. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider, and discuss in their proposal, the commercial application and private sector potential for the proposed effort.
NOAA Phase I awards provide up to $175,000 with up to a six (6) month period of performance. While the number of awards are dependent on NOAA’s budget, in a typical fiscal year, NOAA anticipates providing up to 25 SBIR Phase I awards. To accommodate the Phase II award process, no-cost extensions are not permitted in Phase I projects that intend to advance to Phase II. If an awardee requests a no-cost extension for the Phase I project, the awardee will be ineligible to submit an application for Phase II.
Deadlines:
Each applicant must qualify as a SBC for R/R&D purposes, as defined in Section 1.5 of this NOFO, at the time of the award and at any other time set forth in the SBA’s regulations at 13 CFR 121.701- 121.705. Each awardee, at the time of the award (but not at the time of the application), must submit a certification (See Appendix B) stating that it meets the size, ownership, and other requirements of the SBIR Program and at any other time set forth in SBA’s regulations at 13 CFR 121.701-705 in order to qualify for the award.
In addition, the primary employment of the principal investigator (PI) must be with the SBC at the time of the award and during the conduct of the proposed project. Primary employment means that at least 51% of the Principal Investigator’s (PI’s) time is spent in the employ of the SBC. Primary employment with a SBC precludes full-time employment with another organization. Further, an SBC may only replace the principal investigator on a SBIR Phase I award if the NOAA Grants Officer provides prior written approval.
NOAA Phase I awards provide up to $175,000 with up to a six (6) month period of performance.
