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 2024 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 NOAA SBIR program identifies and solicits proposals on topics that fall within NOAA’s mission. NOAA has the unilateral right to select SBIR research topics and awardees in both Phase I and Phase II and award several or no grants under a given topic. All awards are subject to the availability of funds. NOAA is not responsible for any costs expended by the applicant in the development of the proposal and prior to award. Only proposals that are directly responsive to the research topics as described in Section 9.0 will be considered
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.
