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 2025 Phase I applications may be submitted in response to this NOFO. Phase II applications are not being accepted at this time.
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 $190,000 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 35 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.
Deadline: Jan. 15, 2025
Following are six critical challenges that highlight important NOAA mission and research priorities. You may propose within any of these research topic areas:
● 9.1 Extreme Events and Cascading Hazards ● 9.2 Coastal Resilience ● 9.3 The Changing Ocean ● 9.4 Water Availability, Quality, and Risk ● 9.5 Effects of Space Weather ● 9.6 Monitoring and Modeling for Climate Change Mitigation
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 $190,000 with up to a six (6) month period of performance.