The NASA SBIR program is a critical opportunity for small businesses to engage in pioneering research and development with the potential to contribute to NASA’s missions. With the proposal due date quickly approaching on July 30th, it’s essential to understand the key dates, budget amounts, and options available to prepare a competitive proposal. Here’s what you need to know to get ready.
Key Dates
- Pre-Release Date: Generally, NASA releases topics several weeks before the official open date.
- Open Date: Proposals are typically accepted starting in mid-May.
- Close Date: All proposals must be submitted by July 30th, 2024.
Budget Amounts
The budget limits for the NASA SBIR program are as follows:
- Phase I: Up to $150,000 for a project period of 6 months.
- Phase II: Up to $750,000 for a project period of 24 months.
These amounts are designed to support the initial feasibility study (Phase I) and the subsequent development and commercialization (Phase II) of the proposed technologies.
Program Options
Phase I
Phase I focuses on establishing the feasibility of the proposed innovation. Small businesses are expected to demonstrate that their technology concept has significant technical merit and potential for NASA’s missions.
Phase II
Phase II supports further development of the technology demonstrated in Phase I. This phase involves more comprehensive R&D efforts, including prototype development, testing, and validation.
Direct to Phase II
The Direct to Phase II option allows small businesses that have completed Phase I-equivalent research outside of the NASA SBIR program to directly apply for Phase II funding. This option skips the initial feasibility study and focuses on advancing the technology towards commercialization.
FastTrack
FastTrack combines Phase I and Phase II proposals into a single submission, streamlining the funding process for projects with strong commercialization potential. This option is ideal for technologies that demonstrate clear benefits and align closely with NASA’s mission goals.
Preparing for Submission
To prepare for the NASA SBIR program, consider the following steps:
- Review Solicitation Topics: Carefully review the solicitation topics to ensure your proposal aligns with NASA’s current priorities. Detailed topic descriptions are available on the NASA SBIR/STTR website.
- Develop a Strong Proposal: Focus on clearly articulating the technical innovation, feasibility, and potential impact of your project. Include detailed plans for R&D, testing, and commercialization.
- Assemble Your Team: Highlight the expertise and experience of your team members. Ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to execute the proposed project.
- Prepare Required Documentation: Gather all required documents, including your company’s registration details, past performance records, and any other supporting materials.
- Budget Justification: Provide a detailed and well-justified budget. Explain how the requested funds will be used to achieve your project goals.
- Engage Partners: For projects requiring additional expertise, establish partnerships with research institutions or other organizations. Clearly define the roles and contributions of each partner.
Contact Information
For specific questions related to the NASA SBIR program, you can contact:
NASA SBIR/STTR Program Office
- Email: sbir@reisystems.com
- Website: NASA SBIR/STTR Program
Final Thoughts
The NASA SBIR program offers significant opportunities for small businesses to contribute to space exploration and related technologies. By understanding the key dates, budget amounts, and available options, you can effectively prepare a competitive proposal.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.