Small Business Innovation Research

The Department of Education's (ED) Institute of Education Sciences (Institute) invites small business firms to submit Phase I research proposals or "Fast-Track" (Phase I and Phase II) research proposals under this program solicitation entitled Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR). Firms with strong research or research and development (R/R&D) capabilities in education technology in the priority areas listed within are encouraged to participate. Consultative or other arrangements between such firms and universities or other non-profit organizations are permitted, but the small business must serve as the contractor.

The purpose of the SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting ED research and development needs, increase the commercial proposal of ED-supported research results, and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.

The submission deadline for all proposals is January 22, 2008.

The Phase I period is for: 1) the development of a prototype of an education technology product that contributes to improved student learning and academic achievement, and 2) research to determine the feasibility of the prototype in a school or other formal education delivery setting. Phase I awards are for 6-months, and up to $100,000.

Through the Fast-Track option, IES plans to fund meritorious proposals for activities that cover both the Phase I and Phase II periods, including the: 1) full scale development of an education technology product that contributes to improved student learning and academic achievement in the field of education, 2) evaluation of the product in a school or other formal education delivery settings, and 3) private sector commercialization of the product. By providing funds for the Phase I period (6 months, up to $100,000) and an option for Phase II (2 years, up to $750,000), which will commence as soon as Phase I ends, the Fast-Track mechanism has the potential to eliminate a funding gap between the phases.

NOTE: In order to apply for Fast-Track funding, offerors must submit both 1) a full Phase I proposal and 2) a Fast-Track proposal. Fast-Track proposals that are submitted without a Phase I proposal will not be evaluated.

View information about previous Small Business Innovation Research awards.

Download the ED-08-R-0008 Request for Applications
Download, view, & print the Phase I RFA in PDF format. (402 KB)
Download, view, & print the Phase I RFA in MS Word format. (226 KB)

Download, view, & print the Fast Track RFA in PDF format. (446 KB)
Download, view, & print the Fast Track RFA in MS Word format. (336 KB)