Applicant Information

Annual Program Solicitation
The Institute's SBIR program typically releases its annual solicitations in late fall, and proposals are typically submitted in mid-January. Awards are typically announced in late spring or early summer and projects begin shortly thereafter.

Program Structure

The program is comprised of three phases, the first two of which are supported by SBIR funds.

Phase I awards are for periods up to 6 months in amounts up to $150,000. A funded Phase I SBIR project would be successful if at the end of a 6-month period the team: (1) had developed a functioning prototype of an education technology product or tool, and (2) conducted research to determine the feasibility of the prototype.

The Phase II award period is designed to continue the R&D effort initiated in Phase I. Phase II awards are for periods up to 2 years in amounts up to $900,000. A funded Phase II SBIR project would be successful if at the end of a 2-year period the team: (1) had fully developed a commercially viable education technology product or tool; (2) demonstrated the feasibility and usability of the product or tool (and the validity and reliability of the tool, if necessary) in an education delivery or research setting; (3) evaluated the promise of the product or tool for achieving the intended outcomes when used in an education delivery or research setting; and (4) developed a commercialization plan for the sale and distribution of the product or tool. A key objective of the SBIR program is to increase private sector commercialization of products or tools derived from its funding. During Phase III, the small business is expected to pursue commercialization of the education technology product or tool with non-SBIR funds.

Through the Fast-Track option, the Institute funds meritorious proposals for activities that cover both the Phase I and Phase II periods. Fast Track projects include full-scale development of an education technology product or tool, evaluation of the product or tool in an education delivery or research settings, and plans for the private sector commercialization of the product or tool. By providing funds for the Phase I period (6 months, up to $150,000) and an option for Phase II (2 years, up to $900,000) commencing as soon as Phase I ends, the Fast-Track mechanism has the potential to eliminate a funding gap between Phase I and Phase II.

Note: The Institute is offering the Fast-Track option only for the special education track of the program in Fiscal Year 2012. There is no Fast-Track option for the education track of the program for Fiscal Year 2012. For Fiscal Year 2013, we do anticipate that a Fast-Track option will be available in both the education and special education tracks of the program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for funding, the small business must be a for-profit organization, have no more than 500 employees, be independently owned, operated, and U.S. based, and be at least 51 percent owned by U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted residents. The principal investigator is required to be employed by the small business at least 51 percent time.

Partners, including non-profit firms or institutions, are permitted (and encouraged) to collaborate on projects. Such partners can receive up to one-third of the funds in Phase I and one-half of the funds in Phase II, however the small business entity must lead the project.