Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) at
Links and Resources
Authority
- USC 15 14a §§638, P.L. 106-554
Description
The SBIR and STTR are federally funded programs to promote U.S.-owned small business participation in government programs and to help federal agencies meet their research needs. It is a gated three-phase process that includes feasibility, demonstration, and commercialization aspects.
A major difference in the two programs is that the STTR requires the small business to have a non-profit research partner. In STTR, the small business must be the prime contractor and perform at least 40 percent of the work, with the research partner performing at least 30 percent of the work.
Features/Characteristics
- SBIR/STTR are competitive three phase programs:
- Phase I - A feasibility study, typically lasts up to six months and usually does not exceed $80,000, with a $70,000 option.
- Phase II - Demonstration effort for Phase I winners - must be invited by Navy. Phase II usually lasts two years and has a base award limit of $1 million.
- Phase III - Although no government SBIR funds are involved, Phase III funding can come from the government and/or private sector.
Note: Once a company has received a Phase I award, the follow-on Phase II and III awards can be awarded in a noncompetitive process.
Navy provides SBIR solicitation topics up to three times per year and one time for STTR.
I.P. and Resource Commitment
- The IP rights in an SBIR/STTR contract are different from those in other acquisition contracts.
Other Agencies/Laboratories That Use This Mechanism
