Small Business Innovation Research(SBIR)
A federal program that reserves a portion of agency R&D budgets for small businesses to conduct innovative research with commercial potential.
Overview
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program requires federal agencies with substantial R&D budgets to set aside a percentage (typically 3.2%) for small businesses. SBIR provides phased funding — Phase I for feasibility, Phase II for development, Phase III for commercialization — to advance innovative technologies with dual-use potential. Eleven agencies participate, with DoD and NIH being the largest.
Why It Matters in GovCon
SBIR is a major pathway for small businesses to enter federal R&D contracting. Awards are non-dilutive and can fund technology development that leads to larger contracts. The program has specific eligibility rules, application processes, and topic-based solicitations. Understanding agency priorities and topic structure is key to successful applications.
Key Details
- Eligibility: U.S. small business, for-profit, 500 or fewer employees (with some exceptions).
- Phases: Phase I (typically $50K–$250K, 6–12 months), Phase II ($750K–$2M+, 24 months), Phase III (non-SBIR funding for procurement).
- Topics: Agencies publish topics; applicants respond to specific topics.
- Set-Aside: SBIR is statutorily set aside for small businesses.
- Data Rights: SBIR grants extended data rights to the awardee for SBIR-developed data.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data helps you discover SBIR solicitations by agency and topic, track Phase I/II/III opportunities, and filter by your NAICS codes and capabilities.
Related Terms
- Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
More Programs Terms
An SBA program that helps small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals compete for federal contracts.
A subcategory of WOSB for women-owned small businesses where the owners are also economically disadvantaged, eligible for additional sole-source contracts.
An SBA program that gives preferential access to federal contracts for small businesses located in economically distressed areas.
A program pairing large experienced contractors with small businesses to help them build capabilities through joint ventures, subcontracting, and technical assistance.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more veterans with a service-connected disability, eligible for federal set-aside contracts.
A small business at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women, eligible for federal set-aside contracts in underrepresented industries.
Ready to Win More Contracts?
Use GovCon Data to find opportunities matched to your business and generate winning proposals with AI.