Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

The Department's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was initiated in 2004. Two Departmental organizations, the Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO), have SBIR programs. The DHS SBIR Program Office resides with the S&T Directorate.

Awards Overview

In general, Phase I awards are limited to $100,000 for the Science and Technology Directorate SBIR projects and $150,000 for Domestic Nuclear Detection Office SBIR projects. Phase I projects are up to six months in duration. Options may be exercised for S&T SBIR Phase I projects selected for Phase II. Phase I awards are typically made within 45 days after selection.

Invited Phase II proposals will be reviewed and awards will be made incrementally. In general, Phase II awards are limited to $750,000 for S&T SBIR projects and $1,000,000 for DNDO SBIR projects. Phase II projects are up to 24 months in duration. Options may be exercised for S&T SBIR Phase II projects that have firm commitments for follow-on funding. The Phase II proposal invitation process expeditiously identifies those Phase I awardees deserving of Phase II awards.

Solicitation Details

DNDO currently issues one solicitation per year. The DNDO SBIR topics are chosen to support mission objectives. Contact the program manager at dndo.sbir@dhs.gov.

The S&T Directorate SBIR program issues two solicitations per year, generally in November and May. Topics for solicitations are developed by program managers in each of the S&T divisions. The annual solicitations consist of topics relevant to the following divisions:

• Borders and Maritime Security
• Chemical/Biological Defense
• Cyber Security
• Explosives
• Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences
• Infrastructure Protection and Disaster Management

SBIR topics generally address the needs of seven Department operational units: U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Secret Service, as well as first responders.