Small Business Innovation Research Program

SBIR U.S. buzzword map The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, created in 1982 through the Small Business Innovation Development Act and reauthorized in 2011, is one of the largest public–private partnerships in the United States. The SBIR program encourages U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees to provide quality research and to develop new processes, products and technologies in support of the missions of the U.S. government. The DHS SBIR program is comprised of the Science and Technology Directorate's (S&T) SBIR Program and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office's (CWMD) SBIR program.

S&T initiated its SBIR program in 2004 with the goal of increasing the participation of innovative and creative U.S. small businesses in federal research and development programs and challenging industry to bring innovative homeland security solutions to reality. The S&T SBIR program is focused on near-term commercialization and delivery of operational prototypes to federal, state and local emergency responders and managers, as well as internal DHS entities.

Announcing the DHS SBIR 21.1 Pre-solicitation!

We’ve released 12 topics for the new Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 21.1 Pre-solicitation. During the pre-solicitation period, small businesses can review topics and ask technical questions regarding the topic areas.

Full topic descriptions for the titles listed below can be viewed at the SBIR portal website. Technical questions should be directed to the technical point of contact for each topic, listed in the 21.1 SBIR Topic Areas document. Small businesses have until 5:00 p.m. ET on December 10 to submit their questions.

The planned DHS topics are:

DHS211-001 - Non-Invasive “Breathalyzer” Detection System to Screen for Presence of Viral Respiratory Infections
DHS211-002 - 5G & Wifi6 Coexistence for Secure Federal Networks
DHS211-003 - Improved Curved Transparent Ceramic Structural Components
DHS211-004 - Vehicle Infectious Diseases Protection
DHS211-005 - Amphibious XTV for Ice Rescue
DHS211-006 - Artificial Intelligence to Augment the 911 Telecommunicator Function
DHS211-007 - Software Supply Chain Identification for Compiled Binary Executables
DHS211-008 - Intelligent Document Design: Combating Industry Trends that Incentivize Weak Security
DHS211-009 - High Throughput Non-Ionizing Screening Capability for Identifying Contraband
DHS211-010 - Screening Sensor Technology as part of Passenger Checked Luggage
DHS211-011 - Fieldable multiplex detection of Biothreats
DHS211-012 - Diagnostic tools for detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus

Deconstructing SBIR: 21.1 Pre-Solicitation Webinar

On Tuesday December 1 from 1-1:30 pm ET (10-10:30 a.m. PT), the DHS SBIR Program is hosting a Deconstructing SBIR webinar, focusing on the 21.1 Pre-solicitation. Now is your opportunity to hear directly from DHS’s SBIR Director about this year’s topics and important information on the upcoming solicitation and proposal process. Register here for the webinar!

S&T SBIR Program Specifics

Overview

SBIR is a three-phase program. The objective of Phase I is to determine the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposed effort. Phase I awards are limited to $150,000 for the S&T SBIR projects and are up to six months in duration. Phase I awards are typically made within 45 days after selection.

The objective of Phase II is to continue the research and development effort from the completed Phase I project. Only SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to participate in subsequent phases. Phase II awards are limited to $1,000,000 for S&T SBIR projects and 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.

Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR program. Phase III work is typically oriented toward commercialization of SBIR research or technology. Phase III work may be for products, production, services, research and development or any such combination. There is no limit on the number, duration, type or dollar value of Phase III awards made to a small business. There is no limit on the time that may elapse between a Phase I or Phase II award and a Phase III award, or between a Phase III award and any subsequent Phase III award.

Solicitation Details

The S&T SBIR program issues a joint solicitation between S&T and CWMD and will include topics from both organizations for which proposals are sought. Topics for solicitations are developed by program managers in S&T and generally address the needs of seven DHS operational units—the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Secret Service—as well as first responders. As such, the solicitations typically consist of topics relevant to the following organizations:

SBIR Program Portal

To learn more about the SBIR Program and current solicitations please visit the SBIR website.

SBIR Success Stories

We are committed to identifying promising small businesses and innovative approaches to help address homeland security needs. Our success stories highlight companies that have made lasting impacts to our nation with successful technological innovations through the DHS SBIR Program. These examples showcase a number of small businesses from around the nation that have worked with S&T to develop and support the technology needs of our nation and homeland security end-users. Read our DHS SBIR success stories!