Small Business Innovation Research Program
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. Administered by DHS S&T, the DHS SBIR Program supports a full spectrum of SBIR initiatives serving all components. DHS’ Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) has an SBIR program office that focuses on their needs and collaborates with S&T to conduct outreach, explore new initiatives, and coordinate schedules so that all DHS SBIR topics are published in one annual solicitation.
The DHS SBIR 21.1 Solicitation is Now Open!
We have 11 topics for the new DHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 21.1 Solicitation. During the solicitation period, DHS will accept proposals for topic areas until 1:00 p.m. ET January 15, 2021. Small businesses must submit proposals through the online proposal submission system at https://sbir2.st.dhs.gov. The solicitation is published at beta.SAM.gov and details each topic area and description.
The 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
Deconstructing SBIR: 21.1 Pre-Solicitation Webinar
If you missed our Deconstructing SBIR: 21.1 Pre-solicitation webinar in the beginning of December, view it here! During this webinar, we relayed important information about the upcoming solicitation and proposal process.
S&T SBIR Program Specifics
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:
- Borders and Maritime Security
- Chemical and Biological Defense
- Cybersecurity
- Explosives Detection
- First Responders
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!
Resources
Deconstructing SBIR Video Series
Watch our new videos explaining the SBIR process:
- Innovate S&T: Deconstructing SBIR
- Innovate S&T: Making the Most of Your One-on-Ones
- SBIR One-on-One Dos and Don'ts
- S&T TechTalk: Small Business Innovation Research Program
Press Releases and Feature Articles
- DHS Small Business Innovation Research 21.1 Solicitation Opens for Proposal Submission - December 16, 2020
- DHS Announces Small Business Innovation Research Pre-Solicitation 21.1 - November 13, 2020
- DHS Awards $1.96M to Small Businesses to Develop Network Modeling Tools for Risk Assessment - September 29, 2020
- DHS Awards $1M to California Small Business to Develop Cybersecurity Information Sharing Tool - September 23, 2020
- DHS Awards $1M to Colorado Small Business to Develop On-Body Power Module for First Responders - September 10, 2020
- DHS S&T Innovation Programs Share Partnership With Oakland-Based Start-Up - August 6, 2020
- DHS Awards $1.97M to Small Businesses for First Responder ICAM Technology - August 3, 2020
- SBIR 20.1 Solicitation Open for Proposal Submission - December 10, 2019
- DHS Announces FY20 SBIR Topics - November 14, 2019
- DHS to Engage with Innovative Small Businesses - November 7, 2019
- DHS to Engage with Innovative Small Businesses in Maryland - September 17, 2019
Contact
For more information about the SBIR program, contact the Program Director at STSBIR.Program@hq.dhs.gov.
For more information about CWMD’s SBIR program, contact the Program Manager at CWMD.SBIR@hq.dhs.gov.