The Department of Commerce (DOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invites small businesses to submit research proposals under this NOFO. Firms with the capability to conduct research and development (R&D) in any of the research topic areas listed in Section 9.0 of this announcement and to commercialize the results of that R&D are encouraged to participate. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is not a substitute for existing unsolicited proposal mechanisms. Unsolicited proposals are not accepted under the SBIR program.

Only FY 2025 Phase I applications may be submitted in response to this NOFO. Phase II applications are not being accepted at this time. NOAA will publish a Phase II NOFO approximately 30 days prior to the end of the previous year’s Phase I period of performance to request Phase II applications. That NOFO will provide instructions for Phase I awardees to prepare a Phase II application and the closing date for submission of applications; only the previous year’s Phase I awardees are eligible to submit a Phase II application.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was originally established in 1982 by the Small Business Innovation Development Act (P.L. 97-219), codified at 15 U.S.C. § 638. It was then expanded and extended by the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564), and received subsequent reauthorization and extensions, the most recent of which extends the SBIR program through 2025. (P.L. 117-183).

Each Federal agency with an extramural budget for Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) in excess of $100,000,000 must participate in the SBIR program and spend (obligate) a minimum percentage of their extramural R/R&D budgets (obligations) of not less than 3.2% of such budget in fiscal year 2017 and for the percentage required by statute for each fiscal year after for awards to small business concerns (SBCs) for R/R&D under the SBIR program. The objectives of the SBIR program are to: stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal R&D needs; foster and encourage participation by businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons and women-owned SBCs in technological innovation; and increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal R&D funding.

Fostering diversity by encouraging the participation of individuals from nationally underrepresented groups in the scientific research workforce is longstanding interest of Congress, and a key component of NOAA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (e.g., Public Law 114-329, American Innovation and Competitiveness Act of 2017, and https://techpartnerships.noaa.gov/abouttpo/dei-statement/). Increasing participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses is critical to the success of the SBIR program.

Business

• Small businesses