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Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)

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Program Type: Contracts
Also Known As:ED/IES SBIR
Other Programs Website: www.ies.ed.gov/sbir


Welcome to ED/IES SBIR

 

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program at the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is administered out of its research office, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES).

ED/IES SBIR provides up to $1.25M in funding in 2 phases: Phase I for $250,000 for 8-months for rapid prototype development and evaluation of new education technology prototypes and Phase II for $1,000,000 for the full-scale development and evaluation of new education technology products.

ED/IES SBIR releases program solicitations for Phase I and Phase II annually, typically in early winter, with proposals due approximately 60 days later. Award notifications are announced within approximately 90 days or less of the submission deadline. Projects begin shortly after the award date.

To learn more about ED/IES SBIR, click here.


Program Description

 

The ED/IES SBIR program is structured in three phases, the first two of which are supported by ED funds.

Phase I

Phase I awards are for periods up to 8 months in amounts up to $250,000. A funded Phase I SBIR project would be successful if at the end of a 8-month period the team: (1) had developed a functioning prototype of an education technology product, and (2) conducted research to determine the usability and initial feasibility of the prototype.

Phase II

The Phase II award period is designed to continue the R&D effort initiated in Phase I. Phase II awards are for periods up to 2 years in amounts up to $1,000,000. A funded Phase II SBIR project would be successful if at the end of a 2-year period the team: (1) had fully developed a commercially viable education technology product; (2) demonstrated the usability and feasibility, and fidelity of implementing the product in an education delivery setting; (3) evaluated the promise of the product for achieving the intended outcomes when used in an education delivery setting; and (4) developed a commercialization plan for the sale and distribution of the product. A key objective of the SBIR program is to increase private sector commercialization of products derived from its funding. During Phase III, the small business is expected to pursue commercialization of the education technology product with non-SBIR funds.

Phase III

An objective of the SBIR program is to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R/R&D. During Phase III, the small business concern is to pursue commercialization with non-SBIR funds. ED does not provide funding during the Phase III period.An objective of the SBIR program is to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R/R&D. During Phase III, the small business concern is to pursue commercialization with non-SBIR funds. ED does not provide funding during the Phase III period.

Competitions and Program Solicitations

ED/IES SBIR holds one annual competition. The program solicitation provide comprehensive information, including:

  • Background on the SBIR program;
  • Topical/Priority areas;
  • Information sources and Departmental contacts;
  • Evaluation criteria; and,
  • Other related program information (rights in technical data, copyrights, patents, and equipment).

After final award decisions are made, all applicants are sent the technical evaluations. These are normally emailed within two weeks after the announcement of the awards. The identity of the reviewers will not be disclosed.

For more information, visit the ED/IES SBIR website www.ies.ed.gov/sbir



   
Last Modified: 04/26/2022