Who May Apply: (specifically)

• Entity must qualify as a small business concern at the time of award.

• Small business concerns must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate:
  
  
  • The company is at least 51% American-owned and independently operated;
  • The small business concern is located in the U.S.;
  • It is for-profit and employs no more than 500 employees; and,
  • The principal researcher's primary employment is with the small business during the project.
    
    
• Joint ventures are permitted, provided that the business entity created qualifies as a small business in accordance with the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631.