The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support applications from small business concerns (SBCs) to develop technologies for commercialization to address health-related social needs that impact substance use disorders (SUD), excluding alcohol use disorder. A variety of products addressing the individual-level factors of HRSN should be considered to confront SUD. Additionally, technology, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, provide an opportunity to address HRSN with the ability to provide tested, accessible, and ongoing solutions for individuals who are the most at-risk for these risk factors that impact SUD. According to SAMHSA, technology has several advantages in addressing SUD including decreased waiting periods, decreased stigma impact and increased privacy. The advantages of technology are also exhibited in its capability to make treatment services more accessible and convenient, which can aid to improve SUD outcomes and reduce disparities.

Regarding this NOFO, a product is any source of value for the end-users and customers. A product can be a physical/tangible device as well as digital services, software as a service, or non-physical/non-tangible products (including but not limited to digital applications, digital platforms, or service models). These and other comparable examples could be considered eligible products. Products can be the result of original scientific research, recycled existing technology for SUD, extension of an observation into SUD area, development of a new business model or distribution/delivery channel that reveals currently unseen value, or the delivery of a product or service to disregarded consumers.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) supports the development of evidence-based SUD care and treatment technology from multiple funding opportunities published elsewhere. The eligible small businesses can submit applications focusing on products that reduce costs, time, and/or increase access in addressing HRSN including, but not limited to, housing instability, non-medical transportation, food insecurity, utility needs, and personal safety. The products should provide the best feasible and accessible opportunities for the intended end-users to measurably improve their HRSN and SUD. Products of interest that address, but are not limited to, the following HRSN include:

Access to housing services.
Soft skills development and/or job training (e.g., in entrepreneurship, literacy, financial literacy, IT skills) for employment.
Stigma and nurture compassion.
Family healthy behaviors, social skills, community opportunities, and productive social involvement.
Social stability (community, tradition, faith, family), self-regulation, and resilience.
Well-being (mental, physical, spiritual), communal belonging, and positive productivity.
Social support networks for recovery, engagement with care, and/or access to needed services.
Successful community reintegration for formerly incarcerated people.
Social needs service engagement and coordination among justice-involved organizations.
Employer education to hire, retain, and facilitate treatment for employees seeking help for SUD.