Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I

The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), under the Administration for Community Living (ACL), invites small businesses to apply for Phase I funding under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program. This funding opportunity seeks to support research and development (R/R&D) projects that address the needs of individuals with disabilities. Eligible projects must align with NIDILRR’s mission to improve the ability of individuals with disabilities to participate in community living, enhance health and function, or increase employment opportunities. Applications must include a six-month work plan that explores the feasibility and merit of innovative ideas, with the potential for future commercialization in Phase II. The maximum funding for Phase I is $100,000, and projects must be conducted within the United States. The program emphasizes inclusion, requiring applicants to ensure diversity in their research samples and full compliance with accessibility standards, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA for digital products. Applicants are encouraged to address one or more of the following invitational priorities: climate change impacts on people with disabilities, oral health, sensory and motor function enhancement, employment accessibility, voting technology, community healthcare access, and caregiving technology. Universal design principles are recommended to ensure accessibility and usability by all individuals. Proposed projects must avoid exclusive focus on mobile application development, market research, litigation, or service provision without a strong R/R&D component. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based for-profit small businesses meeting criteria set by the Small Business Administration. Principal investigators must dedicate at least half their professional time to the small business during the grant period. Joint ventures are permitted, provided the small business performs at least two-thirds of the work. Applications are due by **December 16, 2024**, with letters of intent requested by **November 21, 2024** to assist with review planning. An informational webinar will be held on **November 13, 2024**. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov, and applicants should allow time for registration and technical processes, as late submissions will not be reviewed. The proposal must include a project narrative (limited to 40 pages), budget justification, work plan, biosketches of key personnel, and a summary/abstract. A sample work plan and budget justification template are provided in the funding announcement. Applicants must also include references for cited works and may submit optional supporting materials, such as a video demonstration of the proposed innovation. For more information, applicants should consult the funding opportunity on Grants.gov or contact Brian Bard at NIDILRR.