Grants for Small businesses - Federal

To obtain a copy of the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) please go to the ARPA-E website at https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov. To apply to this FOA, Applicants must register with and submit application materials through ARPA-E eXCHANGE (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Registration.aspx). For detailed guidance on using ARPA-E eXCHANGE, please refer to the ARPA-E eXCHANGE User Guide (https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov/Manuals.aspx). ARPA-E will not review or consider concept papers submitted through other means. For problems with ARPA-E eXCHANGE, email [email protected] (with FOA name and number in the subject line). Questions about this FOA? Check the Frequently Asked Questions available at http://arpa-e.energy.gov/faq. For questions that have not already been answered, email [email protected]. Agency Overview: The Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy (ARPA-E), an organization within the Department of Energy (DOE), is chartered by Congress in the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-69), as amended by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-358), as further amended by the Energy Act of 2020 (P.L. 116-260): (A) to enhance the economic and energy security of the United States through the development of energy technologies that (i) reduce imports of energy from foreign sources; (ii) reduce energy-related emissions, including greenhouse gases; (iii) improve the energy efficiency of all economic sectors; (iv) provide transformative solutions to improve the management, clean-up, and disposal of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel; and (v) improve the resilience, reliability, and security of infrastructure to produce, deliver, and store energy; and (B) to ensure that the United States maintains a technological lead in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies. ARPA-E issues this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) under its authorizing statute codified at 42 U.S.C. 16538. The FOA and any cooperative agreements or grants made under this FOA are subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 as supplemented by 2 C.F.R. Part 910. ARPA-E funds research on, and the development of, transformative science and technology solutions to address the energy and environmental missions of the Department. The agency focuses on technologies that can be meaningfully advanced with a modest investment over a defined period of time in order to catalyze the translation from scientific discovery to early-stage technology. For the latest news and information about ARPA-E, its programs and the research projects currently supported, see: http://arpa-e.energy.gov/. ARPA-E funds transformational research. Existing energy technologies generally progress on established learning curves where refinements to a technology and the economies of scale that accrue as manufacturing and distribution develop drive improvements to the cost/performance metric in a gradual fashion. This continual improvement of a technology is important to its increased commercial deployment and is appropriately the focus of the private sector or the applied technology offices within DOE. In contrast, ARPA-E supports transformative research that has the potential to create fundamentally new learning curves. ARPA-E technology projects typically start with cost/performance estimates well above the level of an incumbent technology. Given the high risk inherent in these projects, many will fail to progress, but some may succeed in generating a new learning curve with a projected cost/performance metric that is significantly better than that of the incumbent technology. ARPA-E funds technology with the potential to be disruptive in the marketplace. The mere creation of a new learning curve does not ensure market penetration. Rather, the ultimate value of a technology is determined by the marketplace, and impactful technologies ultimately become disruptive that is, they are widely adopted and displace existing technologies from the marketplace or create entirely new markets. ARPA-E understands that definitive proof of market disruption takes time, particularly for energy technologies. Therefore, ARPA-E funds the development of technologies that, if technically successful, have clear disruptive potential, e.g., by demonstrating capability for manufacturing at competitive cost and deployment at scale. ARPA-E funds applied research and development. The Office of Management and Budget defines applied research as an original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledgedirected primarily towards a specific practical aim or objective and defines experimental development as creative and systematic work, drawing on knowledge gained from research and practical experience, which is directed at producing new products or processes or improving existing products or processes. Applicants interested in receiving financial assistance for basic research (defined by the Office of Management and Budget as experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts) should contact the DOEs Office of Science (http://science.energy.gov/). Office of Science national scientific user facilities (http://science.energy.gov/user-facilities/) are open to all researchers, including ARPA-E Applicants and awardees. These facilities provide advanced tools of modern science including accelerators, colliders, supercomputers, light sources and neutron sources, as well as facilities for studying the nanoworld, the environment, and the atmosphere. Projects focused on early-stage R for the improvement of technology along defined roadmaps may be more appropriate for support through the DOE applied energy offices including: the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (http://www.eere.energy.gov/), the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (https://www.energy.gov/fecm/office-fossil-energy-and-carbon-management), the Office of Nuclear Energy (http://www.energy.gov/ne/office-nuclear-energy), and the Office of Electricity (https://www.energy.gov/oe/office-electricity). SBIR/STTR Program Overview: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are Government-wide programs authorized under Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638). The objectives of the SBIR program are to (1) stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, (2) strengthen the role of Small Business Concerns in meeting Federal R needs, (3) increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal R activities, (4) foster and encourage participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned Small Business Concerns, and (5) improve the return on investment from Federally funded research and economic benefits to the Nation. The objective of the STTR program is to stimulate cooperative partnerships of ideas and technologies between Small Business Concerns and partnering Research Institutions through Federally funded R activities. ARPA-E administers a joint SBIR/STTR program in accordance with the Small Business Act and the SBIR and STTR Policy Directive issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). ARPA-E provides SBIR/STTR funding in three phases (Phase I, Phase II, and Phase IIS). Program Overview: The Technologies to Emend and Obviate SYnthetic Nitrogens Toll on Emissions (TEOSYNTE) program aims to lower nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the cultivation of corn and sorghum used for United States ethanol production by 50%. The program will emphasize plant and microbial bio-design strategies that lower the application of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on corn and sorghum fields while maintaining crop yields and reducing 50% of N2O emissions. Lowering the requirements of synthetic N fertilizer will also lower costs to farmers, as the cost of fertilizer is a significant portion of the operating expenses of a farm. This program will enable technologies to reduce N fertilizer consumption and N2O emissions. These technologies will transform agriculture and lower the N2O contribution to the carbon intensity (CI) of ethanol produced today for light duty vehicles and in the future for sustainable aviation fuel. Technologies developed under the TEOSYNTE program must achieve specific targets as outlined in Section I.E. in order to meet the programs objectives to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and N fertilizer usage over multiple seasons while maintaining crop yields. To view the FOA in its entirety, please visit https://arpa-e-foa.energy.gov.

This funding opportunity supports U.S.-based small businesses in developing innovative diagnostic tools to reduce health disparities among diverse patient populations.

The DoD Bone Marrow Failure, Idea Development Award is a funding opportunity aimed at supporting innovative and scientifically sound research ideas that contribute to understanding and curing bone marrow failure diseases, with a particular emphasis on hypothesis-driven studies linked to clinical trials, open to both established and early-career investigators.

This funding opportunity supports small businesses in developing innovative products and services that improve the health, employment, and community participation of individuals with disabilities.

This grant provides funding to early-career researchers dedicated to innovative breast cancer research, emphasizing transformative approaches and collaboration with breast cancer survivors.

The National Cancer Institute intends to promote a new initiative by publishing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for pilot/exploratory research on the confluence of cancer stigma and HIV stigma in HIV-positive individuals diagnosed with cancer. This NOFO will utilize the R21 grant mechanism (clinical trial optional), which is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of project development. Up to three (3) R21 awards are expected to be funded as part of the initiative. Research projects will advance the current understanding of the confluence of cancer stigma and HIV stigma in people with HIV (PWH) diagnosed with cancer; investigate the resultant impact of these dual stigmas on cancer outcomes among PWH with cancer; and promote research in diverse domestic and international contexts, focusing on regions in which the HIV-cancer burden is elevated. Pilot interventional research, which addresses modifiable mechanisms of stigma that contribute to negative cancer outcomes among PWH with cancer, is also suitable for this funding mechanism. The NOFO is expected to be published in late Summer 2024 with an expected application due date in late Fall 2024. Details of a pre-application webinar will be announced after the publication of the NOFO. This Notice is being provided to allow sufficient time for potential applicants with relevant expertise and insights to consider applying for this NOFO. Potential applicants are encouraged to view the presentation of this initiative to the Joint Virtual Meeting of the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors and the National Cancer Advisory Board available at https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=54859 beginning at 3 hour, 39 minutes. Presentation slides are downloadable at: https://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/joint/0624/Vanderpool.pdf.

This funding opportunity supports small businesses in the U.S. to develop innovative health solutions that improve outcomes and reduce disparities for minority populations and underserved communities.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research on how environmental toxicants impact RNA modifications and their role in health issues, targeting universities, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations involved in related studies.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working in Botswana to strengthen laboratory and health systems for effective management of HIV and TB programs.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations to develop and evaluate innovative strategies aimed at preventing and addressing elder abuse and neglect among older adults and individuals with disabilities.

This grant provides funding for researchers and organizations to analyze data from Mars missions, supporting advancements in our understanding of the planet's geology, climate, and potential for life.

This funding opportunity is designed to support a centralized leadership and coordination center that will oversee a comprehensive study on the health of adults living with HIV and similar individuals, focusing on improving health outcomes and addressing disparities through community engagement and scientific research.

This program provides funding to communities facing extremely high energy costs to improve their energy infrastructure and promote renewable energy solutions.

This funding opportunity is designed to support research sites that will enroll patients with Type 1 Diabetes at risk of kidney disease, enabling the study of kidney biopsies to advance understanding and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

This initiative provides funding opportunities for private sector entities in Jordan to collaborate with USAID in addressing key development challenges, focusing on economic growth, water security, governance, education, and the empowerment of women and youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research organizations to establish expert panels that will evaluate and curate genomic variants linked to important diseases, enhancing clinical understanding and treatment options.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) invites applications from eligible small businesses to develop solutions for commercialization that can be used to enable regional clinician-to-clinician genomic medicine eConsult services. Specifically, we seek products, such as technologies or services, that will allow for the development and sustainment of eConsult services. Eligible United States small business concerns (SBCs) may submit Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I, Direct to Phase II, and Fast-Track grant applications. Small business applicants interested in submitting a Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant application should submit to the related funding opportunity, PAR-24-107. SBIR and STTR are phased programs. The main objective in SBIR and STTR Phase I is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts. An SBIR and STTR Phase II continues the R&D efforts to advance the technology toward ultimate commercialization. At the conclusion of an SBIR/STTR Phase II, it is expected that the small business will fully commercialize their product or technology using non-SBIR/STTR funds (either federal or non-federal). Small businesses that are eligible to submit Phase II applications for projects that were supported with a Phase I SBIR or STTR award are expected to submit the regular Phase II application as a "Renewal" application based on the awarded Phase I SBIR or STTR project. Only one Phase II application may be awarded for a specific project supported by a Phase I award. NIH Fast-Track: An NIH SBIR Fast-Track incorporates a submission and review process in which both Phase I and Phase II applications are submitted and reviewed together as one application to reduce or eliminate the funding gap between phases. NIH Direct to Phase II: For small businesses that have already demonstrated scientific and technical merit and feasibility but have not received a Phase I SBIR or STTR for that project, NIH can issue a Direct to Phase II award. The NIH will accept Direct to Phase II applications regardless of the funding source for the proof of principle work on which the proposed Phase II research is based. Direct to Phase II awards should be submitted as “New” applications and not continuations ("Renewal") of Phase I SBIR or STTR projects.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to educational institutions and training providers for training individuals, especially veterans and their families, in the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles to help them obtain their Commercial Driver’s Licenses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations working in Malawi to implement comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, focusing on reducing new infections and improving health outcomes for targeted populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for small businesses to conduct innovative clinical trials related to allergy and infectious diseases, focusing on high-risk studies and unlicensed products.