Small Business Innovation Research Program
Grant: Small Business Innovation Research Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Education
Division: Institute of Education Services
Deadline: This competition is closed. The deadline was February 5, 2013
Description: The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program strives to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting educational research and development needs; increase the commercial potential of education-supported research results; and improve the return on investment from federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the Nation.
To achieve these goals, the Department of Education (DOE) is seeking proposals from qualified small business firms and their partners to develop an education technology product for use by either (a) students or teachers (or other instructional personnel); or (b) infants, toddlers, or students with or at risk for disabilities, or teachers (or other instructional personnel, related service providers or family members) in early intervention or special education. Those organizations with strong research or research and development capabilities in education technology are especially encouraged to participate. Partnerships with universities or other nonprofit organizations are encouraged, but the small business must take the lead.
The DOE will make awards for the SBIR program under three categories depending on the scope of the project. These include:
- Phase I Grants – These grants support the development of a prototype and research to demonstrate its functionality and feasibility.
- Phase II Grants – These grants will support the full scale development of the product, the research needed to refine it, and a pilot study to demonstrate its usability and promise.
- Fast Track Grants – These grants support projects which combine the components of both Phase I and Phase II.
All applicants are required to complete a third phase following the full scale development and piloting of the designed education technology. In the third phase, the small business is expected to pursue commercialization of their product using non-SBIR funds.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: Stations are not eligible to apply directly, but are encouraged to act as partners on a project. In the most recent grant round, more than half of the grants made were for games and game related projects. Many of these games included a teaching component that provided the ability to supplement and/or replace standard instructional practice. Stations, as digital innovators in education, would find a natural fit here. Those with experience in education gaming technology are especially encouraged to partner.
In FY 2013, Mission US, the education digital gaming application produced by WNET, was named as a Fast Track grant recipient. Game developer Electric Funstuff was listed as the lead applicant. The $1.05 million grant will support the development of a tablet-based interactive role-playing game that immerses fifth through ninth grade students in the history of the Great Depression.
Eligibility: Only small businesses are eligible to apply. A small business is eligible if it meets the following criteria: for-profit organization having no more than 500 employees; independently owned and operated; based in the United States; and be at least 51 percent owned by U.S. citizens.
Partners, including nonprofit organizations, are encouraged to collaborate on projects but the small business must take the lead on the application.
Anticipated Funding: Phase I awards are made for up to $150,000, with a project period of six months. Phase II awards are made for a maximum of $900,000, with a project period of two years. Fast Track awards are for a maximum of $1.05 million (combined Phase I and Phase II totals), eliminating the funding gap between Phase I and Phase II.
How to Apply: All applications and supplemental materials must be mailed or hand-delivered to the following address.
U.S. Department of Education
Office of the Chief Financial Officer
Contracts and Acquisitions Management
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, LBJ Building, Room BC102
Washington, D.C. 20202-4230
Attn: Sharon Masciana, Contract Specialist
Review the program notice for more details on application and submission requirements.
Resources:
Program notice
Program website
Fiscal Year 2013 Grantees
