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Mission

The NASA SBIR and STTR programs fund the research, development, and demonstration of innovative technologies that fulfill NASA needs as described in the annual Solicitations and have significant potential for successful commercialization.

For the SBIR Program, NASA research and technology areas to be solicited are identified annually by the agency’s mission directorates. The directorates identify high priority research problems and technology needs for their respective programs and projects. The range of problems and technologies is broad, and the list of topics and subtopics vary in content from year to year to maintain alignment with current interests. The STTR Program is aligned with the priorities of NASA’s Space Technology Roadmaps, as well as the associated core competencies of the NASA centers.

For both the SBIR and STTR programs, topic areas are organized by “Focus Areas”, which provide a way for grouping NASA interests and related technologies with the intent of making it easier for proposers to understand related needs across the agency. Each subtopic will have an identified Mission Directorate who are potential customers for the solution.

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Mechanics of the Program

During the Phase I project, NASA awardees should focus on providing a sound basis for the continued development, demonstration and delivery of the proposed innovation in Phase II and follow-on efforts. Phase I funding is limited to $150,000 for up to 6 months of work on an SBIR or 13 months of work on an STTR. Phase II project funding is limited to $850,000 for 24 months of work and should focus on development, demonstration and delivery of the innovation.

Requirements

To submit a proposal package, in addition to the general SBA requirements, a business must have registered through the NASA ProSAMS system, available at https://prosams.nasa.gov/. Once registered, a business will need to manage and submit their proposal through ProSAMS as communication between NASA’s SBIR/STTR Programs and the firm is primarily through a combination of ProSAMS and email. In order to successfully connect to these systems, a business must have fully completed their UEI and SAM registrations and have an EIN or TIN.

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Additional Funding

NASA carries two post Phase II initiatives Phase II-Extended (Phase II-E) and the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP).

The objective of the Phase II-E Option is to further encourage the advancement of innovations developed under Phase II via an option to further R/R&D efforts underway on active Phase II contracts that are in good standing with NASA. Phase II-E funding is up to $375,000 for an additional 6-12 months, and requires a 1:1 match with non-SBIR/STTR funding. Matching funds can come from non-Program sources, other NASA programs, other Agencies or the private sector.

The purpose of the CCRP program is to provide an infusion or commercialization, not an incremental improvement in technology maturation alone. CCRP funding is up to $1,000,000 for an additional 24 months, and requires a 1:1 match with non-SBIR/STTR funding. Matching funds can come from non-Program sources, other NASA programs, other Agencies or the private sector. Applicants must have successfully completed their Phase II project to be eligible for CCRP funding.

Additionally awardees are always encouraged to seek other funding mechanisms to transition their work into a Phase III.

Resources

For a full listing of agency resources and NM FAST resources, relevant to an SBIR or STTR submission to NASA, please visit this link:

NASA Resources ▸

The NM FAST program is funded in part

by the U.S. Small Business Administration

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