FY2023 Phase I Release 1

Background
This FOA describes two distinct funding opportunities for DOE: the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Phase I Release 1. The objectives of the SBIR/STTR programs include increasing private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported research and development (R&D), stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, encouraging participation by women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, and improving the return on investment from Federally funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation.

Grant Details
Phase I grants resulting from this competition will be made during FY 2023 to small businesses with maximum award sizes of $200,000 or $250,000. The period of performance will depend on the scope of the effort but will not exceed 12 months.

Phase I is to evaluate the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of ideas that appear to have commercial potential and/or substantial application in support of DOE mission research. Only awardees issued Phase I grants under this FOA are eligible to submit a Phase II application under the corresponding FY 2024 Phase II FOA.

Approximately 40% of Phase I awardees submitting a Phase II application will receive a Phase II award. The anticipated median Phase I award will be approximately $200,000.

Eligibility Requirements
SBIR/STTR program eligibility requirements are in place to ensure that the funds go only to small, independent United States (U.S.) businesses. The regulations, 13 CFR 121, include restrictions about (1) the type of firm, (2) its ownership structure, and (3) the firm’s size in terms of the number of employees. Cost sharing under this FOA is not required.

All funded research or R&D must be performed in the U.S. for both Phases I and II.

Period of Performance
DOE anticipates making Phase I awards that will have a period of performance of 6 to 12 months with a start date of February 13, 2023.

Grant Value
Approximately $40,000,000 is expected to be available for new awards under this FOA.

Place of Performance
All funded research or R&D must be performed in the U.S. for both Phases I and II.