DHS SBIR Phase I

DHS SBIR Phase I

Supports small businesses addressing homeland security needs with early feasibility innovation in cybersecurity, border operations, and safety-critical tools.

The DHS SBIR Phase I program is an annual competitive R&D contract issued by the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, funding U.S. small businesses to establish the scientific and technical feasibility of proposed solutions to specific homeland security technology needs. Phase I awards are typically $175,000 for a five-month performance period; award decisions are made within 45 days of selection. The most recently completed cycle, SBIR 25.1, opened January 6, 2025 and covered five topics: fentanyl attribution forensics, NG911 data analysis and cyber tools, on-person screening technologies, video communication security against digital injection attacks, and mobile-to-biometric cable adapters. The 26.1 solicitation follows the annual cadence of December–January but had not been posted as of May 2026.

Eligibility is restricted to U.S. small businesses with fewer than 500 employees — this is a statutory SBIR requirement set by the Small Business Innovation Development Act. Nonprofit organizations, universities, and individual applicants are not eligible. Topics span DHS mission areas served by FEMA, CISA, TSA, CBP, ICE, USCG, USCIS, and the U.S. Secret Service, as well as first responders, covering borders and maritime security, chemical and biological defense, cybersecurity, explosives detection and aviation screening, critical infrastructure, and unmanned aerial systems. Awards are procurement contracts rather than grants, so SBIR data rights provisions govern IP ownership.

Solicitations are posted on SAM.gov and proposals submitted through oip.dhs.gov/sbir/public. A free Phase 0 outreach program operated by Dawnbreaker (homelandsecurityphase0.dawnbreaker.com) provides proposal coaching and webinars year-round for new and returning applicants. Only Phase I awardees are eligible to compete for Phase II; winning Phase I does not guarantee a Phase II invitation but creates the exclusive pathway to the $1 million–$1.5 million prototype development funding available in the next stage.