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Program

SBIR Phase I (statutory cap framework)

Funds feasibility-stage research by small businesses across federal agencies with extramural budgets.

Small Business AdministrationUnited StatesGrant

The Small Business Administration's SBIR Phase I statutory cap framework sets the feasibility-stage ceiling for the federal SBIR program. SBA coordinates the rule set, but the money comes from participating agencies with extramural R&D budgets, including DOD, NIH, DOE, NASA, NSF, USDA, DOC, DHS, ED, EPA, and DOT.

The statutory ceiling is $150,000 in 1986 dollars, with an inflation-adjusted 2026 o…

Max award$323K
Realistic median—
Success rate10–20%
Decision time—

No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.

Last verified: 1 Jun 2026Source: www.sbir.gov