SBIR Phase I (statutory cap framework)
Funds feasibility-stage research by small businesses across federal agencies with extramural budgets.
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 operating ceiling of about $323,090. The period of performance is typically six to twelve months, the technical and business assistance cap is $6,500, and the framework remains in force through September 30, 2031 after the 2026 reauthorization. The eligible applicant is a U.S. for-profit small business; non-profits, universities, research organizations, and individuals are disallowed. The framework is built for feasibility work at the earliest technical stage, so applicants do best when they keep the scope narrow, show that the work is pre-development, and avoid duplicating the same research with other federal funds.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.