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OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

FHWA Seeks Phase I Small Business Innovation Research Topic Proposals

FHWA seeks topics to include in the fiscal year 2020 solicitation of proposals for Phase I of the USDOT Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Phase I contracts seek to establish the technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential of the proposal. Phase I awards normally do not exceed $150,000 total costs for 6 months.

Topic suggestions are due to Craig Thor, FHWA’s SBIR Manager, by August 30, 2019. The topics will be considered by FHWA R&T leadership and those selected will be included in the FY20 solicitation for proposals.

The SBIR program is a highly competitive, awards-based program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in research and development that addresses high-priority research areas within USDOT. The mission of the SBIR program is to support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of Federal research funds in critical American priorities to build a strong national economy.

Only small businesses in the United States are eligible to participate in the SBIR program. Businesses must meet the following criteria at the time of Phase I and II awards:

  • The business must be an organized for profit, with a place of business located in the United States.
  • The business can have no more than 500 employees, including affiliates.
  • The principal investigator must have primary employment with the small business.
  • The business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by either one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States OR by another for-profit business concern that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are citizens of, or permanent resident aliens in, the United States.

The FHWA SBIR program favors research that has the potential for commercialization through products and applications sold to the private sector transportation industry, State DOTs, USDOT, or other Federal agencies. This program offers a unique opportunity to bring innovative solutions to market quickly while supporting the goals of FHWA and USDOT, as well as helping small businesses gain access to the marketplace.

For more information, visit the SBIR website. Topics for the FY 2020 solicitation of proposals for Phase I can be submitted to Craig.Thor@dot.gov.

Last updated: Monday, December 2, 2019