The NOAA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program - FY25 Phase I, administered by the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), invites small businesses to submit proposals for innovative research and development (R&D) projects. This program aims to stimulate technological innovation, strengthen small businesses' role in meeting federal R&D needs, and increase commercialization of innovations derived from federal funding. It emphasizes participation by socially and economically disadvantaged businesses and women-owned small businesses.

Under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), only Phase I applications for FY 2025 will be accepted. Phase I focuses on establishing the technical feasibility, scientific merit, and commercial potential of proposed R&D projects. Successful Phase I awardees may be eligible to apply for Phase II funding, which supports further development of promising Phase I projects. NOAA plans to publish a Phase II NOFO approximately 30 days before the end of Phase I's performance period.

The program anticipates making 35 awards with an award ceiling of $190,000. The total funding available is approximately $6,650,000, and cost-sharing or matching funds are not required. Eligible applicants are U.S.-based small businesses with the capability to conduct R&D in the research topic areas outlined in Section 9.0 of the NOFO and to commercialize resulting innovations.

The SBIR program was established in 1982 and has been extended through 2025 under Public Law 117-183. NOAA aligns with federal objectives to encourage innovation, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It prioritizes participation by small businesses owned by individuals from underrepresented groups in scientific research and women-owned small businesses.

Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2025, and all submissions should follow the detailed instructions outlined in the NOFO. For programmatic questions, contact Michele Pollard at noaa.sbir@noaa.gov with "NOAA-OAR-TPO-2025-0001" in the subject line. For administrative inquiries, contact Raishan Adams at raishan.adams@noaa.gov.