The FY 2025 NIST Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I seeks proposals from eligible small businesses for research projects with high potential for commercialization, specifically those that can meet the research and development (R&D) needs of federal agencies, including prestandardization research relevant to standards and measurements. This initiative aims to strengthen the role of small businesses in federally funded R&D, foster innovation, support participation from socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and women-owned small businesses, and promote private sector commercialization of innovations. NIST expects to award up to 10 Phase I cooperative agreements, each up to $100,000, with an additional $6,500 available for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA).

The primary goal of the Phase I award is to determine the technical feasibility and potential commercialization of the proposed research. Projects should align with one of NIST's technical program areas or involve a NIST-patented technology available for licensing. Eligible applicants must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC) and ensure that the principal investigator is primarily employed by the small business. The research must be conducted primarily within the United States, and applicants must register with the SBA’s Company Registry prior to submitting their application.

Applications are due by December 27, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, through Grants.gov. NIST will conduct an initial screening to assess eligibility and completeness, followed by a competitive merit review based on criteria such as the technical approach, qualifications of key personnel, and commercialization potential. Selection factors may include alignment with NIST priorities, participation from underrepresented groups, and potential impact on innovation in manufacturing and energy efficiency.

The Phase I project period is six months, during which awardees will submit both a progress report and a final report. Successful completion of Phase I can lead to Phase II, which provides up to $400,000 in funding over a 24-month period, focusing on further R&D and prototype development. Post-award, NIST may request follow-up information on commercialization progress to evaluate the effectiveness of the SBIR program.