How to Apply for an SBIR Contract
Use this guide to learn more about the program and guide you through the EPA SBIR application process.
On this page:
Getting Started
Develop an Innovative Environmental Technology Idea
Have an innovation that can be commercialized? Consider applying for an EPA SBIR contract. Given EPA's modest budget, proposals must be responsive to the specific topics listed in the annual solicitation.
Eligibility Requirements
Learn about the eligibility requirements by visiting the Small Business Administration SBIR website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore frequently asked questions on the Small Business Administration SBIR website.
Topics
Topic areas change from year to year. For reference, the 2023-2024 EPA SBIR Phase I topics were:
2023-2024 EPA SBIR Topics
Clean and Safe Water
- Zero-liquid discharge and brine concentrate minimization
- Treatment and destruction of PFAS in wastewater and other waste streams
- Harmful algal blooms (HABs) sensors that can monitor cyanobacteria and toxins
Air Quality & Climate
- Innovative technologies to clean indoor air during wildfire smoke events and other high pollution days
- Air pollution control technologies for urban small sources
Land
- Innovations in slurry injection technology for complex waste treatment and disposal
Homeland Security
- AI-based indoor mapping and localization using smartphone sensor data
Circular Economy/Sustainable Materials
- Innovative technologies that help consumers prevent food waste in the acquisition, preparation, and storage of food
- Innovative technologies or materials that will improve the U.S. recycling system
- Innovative material reduction and reuse solutions to lower embodied carbon in the built environment
Safer Chemicals
- Rubber anti-degradant technologies for tires and other rubber products that are lower concern for human health and the environment
- Innovative enhanced efficiency fertilizers
Registration Requirements
There are multiple registrations required prior to submitting an EPA SBIR proposal. The registration process may take 6 – 8 weeks, so it’s important to start early.
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) – The EPA requires the EIN number prior to the issuance of a funding award. The EIN base for the organization is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Identification (ID) number, for individuals it is their social security number, both of which are nine-digit numbers.
- System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active SAM registration, which requires renewal at least annually. Please note, the renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. Note that EPA SBIR awards are made as contracts so please ensure your SAM profile allows for the award of "contracts" or "all awards".
- Unique Entity Identifier Number (UEI) – As of April 4, 2022, the federal government has stopped using DUNS numbers to identify entities. All small businesses are now required to use the UEI assigned by the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). All current SAM.gov registrants have been assigned their UEI and can view them on SAM.gov. Click here for more information.
- FedConnect.net EXIT – FedConnect is the web portal that EPA uses for proposal submission and companies must be registered with FedConnect to submit a proposal.
- SBA Company Registry – All applicants are required to register at the SBA Company Registry prior to proposal submission and include their SBC Control ID with their proposal.
Proposal Submission
Submit to FedConnect EXIT
Proposals must be received via FedConnect through the response function by the required deadline.
Help with FedConnect:
Registration and proposal instructions are found in the SBIR Phase I Solicitation. Also, check out the FedConnect Ready, Set, Go! EXIT to guide you through the registration process.
Please contact FedConnect support EXIT if you have problems:
Toll-free: (800) 899-6665
Email: support@fedconnect.net
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time (except for federal holidays)
Review Process
Internal and External Reviewers will Evaluate Your Proposal for Technical Strength, Commercial Potential and Impact on EPA's mission
Reviewers use the following criteria to evaluate each proposal.
- Technical Approach
- Company/Team (both technical and commercial qualifications)
- Impact/Relevance to Topic
- Innovation/Intellectual Property
- Market Opportunity
- Commercialization Approach
The proposals are ranked based on these evaluations. Programmatic balance, Agency priorities, and available funding may also be used in the selection process.
Human Subjects
Research that involves human subjects may be subject to additional regulations found in 40 CFR 26 as well as other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Research will be considered to involve human subjects under 40 CFR 26 if the research obtains information or biospecimens (1) through intervention or interaction with human subject(s), and/or obtains data (2) through using, studying, analyzing, or generating identifiable private information.
Note that survey research can constitute one category of human subjects research. Any time researchers administer a survey, questionnaire, or other data collection instrument, they are interacting with human subjects.
Unless exempt under 40 CFR 26.104, human subject research must adhere to the regulations of 40 CFR 26, which includes review and approval of the research by a federally approved Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Due to the short timeframe associated with Phase I of the SBIR process, EPA does not recommend the submission of Phase I offers that require the use of human subjects research. For example, the ability to obtain IRB approval for offers that involve human subjects can take 6-12 months, and that lengthy process can be at odds with the Phase I six-month period of performance.
Awards Timeline
Small businesses will be notified via FedConnect once funding decisions have been made. If a proposal is not funded, the applicant can request feedback on their proposal.
Proof of Concept for 6 Months - $100,000 (Phase I)
- The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of the proposed technology prior to further federal support in Phase II.
Development & Commercialization for 2 Years - $400,000 (Phase II)
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Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I, the technical merit, and commercial potential and impact of the technology.
Further Funding - $100,000
- To accelerate commercialization, EPA offers a “commercialization option” of up to $100,000 in Phase II for companies that secure third-party investment.