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.

Getting Started

Develop an Innovative Environmental Technology Idea
Have a ground-breaking environmental 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.

Topic areas change from year to year. For reference, the proposed 2022-2023 EPA SBIR topics are:

Clean and Safe Water

Decentralized wastewater treatment (septic system) technologies for intentional non-potable reuse
Technologies to process, sort and identify microplastics
In-stream aquatic trash capture technologies
Sensors to detect high priority contaminants of emerging concern (including PFAS)

Air Quality & Climate

Ambient air monitoring technology for air toxics
Continuous Emission Monitoring System for metal HAPs
Air monitoring technology for methane emissions from fugitive sources
Technologies that reduce exposure to radon in buildings
Technologies for improved recovery of refrigerant from air conditioning (AC) and refrigeration equipment

Homeland Security

Innovative technology solutions that build community resilience to disasters
Miniaturized oil spill droplet size sensor for emergency response underwater vehicles

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 reduction, reuse, and recycling solutions to advance plastic circularity

Safer Chemicals

PCB-free color
Rubber anti-degradant technologies for tires and other rubber products that are lower concern for human health and the environment
Innovative enhanced efficiency fertilizers

Risk Assessment

Software tools and machine-learning applications for systematic review in science assessment for chemical evaluation

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.

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.

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)

Proposal Submission

Submit to FedConnect EXIT
Proposals must be received via FedConnect through the response function by the required deadline.

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.

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)
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.