USDA – SBIR FY23 Released

4/19/22

It’s NEVER TOO EARLY to get started on preparing for an SBIR proposal submission.  We’re all in luck – the USDA has released their FY 2023 RFA SBIR Phase I submission due date –
October 6, 2022.  This gives us ample time to work with you in preparing and submitting the most competitive, appropriately-aligned SBIR proposal you can.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Phase I SBIR opportunity typically opens, annually in July, with a submission deadline in early October.  You can download and read the official RFA HERE .

Brief Info from the RFA:

• SBIR Phase I – Award limit $100k for an 8 month project execution period. (All standard SBIR Eligibility Requirements apply.)
• SBIR Phase II – Only awarded to previously successful Phase I awardees. Award amounts are up to $600k, with project execution period of 24 months. (USDA NIFA SBIR typically announces the Phase II RFA in early December with a deadline in early March.)
• SBIR program funds are allocated in proportion to the number of proposals received over 10 broad topic areas. Proposals are reviewed through a confidential peer review process using outside experts from nonprofit organizations. All applicants receive verbatim copies of reviews.

Program Areas of Interest (Described in more detail in RFA):

1. Forests and Related Resources
2. Plant Production and Protection (Biology)
3. Animal Production and Protection
4. Conservation of Natural Resources
5. Food Science and Nutrition
6. Rural and Community Development
7. Aquaculture
8. Biofuels and Biobased Products
9. Small and Mid-size Farms
10. Plant Production and Protection (Engineering)

The USDA SBIR program focuses on transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial potential and/or societal benefit. Unlike fundamental research, the USDA SBIR program supports small businesses in the creation of innovative, disruptive technologies and enables the application of research advancements from conception into the market.

Projects dealing with agriculturally related manufacturing and alternative and renewable energy technologies are encouraged across all SBIR topic areas. USDA SBIR’s flexible research areas ensure innovative projects consistent with USDA’s vision of a healthy and productive nation in harmony with the land, air, and water. The USDA SBIR program has awarded over 2000 research and development projects since 1983, allowing hundreds of small businesses to explore their technological potential, and providing an incentive to profit from the commercialization of innovative ideas.