The purpose of the Federal SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The specific purpose of NIDILRR's SBIR program is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through R/R&D products generated by small businesses, and to increase the commercial application of NIDILRR-supported research results and development products. All SBIR projects funded by NIDILRR must address the needs of people with disabilities and promote their health and function, community living, or employment outcomes. Phase II projects expand on the results of and further pursue the development of Phase I projects. NIDILRR will make four grants under this opportunity. Grants will have a 24-month project period with two 12-month budget periods.

NOTE on ELGIBILITY: SBIR Phase I grantees who successfully completed their Phase I grant in fiscal year 2022, 2023, or 2024 are eligible to apply. These eligible applicants only include SBIR Phase I grantees who successfully completed their Phase I work in the past 3 years (2022, 2023, or 2024). Phase I grantees with funding from NIDILRR or from another agency are eligible to apply, as long as their applications describe research projects that aim to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Applicants must also continue to be small business concerns. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.