SBIR Policy Directive 2012
Executive Summary
A. Eligibility

[Updated 8/6/12]

With respect to eligibility for an SBIR award, the directive: Addresses the new requirements permitting small business concerns that are majority-owned by multiple venture capital operating companies (VCOCs), hedge funds or private equity firms to participate in the program;
  • Permits an STTR Phase I awardee to receive an SBIR Phase II award;

  • Permits certain agencies to issue an SBIR Phase II award to a small business that did not receive an SBIR Phase I award; and

  • States that a small business may receive two, sequential Phase II awards.
For example, SBA amended the directive to address the two new statutory exceptions to the general rule that only SBIR Phase I awardees may receive an SBIR Phase II award. According to the Reauthorization Act, a Federal agency may now issue an SBIR Phase II award to an STTR Phase I awardee in order to further develop the work performed under the STTR Phase I award.

In addition, the Reauthorization Act states that, for fiscal years 2012-2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education (Education) may issue a Phase II award to a small business that did not receive an SBIR Phase I award.

Return    Next