U.S. DOT’s SBIR FY 2018 Solicitation is now closed. Below are general instructions for submitting a proposal when there is an open solicitation.

Follow our guidelines below from start to finish to successfully submit a proposal to an open Phase I solicitation and for follow-on Phase II funding.

Phase I

Phase I proposals (also known as “offers”) can be submitted when the U.S. DOT has an open solicitation. U.S. DOT issues one solicitation per year, typically during the fall. Visit the DOT SBIR home page to learn more about the solicitation schedule. Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.

Getting Started

Before preparing your solicitation, it is recommended that you first complete the Small Business Administration’s Company Registry before submitting an application. You must have a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) in order to register. When you complete your registration, you will receive a unique Small Business Concerns (SBC) Control ID and .pdf file to submit with the proposal.

Before You Submit

Make sure to review the following before submitting your proposal:

• Read all the information available in the open solicitation, not just the topic descriptions.
• Carefully follow the requirements and guidelines for preparing your proposal. If your proposal does not include the labeled sections and is not organized in the order of the requirements document, it may not be considered for SBIR funding.
• Ensure that you understand the problem described in the topic and that you demonstrate that knowledge in your proposal.
• Document the expertise and credentials of the Principal researcher.
• Include a detailed work plan and schedule that demonstrates how you will accomplish your proposed goals.
• Consider and describe the potential commercialization options and avenues for your proposal.
• Complete all appendices, including the cost proposal template provided in Appendix C.

Phase II

After successful completion of a Phase I contract, all U.S. DOT SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to submit a Phase II proposal for evaluation. The U.S. DOT will provide Phase I awardees specific details on the due date, content, and submission requirements for Phase II proposals approximately 30 days prior to the end of Phase I efforts.

The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D effort from the completed Phase I. Funding of a Phase II is based upon the results of Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the Phase II proposal and the availability of funding.