Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I
🏛 Administration for Community Living (HHS-ACL)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 9, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees that conduct federally-funded research and development.
Applicants must be for-profit entities incorporated in the US, including S-corps, LLCs, and C-corps. Universities, nonprofits, and government entities cannot apply directly.
The program funds research projects addressing the needs of people with disabilities. Proposed projects must demonstrate scientific or technical merit and feasibility within a 6-month timeline. Cost-sharing is not required.
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Key dates
- Sep 25, 2026 Applications open
- Dec 16, 2026 Application deadline in 67 days
- Jun 1, 2027 Award announced
- Jun 1, 2027 Project start
Program description
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 ACL’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 ACL-supported research results and development products. Phase I SBIR grants are intended to conduct research to determine the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of concepts, topics, or ideas. NIDILRR will make 11 grants under this opportunity. Grants will have a 6-month project period with a corresponding six-month budget period.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 R&R (Research & Related)
- Project Narrative/Technical Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organizational and Management Information
- Resumes of key personnel
Program contact
- 👤 Brian Bard
- 📧 brian.bard@acl.hhs.gov
- 📞 (202) 795-7298
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.433 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,230,000
-
$6,229,999
-
$5,560,825
-
$5,560,824
-
Transcen Inc MD$5,560,823
-
$5,557,344
-
$5,407,677
Top States by Funding
- IL 15 awards $65.8M
- PA 9 awards $38.4M
- NY 7 awards $33.6M
- MA 6 awards $24.8M
- CA 4 awards $21.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.433). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $112,987,188 | |
| 2025 | $112,711,817 | |
| 2026 est. | $110,762,762 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this SBIR Phase I grant?
For-profit small businesses with 500 or fewer employees must apply. Nonprofit organizations, universities, and government agencies are not eligible direct applicants.
What is the project timeline?
Phase I projects run for 6 months. This is a fixed duration, not flexible.
How much funding is available?
Phase I grants range from $95,000 to $100,000. Eleven total grants will be awarded.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No. Cost-sharing is not required for this SBIR Phase I program.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects must develop or test new technologies, products, or services that improve outcomes for people with disabilities. Research and early-stage development are both eligible.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on demonstrating feasibility within a short 6-month window. Scale back ambitious scope to fit the timeline.
- Show clear connection to disability-focused outcomes. Abstract technology alone will not compete well.
- Include realistic milestones and metrics for a Phase I proof-of-concept. Reviewers expect incremental progress, not final products.
- Highlight your team's prior experience with both R&D and disability services or products.
- Budget carefully for 6 months. Avoid backloaded spending or activities that require longer timelines.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects too large for a 6-month Phase I scope. Weak connection to disability-related applications or outcomes. Insufficient detail on how feasibility will be demonstrated or what success looks like.
Similar grants
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- OPEN NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I, Phase II, Fast-Track Programs: A Pilot Emphasis on Scientific Instrumentation — U.S. National Science Foundation