Department of Education Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB 2026: Solicitation

The Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences is seeking proposals for the development and evaluation of prototypes for new education technology components through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB program (Solicitation 91990026R0004). Eligible applicants must be for-profit small businesses meeting SBA size standards with no more than 500 employees, and all R&D work must be performed in the United States by U.S. citizens or green card holders. Proposals must focus on developing distinct new components to strengthen existing, research-based education technology prototypes or products for use across multiple content areas including STEM, English language arts, civics education, social-behavioral skills, the arts, and technical vocational career readiness in prekindergarten through Grade 16 or adult education settings. The evaluation process comprises three stages—pre-review screening, triage evaluation, and full technical panel review—with scoring based on the significance of the proposed product (40 points), Phase I research and development objectives and work plan (30 points), and project team qualifications, budget appropriateness, and prior SBIR performance (30 points). Proposals must be submitted by June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time to David.Yadeta@ed.gov with a copy to David.Geary@ed.gov, and official award notification is anticipated on or before September 28, 2026.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside with no incumbent contractors identified. Phase IB awards are valued at $250,000 on a firm-fixed-price basis for nine-month development and evaluation periods, with up to eight awards anticipated in 2026. Successful Phase IB awardees will be eligible to apply for Phase II awards of up to $1,000,000 over two years. Proposals must allocate a minimum of 66.67 percent of funds to the small business prime contractor with no more than 33.33 percent to subcontractors and must include required documentation such as a three-minute maximum YouTube video demonstration, a 10-page project narrative, project team resumes, detailed budgets, one letter of agreement from a participating education setting, up to three letters of support for commercialization pathways, and comprehensive federal certifications. Work is to be performed in Washington, DC 20202, with an anticipated award start date of October 5, 2026.