Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders - Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

The overarching objective is to support Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs directly relevant to individuals with deafness or disorders of human communication in the areas of hearing, balan

To support Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by engaging domestic small business concerns in federal research and development directly relevant to individuals with deafness or disorders of human communication in the areas of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language that has the potential for commercialization.

SBIR Grants: SBIR grants can be awarded only to domestic small business concerns-entities that are independently owned and operated for profit, are not dominant in the field of the proposed research, and have no more than 500 employees. The principal investigator (PI) must have primary employment (more than half-time) with the small business at the time of the award and for the duration of the project. For both Phase I and Phase II, the research must be performed in the United States or its possessions. Applications are eligible for funding only if they are approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council. STTR Grants: STTR grants can be awarded only to domestic small business concerns that partner with a U.S. research institution for cooperative research and development. The small business must perform at least 40% of the project, and the research institution must perform at least 30%. The research must be conducted in the United States or its possessions. Unlike SBIR, the PI does not need to be primarily employed by the small business. Applications must be approved for scientific merit and program relevance by a scientific review group and a national advisory council to be eligible for funding.

The major elements in evaluating applications include assessments of: (1) The scientific merit and general significance of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (3) the competency of the proposed investigator or group to successfully pursue the project; (4) the adequacy of the available and proposed facilities and resources; (5) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (6) the relevance and importance to announced program objectives. The following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: (1) The soundness and technical merit of the proposed approach; (2) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (3) the technological innovation of the proposed research; (4) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (5) the appropriateness of the budget requested; (6) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (7) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment. Phase II grant applications will be reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of the proposed approach for achieving the Phase II objectives; (3) the qualifications of the proposed principal investigator, supporting staff, and consultants; (4) the technological innovation, originality, or societal importance of the proposed research; (5) the potential of the proposed research for commercial application; (6) the reasonableness of the budget requested for the work proposed; (7) the adequacy and suitability of the facilities and research environment; and (8) where applicable, the adequacy of assurances detailing the proposed means for (a) safeguarding human or animal subjects, and/or (b) protecting against or minimizing any adverse effect on the environment.

All accepted SBIR/STTR applications are evaluated for scientific and technical merit by an appropriate scientific peer review panel and if they are recommended for further consideration, by a national advisory council or board. All applications receiving a priority score compete for available SBIR/STTR set-aside funds on the basis of scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the proposed research, program relevance, and program balance among the areas of research.

A principal investigator may question the substantive or procedural aspects of the review of his/her application by communicating with the staff of the Institute. A description of the NIH Peer Review Appeal procedures is available on the NIH homepage https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/not-od-11-064.html.