Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Contracts
- The NIH STTR program does not utilize the contract mechanism
- Contract proposals must respond to a specific topic
- Only select Institutes and Centers participate in the contract mechanism
How do I apply
NIH SBIR contract funding opportunities are offered once a year and reflect specific need areas (referred to as Contract Topics). These topics are identified by NIH Institute or Center (IC) staff. To submit a contract proposal, your small business must respond to one of these topics.
The contract application process differs from the grants process because:
- A proposal in response to the Contract Topic requires its own separate proposal to the IC that created it; Grants Announcement allow for a response to multiple IC-identified priorities (or even one not specifically named) in one application
- Contract proposals must be submitted through the electronic Contract Proposal Submission (eCPS), a component of NIH’s integrated, secure system for the electronic submission, capture, tracking and review of contract proposals.
*Note: Grant applications are submitted through the applicant’s account on the eraCommons portal.
As in the case of grants, contracts allow for a Phase I or a Fast Track proposal (if a topic allows it). When Fast Track proposals are accepted, a Phase I proposal and a Phase II proposal may be submitted simultaneously.
View past solicitation
Closing Date: October 28, 2021 at 5:00pm ETActive Contract Topics | Submission Portal | Forms & Guidance | Amendment |
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PHS-2022-1 | Electronic Contract Proposal Submission | Additional Required Forms | Amendment 1- PHS-2022-1 |