USDOT determines Small Business Innovation Research topics

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U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) officials said the agency has determined the 13 topics expected to be featured in this year’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program Fiscal Year 2021 pre-solicitation.

“Small businesses are responsible for two-thirds of net new jobs created in America; this small business innovation research program will help small companies in the transportation sector to build the transportation system of the future,” Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said.

Authorities indicated the pre-solicitation also includes an opportunity to submit questions via the Department’s SBIR Q&A website. Topics expected to be funded this year focus on applying innovation and technology to address research challenges in materials, infrastructure, and safety.

The Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration will be involved in the effort. This year’s SBIR Solicitation is slated to total $1.9 million.

The USDOT noted the SBIR Program encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D), possessing commercialization potential. The program awards contracts in two phases and recognizes a third phase leading up to commercialization.