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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Volume 16, Number 4 | Fall 2022
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THE CONCEPT
Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program
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Hello, Innovators • Key Program Milestones • SBIR Ignite • CCRPP • Events • Success Stories • Other Opportunities
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As the year comes to a close, we are looking ahead to the 2023 Phase I SBIR and STTR solicitations, scheduled to open January 10, 2023. We have two notable changes this year. First, the Human Exploration and Operations focus area is now Exploration Systems Development & Space Operations (ESDMD-SOMD) to align with the mission directorate split in late 2021. This does not impact the submission process, but we want you to have a heads-up about the name change. In addition, as part of the SBIR/STTR program’s reauthorization passed this year, there will be new foreign disclosure requirements detailed in the Executive Summary.
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As in past years, we are seeking technology ideas for space and on Earth that impact NASA missions and benefit our nation. I recommend checking out the 2022 Solicitations’ focus areas to see where your technology might fit, as our focus areas tend to stay relatively consistent from year to year.
To help you with final preparations for the upcoming solicitation period, we’re offering one-on-one sessions with SBIR/STTR program experts who can answer questions and warm you up to the proposal process. In addition, we are once again hosting our Dissecting the Phase I Solicitations webinar to help you prepare a successful submission. You can find more information about these events on our Program Events page. I look forward to seeing what new technology ideas you bring to us in 2023!
Jason L. Kessler
NASA SBIR/STTR Program Executive
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NASA Awards Foster Small Business Tech with Market Potential
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In addition to funding emerging technologies that have potential to support its missions, NASA also invests in commercially viable ideas that could bolster the aerospace market and encourage U.S. economic growth. In 2022, the NASA SBIR/STTR program piloted SBIR Ignite, a new opportunity for U.S. small businesses to receive funding for technology concepts with strong commercial relevance. The 2022 round of awards will distribute nearly $2 million among 12 selected companies. For nine of these companies, this is their first time working with the NASA SBIR program.
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Prepare Now for the CCRPP Funding Opportunity
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The NASA SBIR/STTR program is again offering the Civilian Commercialization Readiness Pilot Program (CCRPP) for Fiscal Year 2023. This CCRPP is open to companies with prior NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II awards resulting from Phase I awards starting in Program Year 2012 or later and whose Phase II period of performance is complete by February 15, 2023. This opportunity is also open to firms with ongoing or completed NASA SBIR/STTR Sequential Phase II awards.
The FY23 CCRPP Application Period will be open from December 13, 2022, through February 15, 2023.
To be eligible for a CCRPP award, your company must submit a letter of commitment from an investor. NASA is providing you early CCRPP application information so that you have time to look for investors.
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Phase II Extended (II-E) Funding Option: January Deadline
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The Phase II Extended (Phase II-E) Option encourages the advancement of innovations developed under Phase II and requires a small business to secure an external investor. NASA may match the external investor funds with SBIR/STTR funds, on a 1-to-1 basis, up to $375,000 for a combined Post Phase II funding level of $750,000.
The time period for submitting a SBIR or STTR Phase II-E proposal starts after the 12th month of your Phase II contract execution date and ends 60 days before the Phase II contract expiration date.
Currently, selections for the SBIR/STTR Phase II-E proposals occur approximately every 2 months (subject to change). Proposals received by January 10, 2023 will be considered for the next cycle of awards at the end of January.
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Potential Post Phase II Investor: NASA Flight Opportunities
NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is a potential Post Phase II investor in support of suborbital flight testing to advance development or commercialization of technologies.
Learn more about Flight Opportunities’ Phase II-E funding: go.nasa.gov/2Kdkw1e
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NASA SBIR/STTR One-on-One Meetings
From December 6 to 8, we are hosting virtual one-on-one meetings for small businesses and research institutions to meet directly with NASA SBIR/STTR experts. All of our meetings are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so keep an eye out on the scheduling page to book a slot.
NASA SBIR/STTR Dissecting the 2023 Phase I Solicitations Webinar
On January 17, the program will be hosting a webinar to help prepare small businesses and research institutions—especially those new to NASA SBIR/STTR or those who have been unsuccessful in previous submissions—to be successful in their submissions to the NASA SBIR/STTR program’s 2023 Phase I solicitations. Presenters will explain the organization and structure of the open solicitation documents and highlight best practices and common pitfalls. The link to join will be posted on our Program Events page and sent via email.
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Read about news and successes from some of our SBIR/STTR firms. If you are an SBIR/STTR firm with a success story to share, email us at ARC-SBIR-Outreach@mail.nasa.gov.
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Mango Materials partnered with the Colorado School of Mines on NASA STTR awards to adapt a bioreactor system to convert methane into bioplastic for low-gravity environments. Mango Materials received $6 million through NASA CCRPP, including funds from fashion investors seeking alternatives to plastic-based textiles.
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In 2022, Oakwood University, an HBCU based in Huntsville, Alabama, became a first-time research institution participant in the NASA STTR program. Prior to this, Oakwood University and its small business partner prepared for the solicitation by participating in the pilot M-STTR opportunity. Read the university perspective on how the M-STTR program helped the team form a partnership and prepare for the 2022 STTR solicitation.
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Other NASA Opportunities and News
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PDF version