1. Program Description
1.1 Introduction
This solicitation is for a small group of select topics that are of particular interest to NASA under NASA’s Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Program. The specific topics are outlined in section 9 of this solicitation. Only Small Business Concerns (SBC) are invited to submit proposals. Program background information, eligibility requirements for participants, information on the three program phases, and information for submitting responsive proposals is contained herein. The Fiscal Year 2014 Select SBIR Solicitation period for Phase I proposals begins November 14, 2013 and ends January 29, 2014.
NOTE: Only proposals for the research areas designated in section 9 of this solicitation will be accepted.
The NASA SBIR Program does not accept proposals solely directed towards system studies, market research, routine engineering development of existing product(s), proven concepts, or modifications of existing products without substantive innovation.
It is anticipated that Select SBIR Phase I proposals will be selected for negotiation of firm-fixed-price contracts in approximately April 2014.
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NASA will not accept more than 3 proposals to this solicitation from any one firm in order to ensure the broadest participation of the small business community. NASA does not plan to award more than 2 Select SBIR contracts to any offeror under this solicitation. |
Proposals must be submitted online via the Proposal Submissions Electronic Handbook at (http://sbir.nasa.gov) and include all relevant documentation. Unsolicited proposals will not be accepted.
1.2 Program Authority and Executive Order
SBIR and STTR opportunities are solicited annually pursuant to the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, P.L. 97-219 (codified at 15 U.S.C. 638) as amended by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, Extension, P.L. 99-443 which extended the program through September 30, 1993. On October 28, 1992, through the Small Business Innovation Research and Development Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-564), Congress reauthorized and extended the SBIR Program for another seven years (2000). Subsequently, on December 21, 2000, through the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-554) Congress again reauthorized the SBIR Program. With the approval of H.R. 2608, Continuing Appropriations Act 2012, the SBIR Program was authorized through December 31, 2011. On December 31, 2011, the President signed into law the National Defense Reauthorization Act of 2012 (Defense Reauthorization Act), P. L. 112-81, Section 5001, Division E of the Defense Reauthorization Act contains the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act)), which extends both the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through September 30, 2017.
1.3 Program Management
The Space Technology Mission Directorate provides overall policy direction for implementation of the NASA SBIR/STTR programs. The NASA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office, which operates the programs in conjunction with NASA Mission Directorates and Centers, is hosted at the NASA Ames Research Center. NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) provides the overall procurement management for the programs. All of the NASA Centers actively participate in the SBIR/STTR programs; and to reinforce NASA’s objective of infusion of SBIR/STTR developed technologies into its programs and projects, each Center has personnel focused on that activity.
NASA research and technology areas to be solicited are identified annually by the Agency’s Mission Directorates. The Directorates identify high priority research and technology needs for their respective programs and projects. The needs are explicitly described in the topics and subtopics descriptions developed by technical experts at NASA’s Centers. The range of technologies is broad, and the list of topics and subtopics may vary in content from year to year. See section 9.1 for details on the Mission Directorate research topic descriptions for the Select SBIR Program.
As technological innovation is at the core of the SBIR/STTR program it is critical to NASA’s Technology Transfer efforts that any new innovation derived from an SBIR/STTR award is reported to NASA in accordance with its New Technology Reporting Requirements.
Information regarding the Mission Directorates and the NASA Centers can be obtained at the following web sites:
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Space Technology |
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Space Technology Roadmaps |
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NASA Mission Directorates |
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Aeronautics Research |
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Human Exploration and Operations |
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Science |
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Space Technology |
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NASA Centers |
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Ames Research Center (ARC) |
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Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC) |
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Glenn Research Center (GRC) |
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Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) |
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Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) |
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Johnson Space Center (JSC) |
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Kennedy Space Center (KSC) |
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Langley Research Center (LaRC) |
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Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) |
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Stennis Space Center (SSC) |
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1.4 Three-Phase Program
The Select SBIR Program is divided into three funding and development stages.
Maximum value and period of performance for Select Phase I and Select Phase II contracts:
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Select Phase I Contracts |
SBIR |
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Maximum Contract Value |
$125,000 |
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Period of Performance |
6 months |
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Select Phase II Contacts |
SBIR |
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Maximum Contract Value |
$1,500,000 |
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Maximum Period of Performance |
24 months |
Select Phase I
The purpose of Select Phase I is to determine the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of the proposed innovation, and the quality of the SBC’s performance. Select Phase I work and results should provide a sound basis for the continued development, demonstration and delivery of the proposed innovation in Phase II and follow-on efforts. In particular, Select Phase I projects should result in a strong foundation for the delivery of the innovation developed in Phase II. Successful completion of Phase I objectives is a prerequisite to consideration for a Phase II award.
Select Phase II
The purpose of Select Phase II is the development, demonstration and delivery of the innovation. Only SBCs awarded a Select Phase I contract are eligible to submit a proposal for a Select Phase II funding agreement. Select Phase II projects are chosen as a result of competitive evaluations and based on selection criteria provided in the Select Phase II Proposal Instructions and Evaluation Criteria. The funding outlined above for Select Phase II contracts should enable significant test, demonstration, and evaluation activities leading to technologies at high readiness levels for NASA utilization.
Opportunities for Continued Technology Development Post-Phase II
Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X)
The purpose of the Phase II-E Option is to further encourage the advancement of innovations developed under Phase II via an extension of R/R&D efforts underway on current Phase II contracts. Under a Phase II-E option, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program will match, on a dollar-to-dollar basis, a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $150,000 of non-NASA-SBIR/STTR investments in a small business by an eligible third party to extend a project from 6-to-12 months. New work proposed under a Phase II-E effort must build upon and demonstrably advance the R/R&D conducted during Phase II, and should therefore lead to new outcomes not achievable with Phase II funding alone. Eligible third parties include a NASA project, NASA contractor, or any commercial investor. The total cumulative award for the Select Phase II contract plus the Phase II-E match is not expected to exceed $1,650,000 of SBIR/STTR funding. The non-SBIR/non-STTR contribution is not limited since it is regulated under the guidelines for Phase III awards.
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Phase II Enhancement |
Minimum non-SBIR/STTR Funding Required for Eligibility for Matching in Phase II-E |
Corresponding SBIR/STTR Program Contribution |
Anticipated Period of Additional Performance |
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$25,000 |
$25,000 |
6-12 Months |
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Maximum non-SBIR/STTR Funding to be Matched by SBIR/STTR Program in Phase II-E |
Corresponding SBIR/STTR Program Contribution |
Anticipated Period of Additional Performance |
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$150,000 |
$150,000 |
6-12 Months |
The purpose of the Phase II-X Option is to establish a strong and direct partnership between the NASA SBIR/STTR Program and other NASA projects undertaking the development of new technologies of innovations for future use. Under a Phase II-X option, innovations developed in Phase II are to be advanced via an extension of R/R&D efforts to the current Phase II contract. There are two specific requirements to be met for firms to be eligible for a Phase II-X option.
- First, eligible firms must secure a NASA program or project (other than the NASA SBIR/STTR Program) as a partner to invest in enhancing their technology for further research or infusion.
- Second, there is a minimum funding requirement for Phase II-X, as eligible firms must secure at least $75,000 in NASA program or project funding.
Under a Phase II-X option, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program will match, on a 2-for-1 basis, up to $250,000 of NASA program or project funding, thus enabling a maximum of $500,000 of SBIR/STTR award funds to be added from the NASA SBIR/STTR Program. The total cumulative award for the Select Phase II contract plus the Phase II-X match is not expected to exceed $2,000,000 of SBIR/STTR funding. Contributions from other NASA programs or projects are not limited since it is regulated under the guidelines for Phase III awards.
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Phase II eXpanded |
Minimum Funding Required from non-SBIR/STTR NASA Source for Eligibility for Matching in Phase II-X |
Corresponding SBIR/STTR Program Contribution |
Anticipated Period of Additional Performance |
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$75,000 |
$150,000 |
12-24 Months |
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Maximum Funding Amount from non-SBIR/STTR NASA Source to be Matched in Phase II-X |
Corresponding SBIR/STTR Program Contribution |
Anticipated Period of Additional Performance |
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$250,000 |
$500,000 |
12-24 Months |
All Phase II award recipients will have the Phase II-E and Phase II-X options written into their contract. Please refer to the NASA SBIR/STTR website (http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/content/post-phase-ii-initiatives) for additional information.
Phase III
NASA may award Phase III contracts for products or services with non-SBIR funds. The competition for SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards satisfies any competition requirement of the Armed Services Procurement Act, the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, and the Competition in Contracting Act. Therefore, an agency that wishes to fund a Phase III project is not required to conduct another competition in order to satisfy those statutory provisions. Phase III work may be for products, production, services, R/R&D, or any combination thereof that is derived from, extends, or concludes efforts performed under prior SBIR funding agreements. A Federal agency may enter into a Phase III agreement at any time with a Phase I or Phase II awardee.
There is no limit on the number, duration, type, or dollar value of Phase III awards made to a business concern. There is no limit on the time that may elapse between a Phase I or Phase II and a Phase III award. The small business size limits for Phase I and Phase II awards do not apply to Phase III awards.
1.5 Eligibility Requirements
1.5.1 Small Business Concern
Only firms qualifying as SBCs, as defined in section 2.23, are eligible to participate in these programs. Socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned SBCs are particularly encouraged to propose.
1.5.2 Place of Performance
R/R&D must be performed in the United States (section 2.28). However, based on a rare and unique circumstance (for example, if a supply or material or other item or project requirement is not available in the United States), NASA may allow a particular portion of the research or R&D work to be performed or obtained in a country outside of the United States. Proposals must clearly indicate if any work will be performed outside the United States, including subcontractor performance.. Prior to award, approval by the Contracting Officer for such specific condition(s) must be in writing.
Note: Offerors are responsible for ensuring that all employees who will work on this contract are eligible under export control and International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) regulations. Any employee who is not a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident may be restricted from working on this contract if the technology is restricted under export control and ITAR regulations unless the prior approval of the Department of State or the Department of Commerce is obtained via a technical assistance agreement or an export license. Violations of these regulations can result in criminal or civil penalties. For further information on ITAR visit (http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html). For additional assistance, refer to (http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/content/training-resources) or contact the NASA SBIR helpdesk at sbir@reisystems.com.
1.5.3 Principal Investigator (PI) Employment Requirement
The primary employment of the Principal Investigator (PI) shall be with the SBC. Primary employment means that more than 50% of the PI’s total employed time (including all concurrent employers, consulting, and self-employed time) is spent with the SBC at time of award and during the entire period of performance. Primary employment with a small business concern precludes full-time employment at another organization. If the PI does not currently meet these primary employment requirements, then the offeror must explain how these requirements will be met if the proposal is selected for contract negotiations that may lead to an award. Co-Principle Investigators are not allowed.
Note: NASA considers a fulltime workweek to be nominally 40 hours and we consider 19.9-hour or more workweek elsewhere to be in conflict with this rule. In rare occasions, minor deviations from this requirement may be necessary; however, any minor deviation must be approved in writing by the contracting officer after consultation with the NASA SBIR Program Manager/Business Manager.
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Requirements |
SBIR |
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Primary Employment |
PI must be employed with the SBC |
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Employment Certification |
The offeror must certify in the proposal that the primary employment of the PI will be with the SBC at the time of award and during the conduct of the project |
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Co-PIs |
Not Allowed |
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Misrepresentation of Qualifications |
Shall result in rejection of the proposal or termination of the contract |
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Substitution of PIs |
Shall receive advanced written approval from NASA |
1.5.4 Restrictions on Funding Activity with the People’s Republic of China
No funds can be used to participate, collaborate or coordinate bilaterally in any way with China or any Chinese-owned firm at either the prime contract level or any tier of subcontracting. This restriction on the use of funds appropriated to NASA is found in Section 1340(a) of The Departement of Defense and Full-Year Appropriations Act, Public Law 112-10, Section 539 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriation Act of 2012, PL 112-55, and Section 535 of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, PL113-6. NASA anticipates this restriction will be contained in future appropriation acts.
1.5.5 Restrictions on Venture Capital-owned Businesses
As set forth in the SBIR Reauthorization Act of 2011, small businesses owned in majority part by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms may be eligible for SBIR awards. SBA's regulations of 13 CFR part 121 sets forth the eligibility criteria for SBIR applicants that are owned in majority part by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms. Please note that SBIR agencies must submit a written determination (to the SBA, the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, the House Committee on Small Business, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology) at least 30 calendar days before it begins making awards to SBCs that are owned in majority part by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms. At the current time, NASA is considering this change. Currently, such firms are not eligible to submit proposals to the NASA SBIR, STTR, and SBIR Select solicitations.
1.5.6 Required Benchmark Transition Rate
The Phase I to Phase II Transition benchmark requirement applies to SBIR and STTR Phase I applicants that have received more than 20 Phase I awards over the past 5 fiscal years, excluding the most recently-completed fiscal year. For these companies, this benchmark rate establishes a minimum number of Phase II awards the SBC must have received for a given number of Phase I awards received during the 5-year time period. The required benchmark Transition Rate is 0.25.
SBA calculates company Phase I - Phase II Transition Rates once a year, on June 1st, using SBIR and STTR award information across all agencies in its TechNet database. A company’s transition rate is the total number of SBIR and STTR Phase II awards it received during the past 5 years divided by the total number of SBIR and STTR Phase I awards it received during the past 5 years excluding the most recently-completed year. The 5-year period over which Phase I awards are counted excludes the most recently completed fiscal year because not all Phase II awards can occur within the same year as the Phase I award.
Companies with more than 20 Phase I awards during the past 5 years can view their Transition Rate if they log onto their Company Registry account at (www.SBIR.gov). Companies that do not meet the benchmark rate on June 1st are notified by SBA that they are ineligible for an SBIR or STTR Phase I award until the following June 1st.
1.6 NASA SBIR Technology Available “TAV”
All subtopics have the option of using Technology Available (TAV) with NASA IP (defined below), which may also include NASA non-patented software technology requiring a Software Usage Agreement (SUA) or similar permission for use by others. All subtopics address the objective of increasing the commercial application of innovations derived from Federal R&D. While NASA scientists and engineers conduct breakthrough research that leads to innovations, the range of NASA's effort does not extend to commercial product development in any of its intramural research areas. Additional work is often necessary to exploit these NASA technologies for either infusion or commercial viability and likely requires innovation on behalf of the private sector. NASA provides these technologies "as is" and makes no representation or guarantee that additional effort will result in infusion or commercial viability.
The NASA technologies identified in a subtopic or via the IP search tool (http://technology.nasa.gov): (1) are protected by NASA-owned patents (NASA Patents), (2) are non-patented NASA-owned or controlled software (NASA software), or (3) are otherwise available for use by the public. In the event offeror requests to use NASA owned or controlled technologies, which are not NASA patents or NASA software, NASA shall consider such request and permit such uses as NASA, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate and permissible. If a proposer elects to use a NASA patent, a non-exclusive, royalty-free research license will be required to use the NASA IP during the SBIR performance period.
Similarly, if a proposer wishes to use NASA software, the parties will be required to enter into a Software Usage Agreement on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis in order to use such NASA software for government purposes and “Government-Furnished Computer Software and Related Technical Data” will apply to the contract. As used herein, “NASA IP” refers collectively to NASA patents and NASA software disclaimer: All subtopics include an opportunity to license or otherwise use NASA IP on a non-exclusive, royalty-free basis, for research use under the contract. Use of the NASA IP is strictly voluntary. Whether or not a firm uses NASA IP within their proposed effort will not in any way be a factor in the selection for award. NASA software release is governed by NPR 2210.1C.
Use of NASA Software
Software identified and requested under a SBIR contract shall be treated as Government Purpose Rights. Government purpose releases includes releases to other NASA Centers, Federal government agencies, and recipients who have a government contract. The software may be used for "government purposes" only. The recipients of such software releases are typically U.S. citizens. Non U.S. citizens will not be allowed access to NASA software under the SBIR contract.
A Software Usage Agreement (SUA) shall be requested after contract award from the appropriate NASA Center Software Release Authority (SRA). The SUA request shall include the NASA software title, version number, requesting firm contract info including recipient name, and SBIR contract award info. The SUA will expire when the contract ends.
Use of NASA Patent
All offerors submitting proposals citing a NASA patent must submit a non-exclusive, royalty-free license application if the use of a NASA patent is desired. The NASA license application is available on the NASA SBIR/STTR website: http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/research_license_app.doc. NASA only will grant research licenses to those SBIR offerors who submitted a license application and whose proposal resulted in an SBIR award under this solicitation. Such grant of non-exclusive research license will be set forth in the successful offeror’s SBIR contract. License applications will be treated in accordance with Federal patent licensing regulations as provided in 37 CFR Part 404.
SBIR offerors are notified that no exclusive or non-exclusive commercialization license to make, use or sell products or services incorporating the NASA patent will be granted unless an SBIR offeror applies for and receives such a license in accordance with the Federal patent licensing regulations at 37 CFR Part 404. Awardees with contracts that identify a specific NASA patent will be given the opportunity to negotiate a non-exclusive commercialization license or, if available, an exclusive commercialization license to the NASA patent.
An SBIR awardee that has been granted a non-exclusive, royalty-free research license to use a NASA patent under the SBIR award may, if available and on a non-interference basis, also have access to NASA personnel knowledgeable about the NASA patent. The NASA Intellectual Property Manager (IPM) located at the appropriate NASA Center will be available to assist awardees requesting information about a patent that was identified in the SBIR contract and, if available and on a non-interference basis, provide access to the inventor or surrogate for the purpose of knowledge transfer.
Note: Access to the inventor for the purpose of knowledge transfer, will require the requestor to enter into a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), the awardee “may” be required to reimburse NASA for knowledge transfer activities.
1.7 Commercialization Technical Assistance
In accordance with the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632), NASA will authorize the recipient of a Phase I SBIR award to purchase technical assistance services, such as access to a network of scientists and engineers engaged in a wide range of technologies, or access to technical and business literature available through on-line data bases, for the purpose of assisting such concerns in:
- Making better technical decisions concerning such projects.
- Solving technical problems which arise during the conduct of such projects.
- Minimizing technical risks associated with such projects.
- Developing and commercializing new commercial products and processes resulting from such projects.
If you are interested in proposing use of a vendor for technical assistance, you must provide a cost breakdown under "Other Direct Costs (ODCs)" of the Cost Volume and provide a one page description of the vendor you will use and the technical assistance you will receive. The proposed amount may not exceed $5,000 and the description should be included as the LAST page of the Technical Volume. This description will not count against the page limit and will NOT be evaluated. Approval of technical assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to review of the contracting officer.
1.8 General Information
1.8.1 Means of Contacting NASA SBIR/STTR Program
(1) NASA SBIR/STTR Website: http://sbir.nasa.gov
(2) Help Desk: The NASA SBIR/STTR Help Desk can answer any questions regarding clarification of proposal instructions and any administrative matters.
Please contact the NASA SBIR/STTR Helpdesk at sbir@reisystems.com.
The requestor must provide the name and telephone number of the person to contact, the organization name and address, and the specific questions or requests.
(3) NASA SBIR/STTR Program Manager: Specific information requests that could not be answered by the Help Desk should be mailed or e-mailed to:
Dr. Gary C. Jahns, Program Manager
NASA SBIR/STTR Program Management Office
MS 202A-3, Ames Research Center
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000
Gary.C.Jahns@nasa.gov
1.8.2 Questions About This Solicitation
Proposers seeking clarity regarding SBIR Select subtopic descriptions may submit questions to NASA for a period of 10 business-days after the Solicitation opens. Questions must be submitted on-line via the NASA SBIR/STTR website (http://sbir.nasa.gov) using the “Question and Answer Form” located below each subtopic description in the SBIR Select Solicitation.
Questions should be limited to specific information related to improving the understanding of a particular subtopic’s requirements. Proposers may not ask questions for advice or guidance on solution approach, nor submit additional materials (such as marketing materials or product samples). NASA personnel will answer appropriate questions and both the question and answer will be posted for public viewing.
The identity of the proposer will remain anonymous to the public and the proposer will be notified via e-mail if their question was accepted and or rejected for answering. Any proposer whose question is accepted will be notified via e-mail when a response has been posted. Only questions regarding the 2014 SBIR Select Solicitation’s subtopics may be submitted.
