Administration for Community Living Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase I

For programmatic or technical questions:
Brian Bard
202.795.7298
brian.bard@acl.hhs.gov

For grants management or budget questions:
Howard Nicholas
202.795.7275

This program (Short title: SBIR) provides funding for research and/or development that improves the abilities of individuals with disabilities to perform activities of their choice in the community, with an emphasis on community living and participation, health and function, and employment. The program places particular emphasis on helping women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and applicants from underrepresented or rural areas compete in the SBIR program.

Examples of research topics of interest include:

• Technology or products to address the needs, experiences, and outcomes of people with disabilities that are related to climate change
• Technology or products focused on oral health among people with disabilities
• Enhanced sensory or motor function of individuals with disabilities through the development of technology to support improved functional capacity
• Enhanced workforce participation through the development of technology to increase access to employment, promote sustained employment, and support employment advancement for individuals with disabilities
• Enhanced community living and participation for individuals with disabilities through the development of voting technology that improves access for individuals with disabilities
• Improved healthcare interventions through the development of technology to support independent access to community healthcare services for individuals with disabilities
• Technology that increases access to caregiving for individuals with disabilities, including access to personal care assistants

Applicants must be small businesses. Eligibility requirements include:

• For-profit small business concern
• At least 51% U.S.-owned and independently operated
• Located in the U.S.
• Principal investigator's primary employment will be with the small business during the project
• 500 or fewer employees

Award ceiling: $100,000
Award floor: $95,000
Project period: 6 months
Estimated number of awards: 11
Estimated total program funding: $1,100,000

Links to the application and full announcement are available through grants.gov. The application instructions will be found on the related documents tab.

While not required, potential applicants are encouraged to email a letter of intent to Megan Alvarado by November 22, 2023.