Who May Apply: (specifically) Entity must qualify as a small business concern at the time of award.

Small business concerns must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate:

• The company is at least 51% American-owned and independently operated;
• The small business concern is located in the U.S.:
• It is for-profit and employs no more than 500 employees; and,
• The principal researcher's primary employment is with the small business during the project.

Joint ventures are permitted, provided that the business entity created qualifies as a small business in accordance with the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 631.