Program Structure
The NCI SBIR & STTR Programs are structured in three phases.
Phase I. The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical
merit and feasibility of the proposed research and development efforts and to determine
the quality of performance of the small business awardee organization prior to providing
further federal support in Phase II. Phase I support is normally $100,000 provided
over a period of six months for SBIR and one year for STTR. With proper justification,
applicants may propose longer periods of time and greater amounts of funds necessary
for completion of the project.
Phase II. The objective of Phase II is to continue the research
and development efforts initiated in Phase I. Only Phase I awardees are eligible
for a Phase II award. SBIR and STTR Phase II awards normally may not exceed a total
of $750,000. With proper justification, applicants may propose longer periods of
time and greater amounts of funds necessary to establish the technical merit and
feasibility of the proposed project.
Phase II Bridge. The NCI SBIR Program has created the Bridge Award
pilot initiative for previously funded NIH SBIR Phase II awardees to continue the
next stage of research and development for projects in the areas of cancer therapies
and imaging technologies. The objective of the Phase II Bridge Award is to help
address the funding gap a company may encounter between the end of the Phase II
award and the commercialization stage. Budgets up to $1 million in total costs per
year and project periods up to three years (a total of $3 million over three years)
may be requested from the NCI. To incentivize partnerships between awardees and
third-party investors and/or strategic partners, competitive preference and funding
priority will be given to applicants that demonstrate the ability to secure substantial
independent third-party investor funds (i.e., third-party funds that equal or exceed
the requested NCI funds). This funding opportunity is open to current and recently
expired NIH SBIR Phase II projects.
Phase III. The objective of Phase III, where appropriate, is for
the small business concern to pursue with non-SBIR/STTR funds the commercialization
objectives resulting from the Phase I/II research and development activities.