Chemical - Biological Defense (CBD-SBIR)

Manager

Army Research Office

Web Sites

• http://www.aro.army.mil/arowash/rt/cbdsbir/index.htm
• http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/

Summary

An SBIR program limited to chemical and biological defense topics.

Program Process

• Army advertises interest in specific research topics.
• Small businesses offer proposals addressing topics.
• Successful proposals awarded Phase I support for 6 months' work.
• Successful Phase I projects compete for 2 years' additional support in Phase II.

Technology Maturity Level

Early developmental, some basic science.

Award Size

Phase I, up to $70K; Phase II, up to $730K. [Some Phase I transitional funds available.]

Program Size

$6.5M in FY01.

Format Requirements for Topic Submission

USAMRMC submits relatively short (one to two pages) narratives describing proposed Phase I topics.

Criteria for Selecting Topics

• Cannot be used simply to fill gaps in normal program
• Must allow contractor reasonable degree of independence
• Must require contractor innovation
• Must fulfill a current military need.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

• Military relevance
• Technical merit, innovation
• Potential for commercial exploitation
• Staff qualifications.

USAMRMC Participation

• Develop candidate topics for Phase I
• Review proposals for Phase I, Phase II
• Monitor projects during execution.

Calendar

USAMRMC Recent History

Approximately two topics, two Phase I awards per year.

Comments

Program has high visibility with Congress, financed by a tax on all 6.1 – 6.3 research funds.

Examples

• Miniaturized Sample Preparation Module
• Hand-held RCC Chemical Agent Water Monitor
• Development of a Miniaturized Biological Detector
• Field-deployable Chemical Point Detection Network
• A Novel Composite Fabric for CBW Deactivation and Protection
• Development of Human Skin Model for Sulfur Mustard Research
• Chemical Destruction of Chemical Warfare Agents and Toxic Materials in a Mobile Solvent-free Reactor Based on Reactive Nanoparticle Technology
• Predicting Performance of Protective Clothing Systems.