11/13/2003
More Tidbits from the National SBIR Conference
by Mildred Holley, Technology Programs Manager
In this article, I continue my report on news items gleaned from attendance at the SBIR National Conference in Cleveland during the last week of October.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development has petitioned to voluntarily join the SBIR program. HUD's research budget is not large enough for the authorizing legislation to mandate its participation, but expect to see HUD in the program during the current federal year. Early projections are for the HUD SBIR funding total to be about $3 million.
The Department of Defense plans to issue three SBIR solicitations in Fiscal Year 2004 rather than the typical two SBIR competitions yearly. The extra solicitation will be released in March 2004.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in recognition of the lengthy and costly process to take promising new drugs, biologics and medical devices through the required clinical trials before commercialization can occur, has issued several special announcements for competing continuation of Phase II SBIR/STTR awards. These NIH Program Announcements are open only to Phase II SBIR/STTR awardees whose work requires clinical evaluation or FDA approval. These competing continuation awards generally offer $750,000 to $1 million per year for up to 3 years of additional work. Approximately 6 institutes have issued Competing Continuation Program Announcements so far.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will release its next SBIR solicitation in March 2004. Subtopics are under development at this time, but Dr. Jim Gallup, SBIR Program Manager, identified some expected areas of emphasis or priority. EPA wants proposals for dairy and animal waste management. Hospitals are a focus for pollution prevention. Inexpensive small treatment systems for drinking water are important. EPA prefers in situ solutions for site cleanup and remediation.
Joe Teresa is the new SBIR program manager for the Department of Education (DoEd). Mr. Teresa did not attend the national conference, having only recently been appointed to handle the DoEd's activities in this arena. We hope to have updates to report on DoEd's SBIR interests soon.
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