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 $150,000 provided over a period of six months for SBIR and $100,000 over a period of one year for STTR. However, 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. 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. Phase II awards are normally $1 million over two years for SBIR and $750,000 over two years for STTR. However, with proper justification, applicants may propose longer periods of time and greater amounts of funds necessary for completion of the project.

Phase II Bridge. The NCI SBIR Program has created the Phase II Bridge Award for previously funded NIH SBIR Phase II awardees to continue the next stage of research and development for projects in the areas of cancer therapeutics, imaging technologies, interventional devices, diagnostics and prognostics. 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.