Frequently Asked Questions
- What is US DOT SBIR?
- How does US DOT SBIR Supports the Mission of DOT?
- What is its Purpose?
- How is the Program Funded?
- How does the DOT Reach the Small Business Community?
- When will the US DOT SBIR Solicitation be released? How can I obtain a copy?
- I have an idea that doesn't match any topics in the US DOT SBIR Solicitation. What should I do?
- How can I learn more about the Federal US DOT SBIR Program?
Q: What is US DOT SBIR?
A: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) is a congressionally mandated program signed into law by the President on July 22, 1982 and reauthorized on October 28, 1992, which seeks to encourage the initiative of the private sector and to use small businesses as effectively as possible in meeting federal research and development objectives.
In the Department of Transportation, these initiatives are directed to high priority transportation research and development requirements in the Operating Administrations.
Q: How does US DOT SBIR Supports the Mission of DOT?
A: US DOT SBIR is well integrated into DOT's R&D Program.
DOT's SBIR Program has met its statutory requirements, and in some years has exceeded them, attesting to its acceptance in DOT's R&D Program.
DOT Operating Administrations participate in funding innovations for moving people and goods on the ground and in the air.
Q: What is its Purpose?
A: The US DOT SBIR Program's purpose is to stimulate technological innovations in Departmental programs utilizing, to the degree possible, the valuable resources and creative capabilities of the small business community in the United States.
Q: How is the Program Funded?
A: Each Operating Administration is assessed 2.5% of its extramural R&D budget annually.
Q: How does the DOT Reach the Small Business Community?
A: The DOT Reaches the Small Business Community through:
- Internet - US DOT SBIR Web Page
- Participation at National, Regional, and Local High Tech Conferences
- Intergovernment Exchange
Q: When will the US DOT SBIR Solicitation be released? How can I obtain a copy?
A: The US DOT SBIR solicitation is released mid April and mid October each year. The solicitations will not be available in paper form, but will be available for viewing on the US DOT SBIR web site (http://www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir/) and as a downloadable file in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.
Q: I have an idea that doesn't match any topics in the US DOT SBIR solicitation. What should I do?
A: You can visit the DOT Small Business Web Page (http://osdbuweb.dot.gov) and Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) and search for contract opportunities which match your idea and/or your capabilities. FedBizOpps is the primary location to hear about DOT contract opportunities.
Q: How can I learn more about the Federal US DOT SBIR Program?
A: Attend a National SBIR Conference. To obtain information visit the following web site: