U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette has issued the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) second funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for Fiscal Year 2020.
The Phase I Release 2 FOA, with about $40 million in available funding, will provide funding for innovations that address multiple research and development programs throughout DOE:
Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response
Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
Office of Electricity
Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Office of Environmental Management
Office of Fossil Energy
Office of Fusion Energy Sciences
Office of High Energy Physics
Office of Nuclear Energy
“It is an honor to invite small businesses across America to partner in research with the Department of Energy across a significant portion of our program offices,” said Secretary Brouillette. “Small businesses have unique advantages that have the potential to solve a myriad of science and energy challenges, and we are grateful for their expertise.”
Phase I grants are 6 to 12 months in duration with maximum award amounts up to $250,000. Small businesses that complete their research in Phase I will compete for funding in FY2020 to carry out prototype or processes research and development during Phase II. Phase II grants are up to two years in duration with maximum award amounts of up to $1.6 million.
Congress created the SBIR and STTR programs to leverage small businesses to advance innovation at federal agencies.
Amjet Turbine Systems is one example of a company working in the hydropower field that has received a small business grant from DOE.
