View source for USDOT Small Business Innovation Research Program

{{News
|Image=USDOTSBIR.jpg
|Published=2022-02-08
|Organization=USDOT
|Where=Washington DC
|Summary=The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program Fiscal Year 2022 Phase I solicitation on Monday. The SBIR Program awards contracts to small businesses across the country to spur research and commercialization of innovative transportation technologies. This year, research topics focus on artificial intelligence, intelligent road systems, material safety, equity, climate change, and more.
|Link=https://opencommons.org/images/4/4c/USDOT_FY22_Phase_I_Solicitation.pdf
|Display=Yes
|Tag=RFP
|Release=USDOT FY22 Phase I Solicitation.pdf
}}
The SBIR Program incentivizes domestic small businesses to pursue Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) work that has the potential for commercialization. The program awards contracts in two key phases, with the possibility of a third phase leading up to commercialization. 

This year’s solicitation activities will include DOT’s third annual Pitch Day, which will allow small businesses selected as finalists to virtually “pitch” their proposal idea to DOT staff. 
 
“Pitch Day is an excellent opportunity for small businesses to bring their unique ideas and processes directly to DOT, and for DOT to ask questions about new methods and expected outcomes. I look forward to welcoming this year’s participants,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Dr. Robert C. Hampshire.  

This year’s SBIR program will also follow the DOT’s [https://www.transportation.gov/priorities/innovation/us-dot-innovation-principles innovation principles] that were announced in January. The Department has outlined six key, purpose-driven principles established to guide DOT in fostering innovation that serves the Biden Administration’s policy priorities. These funds will encourage public private partnerships that share risk, foster purpose-driven innovation and protect the interests of the public, workers, and communities.

A full list of past years’ awardees is available [https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/past-solicitations-and-awards here].   

A pre-offer webinar for small business concerns (SBCs) interested in applying to the DOT SBIR FY 2022 solicitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 1:00 PM ET. Registration information for the webinar can be found on the DOT SBIR website. 

For more information visit the DOT [https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-with-us/small-business-innovation-research/past-solicitations-and-awards SBIR Program’s website].