Does the federal government offer any funding for research and development (R&D)?

Yes, the federal government does provide funding for research and development (R&D). Small businesses have two unique R&D funding opportunities, both of which are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Technology Program Office.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization.  Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

Central to the STTR program is the partnership between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. The STTR program requires the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. STTR’s most important role is to bridge the gap between performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations.

Grants.gov is a website that can assist businesses in locating R&D grant opportunities. To search grants by category, choose the Science and Technology and other Research and Development option.

SAM.gov R&D opportunities may be published to the federal government’s Contract Opportunities portal. The portal can be used to search, monitor and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community. Search by using PSC code “A – Research and Development”. R&D opportunities may also be published to the Federal Assistance portal at SAM.gov. The portal can be used to search, monitor and retrieve opportunities.