Fiscal Year 2012 Program Solicitations are Now Open

The Institute has released three Fiscal Year 2012 solicitations.

• Phase I in Education: Solicitation #ED-IES-12-R-0006 is a request for Phase I proposals for awards up to $150,000 for the research and development of prototypes of education technology products to improve student learning directly or indirectly (e.g., through teacher practices) in authentic education delivery settings (e.g., schools, after-school programs, or distance learning programs), or to facilitate research in the field of education. Note: The Institute is not offering the Fast-Track option through its education track in Fiscal Year 2012. The Institute does anticipate that the Fast-Track option will be offered in Fiscal Year 2013. This solicitation can be found by clicking here. The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is 11 A.M. EST on February 22, 2012.

• Phase I in Special Education: Solicitation #ED-IES-12-R-0007 is a request for Phase I proposals for awards up to $150,000 for the research and development of prototypes of technology products used by infants, toddlers, or students with or at risk for disabilities, or teachers (or other instructional personnel, related services providers, or family members) in early interventions or special education. This Phase I solicitation can be found by clicking here. The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is 11 A.M. EST on February 22, 2012.

• Fast-Track in Special Education: Solicitation #ED-IES-12-R-0005 is a request for Fast-Track (Phase I & II) proposals for awards up to $1,050,000 for the research and development of technology products used by infants, toddlers, or students with or at risk for disabilities, or teachers (or other instructional personnel, related services providers, or family members) in early interventions or special education. Note: In order to apply for Fast-Track funding in Special Education, applicants must submit both (1) a full SBIR Phase I proposal and (2) a Fast-Track proposal. SBIR Fast-Track proposals that are submitted without a full Phase I proposal will not be evaluated. This Fast-Track solicitation in special education can be found by clicking here. The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is 11 A.M. EST on February 22, 2012.

2012 Program Solicitation Information

All SBIR projects funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) must address the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families (see 29 U.S.C. 762). Activities may include: conducting manufacturing related R&D that develops improvements in existing methods or processes, or wholly new processes, machines, or systems; exploring the uses of technology to ensure equal access to education, employment, community environments, and information for individuals with disabilities; and improving the quality and utility of disability and rehabilitation research.

For fiscal year (FY) 2012 funding, the NIDRR SBIR program has a proposed budget of $1,125,000 for Phase I and anticipates funding 15 awards in amounts up to $75,000 for project periods up to 6 months.

The notice inviting applications for new Phase I awards under the NIDRR SBIR Program for FY 2012 was published in the December 13, 2011 Federal Register. Click here to view the full announcement. The due date and time for the receipt of proposals is February 13, 2012 at 4:30 P.M. EST.

A copy of the application kit from Grants.gov can be found here [PDF, 979K].

NIDRR plans to announce awards in the summer of 2012. Projects will begin on October 1, 2012. Projects that successfully complete Phase I requirements will be eligible to apply for Phase II funding (up to $500,000 over a two-year period). The objective of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I as well as the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II. Only Phase I awardees are eligible for a Phase II award.

Please contact Vanessa Tesoriero at vanessa.tesoriero@ed.gov with any questions about NIDRR's FY 2012 program.