DOE Opens Solicitation to Advance Small Business Innovations

October 5, 2004

DOE issued its fiscal year 2005 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Combined Program Solicitation on September 28, 2004.

The objectives of these programs include increasing private sector commercialization of technology developed through DOE-supported R&D, stimulating technological innovation in the private sector, and improving the return on investment from federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the U.S.

This combined solicitation seeks proposals for technical and scientific projects, including manufacturing processes, equipment, or systems that have strong commercial potential.

The solicitations this year emphasize funding opportunities for manufacturing-related projects in accordance with President Bush's Executive Order 13329, "Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing.". Projects are selected based on strength and innovation of the idea and approach, technical merit, qualifications of the small business/research institution, and future market potential. Relevant industrial technical topics covered in this solicitation include: Energy Efficient Membranes; Nanotechnology Applications in Industrial Chemistry; Alternative Reaction Media for Industrial Chemical Processes; Advanced Materials; Reactions and Separations for Chemical Manufacturing; Innovative Mineral Processing; Sensors and Controls; and Innovative Waste Heat Recovery Technology. SBIR awards support small businesses in developing and commercializing their technologies, while STTR awards focus on matching small business entrepreneurs with appropriate research laboratories to move technologies and products from the laboratory to the marketplace. Review the solicitation.