1. Stimulating Innovation and the U.S. Economy through the U.S. DOT’s
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit
October 3-5, 2017
The National Transportation Systems Center
U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Advancing transportation innovation for the public good

2. How SBIR Supports the Mission of DOT
The mission of the DOT is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people
SBIR addresses high priority research gaps within DOT’s R&D Programs

3. Administering the DOT’s SBIR Program
Secretary of Transportation chose the Volpe Center to direct the Department's SBIR Program in November 1982
SBIR Program Office, located at the Volpe Center, directs all activities required under the SBIR law and executes the policy established by the Small Business Administration
Coordinates with eight DOT Operating Administrations

4. Snapshot of Phase I Participation in DOT’s SBIR Program by Agency
DOT Operating Administration
2014
2015
2016
2017
Federal Aviation Administration* X
Federal Highway Administration/ITS-Joint Program Office
Federal Railroad Administration
Federal Transit Administration
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of the Secretary
Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration
*Excused by Legislation: FAA contributed to the U.S. DOT’s SBIR Program from 1985 to 2005
USDOT is made up of 11 Operating Administration that focus on specific aspects of transportation. The 8 shown here participate in the SBIR program. Though FAA is actually exempt, they participate on a voluntary basis some years.

5. DOT’s SBIR Program Details
Budget - Annual SBIR budget ~$9M
Topics SBIR Topics per year 
Award Funding Limits Vary by Topic-
Phase I- Up to $150K
Phase II- $350K to $1M
Phase IIB- $350K to $1M
Number of Awards per year Funding
Phase I- based on Solicitation Topics
Phase II % of Phase Is
Phase IIB- ~25% of Phase IIs

6. DOT’s SBIR Program Details
Solicitations
1 solicitation per year
Next Solicitation expected November 2017
Sign up for our list on our website for notification of Open and Close dates
Administers Contracts not Grants
Majority VC firms not eligible 
We issue 1 solicitation per year
Next Solicitation expected Fall 2017
Sign up for our list on our website for notification of Open and Close dates
DOT Administers Contracts not Grants
Majority VC firms not eligible to participate in DOT’s program.

7. DOT’s SBIR Topics

8. Upcoming FY2018 Solicitation Schedule
Visit to sign-up
to receive alerts on new solicitations
Action
Tentative
Start Date
End Date
Solicitation Open and Close Dates
November
January
Evaluation Period Initiation and Completion
February
March
Announce Award Recommendations
NLT 90 days from Solicitation Close
Award Contracts
NLT 180 days from Solicitation Close
Here is the tentative schedule for DOT’s 18.1 Solicitation. This may get pushed back a few weeks though.

9. DOT Solicitation Process
Solicitations are posted at and
Requests for clarifications/questions on research topics can be submitted to the Program Office staff
Submission of proposals via secured website is a requirement
Commercialization Assistance Program available to U.S. DOT SBIR awardees
Program Office does not accept unsolicited proposals

10. Opportunities Outside of DOT SBIR Program
DOT/Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization –
Fed Biz Ops –
University Transportation Center Program –
Transportation Research Board –
Challenge.gov
Check DOT agency websites for BAAs, RFIs and other research opportunities

11. U.S. DOT SBIR Contact Information
Sophie Jantz
SBIR Program
Innovative Research Program Office
DOT SBIR Hotline