This probe was developed for photodynamic cancer therapy under a NASA Small Business Innovative Research Program grant.

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Description:

• Phase 1: Offers the opportunity to establish feasibility and technical merit of a proposed innovation. Selected competitively, Phase I contracts last 6 months with a maximum funding of $100,000.
  
  
• Phase 2: Encompasses the major R&D effort in SBIR and emphasizes evidence of commercial development. Contracts are usually awarded for a period of 24 months with a maximum funding of $600,000.
  
  
• Phase 2 Enhancement: On active Phase 2 awards, NASA may entertain negotiations with Phase 2 awardees to create an option for "Phase 2 Enhancement" (Phase 2-E) that will encourage transition of SBIR/STTR projects into NASA programs and projects. Selected contractors may not submit an application package for the Phase 2-E any earlier than the beginning of the 15th month of the Phase 2 contract and no later than the end of the 22nd month of the contract.
  
  The objective of the Phase 2-E Option is an incentive to Phase 3 awards through providing cost share extension of the R&D efforts to the current Phase 2 contract, to meet the product/process/software requirements of a NASA program/project or third party investor to accelerate and/or enhance the infusion/commercial potential of the Phase 2 project, moving it into Phase 3. Under this option, NASA will match with SBIR/STTR funds up to $150,000 of non-SBIR/non-STTR investment from a NASA project, NASA contractor, or third party commercial investor to extend an existing Phase 2 project for up to 4 months to perform additional research. The total cumulative award for the Phase 2 contract plus the Phase 2-E match will not exceed $750,000.00 of SBIR/STTR funding. The non-SBIR or non-STTR contribution is not limited since it is regulated under the guidelines for Phase 3 award. Additional details will be provided as part of the Phase 2 negotiations process and the Phase 2 contract.
  
  
• Phase 3: Infuses Phase II results into regular NASA programs and/or the commercial marketplace. Projects are funded with money from a source other than the SBIR Program to carry on further development. Phase III funding is granted based on the merits of Phase I and/or II without further need for competitive bids.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Description:

• Awards contracts to small business concerns (SBC’s) for cooperative research and development with a nonprofit research institution (RI).
• Phase 1: Offers up to $100,000 in funds for a maximum 1-year effort.
• Phase 2: Limited to $600,000 for a maximum of 2 years.

Who Is Eligible for Participation in the Programs?

The recipient of an SBIR or STTR funding award, in accordance with SBA directives, must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC), which is:

• Legally established and organized for profit with the place of business located in the U.S.;
• Operated primarily in the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy;
• Majority owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens; and,
• 500 employees or less, including any affiliates.

For the SBIR program, the Principal Investigator (PI) must be primarily employed by the SBC (equivalent to at least 50% of the PI's work time), and precluding full time employment with another organization. The STTR program permits employment of the PI by either the SBC or the RI.

A complete list of requirements and guidelines can be found on the program site at http://sbir.nasa.gov (link opens new browser window).

Phases at a glance

	SBIR	STTR	PURPOSE
Phase 1	$100K 6 months TRL 2-3	$100K 12 months TRL 2-3	Determine scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility
Phase 2	$600K 24 months TRL 4 up to 5	$600K 24 months TRL 4 up to 5	Development of promising Phase I projects with emphasis on commercialization
Phase 3	Private sector investments and federal funds No limit on time, duration, type, or dollar value TRL 4 and up	Private sector investments and federal funds No limit on time, duration, type, or dollar value TRL 4 and up	Infusion of product, production, services into NASA programs and missions, other government agencies, or commercial customers

Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a measure used by some United States government agencies, many major world companies, and other agencies to assess the maturity of evolving technologies prior to incorporating that technology into a system or subsystem.

+ Download TRL Chart (link opens new browser window) (PDF)