The Department of Homeland Security has issued an update to industry partners clarifying the current status of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, following the expiration of congressional authorization for both initiatives.
According to DHS, authorization for the SBIR and STTR programs expired on September 30, 2024. As a result, the department is unable to issue new SBIR Phase I or Phase II solicitations or make new awards unless and until Congress reauthorizes the programs. DHS officials said the clarification comes in response to ongoing questions from small businesses and innovation partners seeking guidance on future opportunities.
While new early-phase awards are paused, DHS emphasized that Phase III activity remains available under existing authorities. Companies that previously received DHS SBIR Phase I or Phase II awards may still pursue Phase III follow-on work, provided the effort is clearly derived from, extends, or completes prior SBIR-funded research. Unlike earlier phases, Phase III work is not funded with SBIR dollars and may proceed using non-SBIR funding sources and other DHS contracting mechanisms.
For requirements where Phase III is not an appropriate fit, DHS noted that the department continues to have access to other acquisition tools to pursue innovative technologies and solutions. Officials underscored that the pause affects only new SBIR and STTR solicitations and does not limit DHS’s broader ability to engage with industry on innovation needs.
DHS said it will continue to provide updates to stakeholders if Congress reauthorizes the SBIR and STTR programs or if additional implementation guidance becomes available.
The SBIR and STTR programs have long served as a key source of non-dilutive early-stage funding for small businesses developing new technologies with commercial and government applications. Since the program’s creation in 1982, SBIR funding has supported the transition of research concepts into deployable technologies across a wide range of sectors. DHS encouraged interested parties to explore the SBIR success story database and past recipients of the Tibbetts Awards, which recognize exceptional SBIR-funded achievements.
(AI was used in part to facilitate this article.)
