Small Business Opportunities

NCRR's Division of Research Infrastructure participates in two federal grant programs that provide funding to small businesses—the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program.

Both programs seek to increase the participation of small businesses in federally supported research and development (R&D) and to increase private sector commercialization of technology developed through federally supported R&D.

Typically, NCRR requests applications for grants, but it may solicit contract proposals as well.

There are significant differences between the two programs. For detailed program information, refer to the NIH Small Business Opportunities Web site.

Funding Areas

NCRR's Division of Research Infrastructure is especially interested in funding the development of discovery-oriented software and the application of educational technology and tools for education on health science topics that targets K-12 and undergraduate students.

Areas of interest to the division include, but are not limited to, the development of new discovery-oriented educational software on topics that range from basic molecular and cellular biology to human diseases, including areas of health disparities such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular, and cancer that disproportionately affect minority populations.

To meet the information needs of these growing target audiences, health education materials must take into account not only cultural sensitivities, but also language preferences. Development of this software may be directed toward the adapting existing or recently developed educational programs for interactive learning.

This effort is intended to yield efficient and user-friendly educational units for K-12 and undergraduate students that can be extended to enhance the health science literacy of the general public. A broad dissemination is strongly encouraged.

Contact Information

For further information about small business opportunities offered through the Division, contact:

Krishan K. Arora, Ph.D.
SBIR/STTR Program Officer
Division of Research Infrastructure
National Center for Research Resources
National Institutes of Health
One Democracy Plaza, Room 938
6701 Democracy Boulevard, MSC 4874
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4874 (20817 for express mail)
Telephone: 301-435-0760
Fax: 301-480-3770
E-mail: AroraK@mail.nih.gov