FY 2025 NIST Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II | 2025 NIST SBIR 02

FY 2025 NIST SBIR Phase II (Follow-on to FY 2024 Phase I) - FAQs

1) What is the FY 2025 NIST SBIR Phase II opportunity?

This is a follow-on funding competition from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for small businesses that previously received a NIST SBIR Phase I award in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. The Phase II effort is meant to continue and expand the Phase I work into a more advanced development project.

2) What is the main purpose of this Phase II NOFO?

The central purpose is to help FY 2024 Phase I performers move beyond proof-of-concept and into a development effort that can realistically transition into use. NIST describes the end goal as developing a viable product or service and/or creating a standard that can be introduced into the commercial marketplace, with practical adoption, commercialization, and measurable impact.

3) Is this an open SBIR solicitation for new applicants?

No. Eligibility is tightly restricted. Only businesses that received a FY 2024 NIST SBIR Phase I award may apply.

4) Who is eligible to apply?

Only FY 2024 NIST SBIR Phase I award recipients may apply to this Phase II Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

5) Does the Phase II proposal have to relate to the Phase I project?

Yes. Proposals are expected to be directly tied to the Phase I project line of work and to build on validated Phase I results.

6) What type of organization must the applicant be?

The applicant must meet the definition of a Small Business Concern for Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) purposes, as described in Section 1.05 of the NOFO.

7) When must the business meet the small business eligibility definition?

The small business eligibility status must be true at the time of award, not just at the time of application.

8) What are the principal investigator (PI) employment requirements?

The PI must have primary employment with the small business at the time of award and throughout the entire period of performance.

9) How does NIST define "primary employment" for the PI?

NIST defines primary employment as the PI spending more than half of their working time with the small business.

10) Can the PI be employed full-time by another organization while serving as PI?

No. NIST explicitly notes that the primary employment requirement rules out full-time employment with another organization while serving as PI on the project.

11) What kind of funding is this (discretionary or mandatory)?

This opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding.

12) What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.

13) What does it mean that the award instrument is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically indicates a more collaborative relationship between the recipient and the federal agency than a standard grant, often with some level of federal involvement or coordination during the project.

14) What is the relevant activity category for this program?

The program sits under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

15) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 11.620.

16) Which federal agency is issuing this funding opportunity?

The issuing agency is the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

17) What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is 2025 NIST SBIR 02.

18) What is the posted creation date for the opportunity listing?

The recorded creation date is April 16, 2025.

19) What is the application deadline?

The original closing date provided is June 14, 2025.

20) Are award amounts (ceiling) or the expected number of awards provided in the summary?

No. The summary data provided does not include an award ceiling or the expected number of awards.

21) What kinds of outcomes is NIST looking for in Phase II?

NIST is looking for Phase II efforts that build on validated Phase I results and push toward deliverables with commercial or standards-based outcomes, such as a viable product or service and/or a standard suitable for introduction into the commercial marketplace.

22) What is the most important eligibility takeaway for potential applicants?

This is not open to new SBIR applicants; it is limited to FY 2024 NIST SBIR Phase I award recipients. The Phase II proposal must continue that Phase I work, the business must remain SBIR-eligible at award time, and the PI must be primarily employed by the small business for the duration of the project.