FY19 Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II | USDA NIFA SBIR 006692

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA SBIR 006692

The FY19 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase II grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number: USDA NIFA SBIR 006692) is a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA). It is designed to fund next-stage research and development by small businesses that have already proven feasibility under a prior USDA SBIR Phase I award. In practical terms, Phase II is intended to help prior Phase I awardees move from early proof-of-concept work into more advanced R and D that supports development, validation, and progress toward commercialization of an innovation aligned with USDA priorities.

Eligibility is narrowly defined and is the central gatekeeping feature of this opportunity. Only businesses that previously received a USDA-NIFA SBIR Phase I award, completed it successfully, and have not previously applied for Phase II support are allowed to apply under this FY 2019 request for applications. A Phase I project is permitted to submit for Phase II only one time. That rule is strict: if a Phase I awardee already applied for Phase II once and was not selected, they are not allowed to resubmit the same or a revised Phase II proposal in the future under this or any later Phase II solicitation. This makes the Phase II application a one-shot opportunity tied to that specific Phase I project, so applicants are expected to submit a well-developed plan that is ready for rigorous evaluation.

The program encourages proposals across the USDA SBIR topic areas, with particular encouragement for projects focused on agriculturally related manufacturing as well as alternative and renewable energy technologies. The solicitation highlights USDA SBIR's intentionally flexible research scope, aimed at supporting innovation that matches USDA's broader mission of promoting a healthy and productive nation while maintaining harmony with land, air, and water resources. Although the specific topic list is not reproduced in the text provided, the emphasis is clearly on technology-driven solutions that have agricultural relevance and a pathway toward real-world use and commercialization.

Historically, the USDA SBIR program has a long track record, having funded more than 2,000 R and D projects since 1983. The stated purpose is not only to advance technical development but also to help small businesses assess and expand their technological potential and build incentives to commercialize innovative ideas. For Phase II specifically, the opportunity notes an applicant success rate in the 50 to 60 percent range, suggesting a comparatively competitive but attainable program for eligible prior Phase I performers, especially those able to demonstrate strong Phase I outcomes and a credible Phase II work plan.

Key administrative details from the listing include that it is a grant (Funding Instrument Type: Grant) within the discretionary opportunity category, tied to activity areas of Agriculture and Business and Commerce, with CFDA number 10.212. The opportunity was created on 2018-12-21 and had an original closing date of 2019-03-14. The listing does not provide an award ceiling, expected number of awards, or other budget metrics in the provided fields, so applicants would need to refer to the full request for applications for funding limits, project period, cost share requirements if any, and formatting and submission rules.

• The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture, business and commerce sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY19 Small Business Innovation Research Program Phase II" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.212.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2018-12-21.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2019-03-14. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for USDA NIFA SBIR 006692

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