Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I
Forecast
Administration for Community Living plans to offer grants of up to $100,000 (at least $95,000) to small businesses. It expects to make about 11 awards worth $1.1 million in total. It is a forecast: the notice is expected around October 16, 2026, with applications due around December 16, 2026.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed September 25, 2026. Checked October 31, 2026.
- Award ceiling$100,000
- Award floor$95,000
- Expected awards11
- Total funding$1.1 million
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Key dates
| Forecast posted | September 25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Expected posting | October 16, 2026 |
| Expected deadline | December 16, 2026 |
| Expected award date | June 1, 2027 |
Add the deadline to your calendar
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to small businesses.
- Small businesses
Each organization submitting an application must qualify at the time of the award as a small business concern as defined by the Small Business Administration. Foreign entities are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement.
Is this a realistic fit?
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The purpose of the Federal SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal research or research and development (R/R&D) needs, and improve the return on investment from Federally-funded research for economic and social benefits to the nation. The specific purpose of ACL's SBIR program is to improve the lives of people with disabilities through R/R&D products generated by small businesses, and to increase the commercial application of ACL-supported research results and development products. Phase I SBIR grants are intended to conduct research to determine the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of concepts, topics, or ideas. NIDILRR will make 11 grants under this opportunity. Grants will have a 6-month project period with a corresponding six-month budget period.
How to apply
- Read the full notice and attachments on Grants.gov and the agency's announcement. The notice is the official source for deadlines and requirements.
- Make sure your organization has an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID; registration can take several weeks.
- Register on Grants.gov and submit through Workspace before the deadline and time given in the notice. Our application guide walks through each step.
Questions go to Brian Bard, brian.bard@acl.hhs.gov, (202) 795-7298.
Questions people ask
Who can apply for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I?
Administration for Community Living accepts applications from small businesses. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, Phase I?
Expected deadline December 16, 2026. Confirm the date and time in the official notice on Grants.gov.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $100,000 each. About $1.1 million in total across about 11 awards.