Program Differences

Differences between SBIR and STTR

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SBIR STTR
Phase I
Level of Effort
Minimum of 2/3 of the effort must be performed by small business Minimum of 40% of the effort must be performed by small business
Maximum of 1/3 of the effort may be performed by consultants and/or subcontractors Minimum of 30% of the effort must be performed by a non-profit research institution.
Phase II
Level of Effort
Minimum of 50% of the effort must be performed by small business (Same as Phase I)
Maximum of 50% of the effort may be performed by consultants and/or subcontractors (Same as Phase I)
Subcontractors May have subcontractors involved Must have non-profit research institute involved as subcontractor
Project Duration Phase I–Approximately 6 months Phase I–Approximately 1 year
Phase II–2 years Phase II–2 years
Maximum Award Amount Phase I–$225,000 Phase I–$225,000
Phase II–$1,500,000 Phase II–$1,500,000
Number of Agencies Participating 10 5
Principal Investigator Must be employed with small business May be employed with either small business or non-profit research institution. (This requirement varies among agencies.)