Applicant Resources

Phase I Applicants

Preparing a DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I Grant Application
This page contains a wealth of resources, with links to our step-by-step application guide, tutorials and sample completed forms for some components to assist you in preparing your DOE SBIR/STTR application.

DOE Phase 0 Small Business Application Assistance
The U. S. DOE offers its Phase 0 services to a limited number of first-time DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I participants.  This support, provided by Dawnbreaker is designed to assist eligible small businesses navigate the complexities of the SBIR/STTR proposal process.  During each Phase I Release (normally July/October), DOE sponsors a full menu of services to a limited number of pre-approved small businesses that meet the following eligibility criteria:  1) the small business offers technology innovations relevant to the current and open DOE SBIR/STTR research topics and subtopics; 2) is or will be, prior to award, an eligible small business per 13 CFR 121.702; 3) has not previously applied for a DOE SBIR or STTR award; and, 4) has not received any Phase 0 technical assistance from DOE. Check your eligibility »


Phase II Applicants (first Phase II award)

Phase II applicants can leverage their experience with their Phase I (or prior Phase II) application during Phase II. The essential requirements for the two applications are very similar with some important differences.


Phase IIA & IIB Applicants (second Phase II award)

DOE Phase II awardees are eligible to apply for a second Phase II award.  There are two distinct types of follow-on Phase II awards

  • Phase IIA - Awards made to projects which require both additional funding and time to successfully complete the originally planned initial Phase II prototype
  • Phase IIB - Awards made to initial Phase II projects that were successfully completed but require additional research and development to transition to commercialization

Additional information about second Phase II awards is contained in the attached presentation.


Phase IIC (third Phase II award)

A third SBIR Phase II award is available to small businesses that have received a DOE SBIR Phase II award and a DOE SBIR Phase IIA or IIB award. This award, which emphasizes commercialization, requires matching funds from a third party investor. Additional information is contained in the attached presentation.


Other DOE Funding Resources

This page contains a broad range of funding opportunities applicable to technology development in DOE mission areas with the intent to commercialize. You do not need to be a DOE SBIR/STTR applicant or awardee to benefit from many of these resources.