Introduction
For small businesses pursuing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SBIR awards, understanding how to leverage Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) can provide a meaningful boost to your commercialization strategy. Offered as an optional supplement to Phase I and Phase II awards, TABA funding is designed to support key business activities that go beyond R&D—such as market research, IP strategy, and business model development. DHS follows the federal SBIR directive by offering up to $6,500 in Phase I and $50,000 in Phase II, making it one of the more generous TABA programs. But the process of accessing these funds—and knowing whether your firm qualifies—can be nuanced.
What Is DHS TABA?
TABA stands for Technical and Business Assistance—a federally authorized funding supplement that helps SBIR awardees strengthen their commercialization readiness. Within the DHS SBIR program, TABA is available for both Phase I and Phase II awards, offering up to $6,500 and $50,000 respectively. These funds are provided on top of your R&D budget and are specifically earmarked for activities that enhance your technology’s path to market.
Unlike your main SBIR project funding, TABA must be used for external assistance that supports business development. This can include services like customer discovery, IP protection strategy, financial planning, or regulatory analysis. Importantly, these funds do not require repayment or equity, and they must be used strictly for qualifying commercialization support.
How DHS Implements TABA
DHS implements TABA using a structure similar to other contract-based SBIR agencies like the Department of Defense. When a DHS SBIR solicitation is released, it typically specifies whether TABA is centrally provided or if the small business must propose its own provider.
In Phase I, the process is often simple: businesses can request up to $6,500 for commercialization support, either by opting into a DHS-provided service or by listing the assistance in their proposal. DHS has occasionally partnered with accelerators, labs, or programs like FedTech, though specific partners may change from year to year.
For Phase II, the process is more flexible—but also more involved. Applicants can request up to $50,000 for business assistance and must typically detail how the funds will be used, including naming the provider and describing the work plan. If DHS offers centralized TABA for Phase II, that option will be made clear in the solicitation.
Solicitations vary
DHS may revise how it delivers TABA from year to year. Always read the current solicitation to confirm whether the agency will provide centralized services or expects you to propose a provider.
Who Is Eligible to Receive DHS TABA Funding
To be eligible for TABA funding through DHS, your business must first qualify for a DHS SBIR award in either Phase I or Phase II. That means meeting all the standard criteria for a Small Business Concern (SBC) as defined by the SBA—including U.S. ownership and fewer than 500 employees.
TABA eligibility does not require a separate application. Instead, it’s requested as part of your SBIR proposal. If you choose not to request TABA, you can decline it without penalty. However, if you do opt in, DHS will provide the funds in addition to your main award—and those funds must be used specifically for technical and business assistance activities.
TABA funding is non-dilutive and reserved for commercialization support. It cannot be repurposed for technical R&D or unrelated costs.
Misuse of funds
Using DHS TABA for general project expenses or technical development violates SBIR contract terms and may result in audit findings or repayment obligations.
Choosing a TABA Provider
If DHS allows or requires you to select your own TABA provider—especially in Phase II—you’ll need to choose carefully. The provider you name must deliver services directly related to business development and commercialization. Acceptable providers often include federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), university tech transfer offices, business consultants, or startup accelerators.
Each type of provider offers distinct strengths. For example, a university-affiliated center might help with IP protection and licensing strategy, while an incubator may focus on customer discovery and go-to-market planning. DHS generally does not maintain a pre-approved list, so it’s your responsibility to justify the selection based on the expertise offered and the relevance to your technology’s path to market.
If you would like recommendations on experienced TABA vendors, please reach out to our team.