Winning a Phase I award from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a major milestone—but it’s also just the beginning. While you’re busy executing your research plan, there’s another task that deserves just as much attention: preparing your Phase II proposal. And central to that preparation is making smart use of your Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funds.
TABA is one of the most underutilized tools in the SBIR toolkit. It provides supplemental funding specifically to help small businesses tackle commercialization and business planning challenges—things like market validation, intellectual property strategy, or understanding DHS acquisition channels. But here’s the catch: in the DHS program, you must select and budget for your TABA vendor before you submit your Phase II proposal.
This article is about how to do just that. If you’re still in Phase I, now is the time to act. With up to $50,000 in Phase II TABA funding on the table, lining up the right vendor early can significantly strengthen your proposal—and increase your chances of getting funded.
Why Planning for Phase II Should Start Early
Most DHS SBIR awardees don’t realize just how quickly the Phase II deadline approaches. While DHS typically provides at least 30 days’ notice before the Phase II proposal is due, the reality is that writing a high-quality proposal takes far more time than that—especially when commercialization, partnerships, and technical depth are required.
Your Phase II application isn’t just a repeat of Phase I with a bigger budget. It must show a clear roadmap from prototype to real-world implementation, backed by detailed technical plans, transition strategies, and end-user validation. For DHS, this often includes alignment with component missions (like TSA, CBP, or FEMA), which adds complexity.
That’s why it’s essential to begin scoping your Phase II plan while you’re still executing Phase I. Gathering Phase I data, lining up letters of support, identifying key risks, and—critically—choosing a TABA vendor all take time. Starting early gives you the runway to pull those pieces together into a compelling narrative.
What TABA Covers in the DHS Program
TABA, or Technical and Business Assistance, is supplemental funding set aside specifically to help you address the non-R&D aspects of your DHS SBIR project—things like business development, market positioning, and intellectual property planning. In other words, it helps you commercialize.
In DHS Phase I, you’re eligible for up to $6,500 in TABA funding. In Phase II, that amount increases to $50,000. These funds are in addition to your research budget—they do not count against your SBIR award ceiling.
You can use TABA funds to pay external vendors for services such as:
- Market research tailored to DHS components
- Commercialization strategy and transition planning
- Intellectual property protection and freedom-to-operate analysis
- Regulatory roadmap development (e.g., for FDA, FCC, etc.)
- Financial modeling and fundraising strategy
You cannot use TABA for internal salaries, general overhead, or additional R&D work. Vendors must be unaffiliated third parties, and DHS may ask for supporting documentation in your proposal, such as letters of commitment and clear scopes of work.
Did you know?
TABA funds are completely separate from your research budget. Using them wisely can strengthen your Phase II commercialization plan without cutting into your R&D work.
Why It’s Critical to Select a TABA Vendor Before You Apply for Phase II
DHS requires that your TABA request be included in your Phase II proposal—not as an afterthought, but as a fully integrated part of your commercialization plan and budget. This means you must identify your vendor, define the scope of work, and justify the cost before you submit.
Many Phase I awardees lose out on TABA because they wait too long. By the time DHS issues the Phase II invitation—often just 30 days before the due date—there’s little time left to vet vendors, collect documentation, and align the vendor’s work with your proposal narrative.
Early selection lets you:
- Build a stronger commercialization section informed by expert input
- Get feedback from your vendor on market fit, risks, and transition strategy
- Avoid last-minute compliance errors (like using an ineligible vendor)
- Submit a more compelling, investment-ready proposal
Plan Ahead
You must include vendor details and a TABA justification in your DHS Phase II proposal. Start vendor outreach during Phase I to avoid scrambling at the deadline.
Choosing the Right Vendor for DHS TABA
DHS gives you the option to choose your own TABA vendor—but that doesn’t mean any consultant will do. Your vendor must meet certain qualifications, and DHS may require supporting materials in your Phase II proposal, such as a letter of commitment, detailed scope of work, and a reasonable cost justification.
So, what makes a good TABA vendor for DHS?
Look for a provider who offers:
- Experience supporting SBIR Phase II commercialization plans, preferably with DHS or other federal agencies
- Specific knowledge of homeland security markets, acquisition processes, or regulatory requirements
- Clear deliverables such as customer discovery reports, IP assessments, or go-to-market strategies
- No conflicts of interest (e.g., no ownership ties to your business or past employment overlap)
It’s worth reaching out to several providers early and requesting sample scopes or quotes. DHS will scrutinize your TABA plan for both technical merit and fiscal responsibility.
Use TABA Strategically to Strengthen Your Proposal
TABA isn’t just a box to check—it’s a chance to differentiate your Phase II proposal with deeper commercialization insight and a clearer path to real-world use. When used strategically, your TABA vendor can contribute directly to the strength and credibility of your application.
- Market Validation
- IP Strategy
- Transition Planning
Engage DHS stakeholders or end-users to validate your concept’s relevance. Your vendor can conduct interviews, compile feedback, or even facilitate meetings that strengthen your proposal’s credibility.
Use TABA to fund patent searches, FTO analysis, or IP landscaping. A strong IP plan can help protect your innovation and appeal to DHS procurement officers or future investors.
Support development of go-to-market roadmaps or productization plans. If your vendor has DHS contracting experience, they can help map out how your solution could enter real use in homeland security missions.
Strategic use of TABA shows DHS reviewers that you’re not just developing technology—you’re planning how to deliver it to the field.
DHS Tips: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even experienced SBIR participants can trip up when it comes to TABA. The rules are specific, and DHS reviewers expect applicants to follow them closely. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes—and how to avoid them:
Final Takeaways: Treat TABA as Part of Your Phase II Strategy, Not a Side Task
TABA funding is more than just an optional add-on in the DHS SBIR program—it’s a strategic lever to elevate your Phase II proposal. With up to $50,000 available, it represents a meaningful investment in your commercialization success.
But to unlock its full value, you need to act early. DHS requires TABA details in your proposal, so waiting until you receive the Phase II invitation is often too late. Use your Phase I period to evaluate vendors, define your needs, and align your business strategy with DHS missions.
By selecting the right vendor now, you give yourself a powerful advantage: a Phase II proposal that’s more credible, better scoped, and more likely to lead to real-world deployment.
TABA is your opportunity to think beyond the lab—and plan for the field.