Introduction
For small businesses developing education technology, navigating the SBIR landscape can be complex—especially when it comes to commercialization support. Fortunately, the Department of Education (ED) offers a unique model for Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) through its SBIR program administered by the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). Unlike some agencies that require applicants to plan and budget for TABA, ED streamlines the process with optional, agency-paid assistance that can significantly strengthen your commercialization strategy. Whether you’re entering Phase I or building out a scalable model in Phase II, understanding ED’s TABA offering can help you make the most of your SBIR award.
Overview of ED TABA Support
What TABA Looks Like at the Department of Education
The Department of Education’s approach to TABA is purpose-built for educational innovation. TABA support is available in both Phase I and Phase II of its SBIR program, offering $6,500 and $50,000 respectively to help awardees tackle the commercialization side of product development.
How ED Implements TABA Differently
Unlike some other federal agencies, ED handles TABA funding through a centralized vendor system. Rather than having applicants budget for this support, ED contracts with outside vendors—such as the Larta Institute—to deliver services directly to awardees. These vendors assist with non-R&D commercialization tasks like business planning, outreach strategy, and product-market alignment. This setup ensures awardees receive expert guidance without the administrative burden of managing subcontracts or consultants during the proposal phase.
Phase I: Opt-in Assistance
Eligibility and Structure
For Phase I awardees, accessing TABA through ED is straightforward. There’s no need to budget for it in your proposal. Instead, you simply opt in during the application process. If your proposal is selected, the Department provides commercialization assistance—valued up to $6,500—through a pre-approved vendor such as the Larta Institute. This support begins shortly after the contract is awarded and is entirely separate from your core research and development activities.
What Services Typically Include
TABA in Phase I is designed to help companies establish early-stage commercialization plans. Services often include:
- Developing a high-level business strategy
- Conducting market research in the education sector
- Identifying and connecting with potential school district partners
- Advising on early-stage intellectual property protections (non-R&D related)
By the end of Phase I, companies are better positioned to understand their market, refine their value proposition, and prepare for the larger Phase II funding round.
TABA services are not duplicative of your R&D work—they focus exclusively on commercialization strategy.
Phase II: Broader Scope and Flexibility
Up to $50K in Commercialization Help
In Phase II, the Department of Education expands its TABA support considerably—offering up to $50,000 in additional funding for commercialization efforts. This is a significant amount, especially when paired with the typical $1 million contract for Phase II projects. These funds are meant to elevate the business side of your innovation, helping you build a viable path to market.
Agency or Consultant: Your Choice
One of the most flexible aspects of ED’s Phase II TABA model is how you access the support. ED gives companies two options: you can either use a commercialization vendor selected by the agency or propose your own third-party consultant—so long as that vendor meets the program’s criteria (e.g., unaffiliated with your firm and focused solely on business advisory services). This flexibility allows companies to tailor TABA services to their specific business needs, whether that means working with a sector-specialized advisor or sticking with the agency’s turnkey solution.
- Use ED Vendor
- Use Your Own Consultant
- Includes access to a vetted commercialization partner like Larta
- ED handles contracting and payment
- Services often include sales strategy, customer discovery, and school outreach
- Must be pre-approved and unaffiliated
- Gives you flexibility to choose a firm with niche expertise
- You manage the contract and deliverables
Final Considerations for Applicants
How to Access TABA in an ED Solicitation
Unlike other federal agencies where TABA requirements can be buried in small print, the Department of Education clearly outlines the availability of TABA funds in its solicitations. For Phase I, it’s typically a matter of opting in during submission. In Phase II, the process may require more documentation—especially if you’re proposing your own vendor. It’s always wise to read the solicitation carefully and, when in doubt, reach out to the ED SBIR office for clarification on the current year’s procedures.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite the program’s clarity, some applicants still miss out on TABA or use it ineffectively. Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Confusing TABA with core R&D funding: TABA is strictly for commercialization tasks, not technical development.
- Selecting an ineligible vendor: Your TABA provider must be unaffiliated with your company.
- Failing to fully use available funds: Especially in Phase II, leaving TABA dollars on the table is a missed opportunity for business growth.
Double-check the solicitation instructions—ED’s vendor list or TABA process can vary slightly each year.
Conclusion
The Department of Education’s TABA model offers a streamlined, highly supportive path for small businesses developing education-focused innovations. With separate, non-dilutive funding set aside for commercialization planning—$6,500 in Phase I and up to $50,000 in Phase II—ED gives awardees a real advantage in translating their research into usable, market-ready products. The built-in vendor support and flexibility to propose your own advisor in Phase II make it one of the more accessible TABA offerings in the federal SBIR ecosystem. If your company is developing tools for classrooms, districts, or learners, understanding and leveraging ED’s TABA support is a smart step toward successful commercialization.