Introduction
Navigating the SBIR funding landscape successfully requires more than innovation—it demands strategic timing. Each participating federal agency operates on its own unique schedule for Phase I and Phase II solicitations, with defined cycles and specific deadlines occurring at predictable intervals throughout the year. For entrepreneurs and small business leaders pursuing SBIR funding, understanding these periodic solicitation cycles is critical. Missing an agency’s solicitation window can delay funding opportunities by months or even an entire year.
This article provides a detailed overview of the timing and frequency of SBIR solicitation cycles for each federal agency. By clearly mapping out these timelines, entrepreneurs can proactively plan their proposal development and submission processes, ensuring they never miss critical deadlines. With foresight and careful scheduling, applicants can greatly enhance their readiness and increase their chances of successful funding.
Agencies with Multiple Solicitation Cycles per Year
Several SBIR-participating federal agencies offer multiple solicitation cycles each year. Understanding these frequent, predictable cycles is essential for strategically planning your proposal submissions. The following agencies fall into this category, each with clearly defined schedules:
Department of Defense (DoD)
The DoD maintains three distinct solicitation cycles each fiscal year, labeled as 25.1, 25.2, and 25.3. These cycles follow a structured sequence:
- Cycle 25.1: Pre-release: Dec 4, 2024; Opens: Jan 8, 2025; Closes: Feb 5, 2025
- Cycle 25.2: Pre-release: Apr 2, 2025; Opens: Apr 23, 2025; Closes: May 21, 2025
- Cycle 25.3: Pre-release: Aug 6, 2025; Opens: Aug 27, 2025; Closes: Sep 24, 2025
Phase II proposals are invitation-only, with deadlines set by awarding components following Phase I.
Department of Energy (DOE)
The DOE organizes its SBIR solicitation into two primary annual releases:
- Release 1: LOI Due: Aug 27, 2024; Full Application Deadline: Oct 8, 2024
- Release 2: LOI Due: Jan 14, 2025; Full Application Deadline: Feb 26, 2025
Phase II solicitations also follow a dual-release schedule, typically opening in October and February, with deadlines in early December and May respectively.
National Institutes of Health (NIH/HHS)
NIH follows a consistent annual schedule with three standard application deadlines:
- September 5, 2024
- January 5, 2025 (actual due date Jan 8, due to weekend)
- April 5, 2025
These dates apply to Phase I, Phase II, and Direct-to-Phase-II proposals.
National Science Foundation (NSF)
NSF employs a rolling submission process featuring five fixed deadlines each year. Applicants must first obtain approval of a Project Pitch before submitting their full proposal. Upcoming deadlines include:
- September 18, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- March 5, 2025
- July 2, 2025
- November 5, 2025
Phase II submissions typically open 6-24 months after Phase I starts, commonly aligning with the March 5 deadline.
Agencies with Annual Solicitation Cycles
While some agencies offer multiple solicitations annually, several key SBIR-participating agencies operate on a single annual solicitation cycle. Planning ahead becomes even more crucial for these agencies, as missing the annual window can significantly delay funding opportunities.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
NASA conducts one SBIR solicitation annually:
- Phase I Solicitation (2025 cycle): Opens: Jan 7, 2025; Closes: Mar 10, 2025
- Phase II Solicitation: Opens: Dec 19, 2025 (estimated); Closes: Feb 14, 2026 (estimated)
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
USDA’s NIFA maintains one annual SBIR solicitation:
- Phase I (FY2025): Opens: July 2, 2024; Closes: Sept 17, 2024
- Phase II Solicitation: Opens typically in Dec, due by Feb following year
Department of Commerce – NOAA
NOAA offers one annual SBIR solicitation:
- Phase I (FY2025): Opens: Nov 15, 2024; Closes: Jan 30, 2025
- Phase II Solicitation: Invitation-only, following Phase I completion
Department of Commerce – NIST
NIST runs a single annual SBIR solicitation:
- Phase I (FY2025): Opens: Oct 24, 2024; Closes: Dec 27, 2024
- Phase II Solicitation: Opens summer of following year for Phase I awardees only
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA conducts one annual SBIR solicitation:
- Phase I (FY2025): Opens: June 26, 2024; Closes: Aug 21, 2024
- Phase II Solicitation: Generally opens around May of the following year
Department of Education (ED/IES SBIR)
The Department of Education’s IES offers one SBIR solicitation annually:
- Phase I (FY2025): RFP Released: Nov 8, 2024; Due: Jan 8, 2025
- Phase II Solicitation: Opens approximately 90 days after Phase I project completion (Phase I awardees only)
Agencies with One or Two Cycles per Year
Certain SBIR-participating federal agencies may operate on a flexible schedule, offering either one or occasionally two solicitation cycles per year. These agencies require careful attention, as their solicitation frequency can vary annually, impacting your funding strategy significantly.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The DHS typically conducts one major solicitation annually, with an occasional second cycle depending on funding and agency priorities:
- FY2025 Cycle 25.1: Pre-release: Nov 13, 2024; Opens: Dec 17, 2024; Closes: Jan 21, 2025
Phase II solicitations are invitation-based and follow completion of Phase I.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
The DOT generally offers one solicitation cycle per year, occasionally extending to two cycles. For FY2025, the typical solicitation schedule is:
- Phase I Solicitation: Opens: Feb 5, 2025; Closes: Mar 7, 2025
DOT Phase II solicitations are invitation-only and typically become available approximately six months following the Phase I award.
Resources and Proposal Guides
To effectively plan your SBIR proposal submissions, regularly consult official agency-specific resources and documentation. Each federal agency provides comprehensive guidelines, solicitation announcements, and detailed application instructions. The following resources are essential for staying updated and well-prepared:
- Grants.gov – Centralized access to funding opportunities from DOE, USDA, NOAA, NIST, and more.
- SAM.gov – Official portal for DHS, ED, and additional agency solicitations.
- SBIR.gov – Unified resource with comprehensive agency solicitations, resources, and tools.
- Agency-Specific SBIR Portals: