Introduction
If you’re applying to the NASA SBIR program, you already know that securing funding for your R&D project is only part of the challenge. Turning that innovation into a viable product or service is the next hurdle—and that’s where Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) comes in. TABA is a unique opportunity for small businesses to receive supplemental support specifically aimed at commercialization. For NASA applicants, understanding how to qualify for and use these funds can be the key to maximizing your award’s long-term impact.
Understanding TABA in the NASA SBIR Context
TABA stands for Technical and Business Assistance—a form of supplemental funding available to small businesses awarded NASA SBIR or STTR contracts. Unlike your primary award, which funds research and development, TABA funds are reserved for commercialization support services.
This could include anything from market research and customer discovery to developing a business model or securing intellectual property protection. The goal is to help you translate technical progress into a successful product or service.
NASA’s approach to TABA is vendor-agnostic: you’re free to choose your own commercialization support provider, provided they meet NASA’s criteria and you justify your choice in the proposal.
TABA is not part of your base SBIR award.
It’s a separate pot of funds that must be explicitly requested in your proposal and approved by NASA.
Eligibility Criteria for NASA TABA Funding
To access TABA funds through NASA, your business must meet specific eligibility requirements. These criteria are designed to ensure the funds are used appropriately to enhance commercialization efforts, not to cover general overhead or internal operations.
Key Requirements:
- You must be a NASA SBIR or STTR Phase I or II applicant.
TABA is not available for Phase III or post-award activities. - The request must be included in your original proposal.
NASA evaluates TABA requests separately from technical merit. Approval is not guaranteed, and funds may be denied or reduced. - You must hire a third-party vendor to provide commercialization support.
This vendor must be independent, U.S.-based, and not affiliated with your company. NASA does not provide a list of pre-approved vendors—you are responsible for sourcing and justifying your choice. - Eligible activities include:
- Market research and analysis
- Business plan development
- IP protection strategy
- Commercialization roadmap
- Ineligible uses include:
- Salaries or benefits for company staff
- General business operations
- Tasks not directly tied to commercialization
Application Process for TABA Funding
Securing TABA funding from NASA begins with your SBIR proposal. If you’re considering this support, the most important thing to remember is this: you must request TABA in your original submission. NASA does not allow retroactive applications.
Submit TABA requests early and carefully.
Last-minute additions or incomplete vendor justifications are a common reason for rejection.
Hypothetical Scenarios Illustrating TABA Utilization
To help clarify how TABA funding can be applied, here are two realistic, hypothetical examples of small businesses using TABA effectively within the NASA SBIR framework.
- Space Sensor Startup
- Advanced Materials Firm
Phase I: Using TABA for Market Analysis
A small business developing hyperspectral sensors for satellite imaging requests $6,500 in TABA funding during their Phase I proposal. They partner with a market research consultancy specializing in aerospace. The vendor delivers a detailed market landscape, identifies customer segments, and provides competitive intelligence—positioning the company to build a stronger Phase II case.
Phase II: Funding IP and Commercial Strategy
A materials science firm with a NASA SBIR Phase II award is working on radiation-resistant composites. They request $45,000 in TABA funding to develop a commercialization roadmap and refine their IP strategy with a legal firm. The vendor helps them file for two patents and build a partnership pitch deck targeting aerospace manufacturers.
Hypothetical Scenarios Illustrating TABA Utilization
To help clarify how TABA funding can be applied, here are two realistic, hypothetical examples of small businesses using TABA effectively within the NASA SBIR framework.
- Space Sensor Startup
- Advanced Materials Firm
Phase I: Using TABA for Market Analysis
A small business developing hyperspectral sensors for satellite imaging requests $6,500 in TABA funding during their Phase I proposal. They partner with a market research consultancy specializing in aerospace. The vendor delivers a detailed market landscape, identifies customer segments, and provides competitive intelligence—positioning the company to build a stronger Phase II case.
Phase II: Funding IP and Commercial Strategy
A materials science firm with a NASA SBIR Phase II award is working on radiation-resistant composites. They request $45,000 in TABA funding to develop a commercialization roadmap and refine their IP strategy with a legal firm. The vendor helps them file for two patents and build a partnership pitch deck targeting aerospace manufacturers.
Conclusion
TABA funding can be a strategic advantage for small businesses participating in the NASA SBIR program. By providing dedicated support for commercialization—ranging from market validation to intellectual property planning—TABA helps bridge the gap between R&D and real-world impact.
Unlike your core award, TABA must be proactively requested, carefully justified, and directed to qualified third-party providers. But for businesses that plan ahead and understand the process, the payoff can be significant.
If you’re developing a NASA-aligned innovation, don’t overlook this opportunity. TABA could be the difference between a promising prototype and a successful product.