Introduction
If you’re a small business applying for a NOAA SBIR award, you might think the only funding you’re getting is for research and development. But there’s a lesser-known resource embedded in the program that can make a major difference in your path to commercialization—TABA, or Technical and Business Assistance.
NOAA doesn’t just support your science. It also offers support to help you think strategically about how to bring that science to market. Whether you’re in Phase I or Phase II, understanding how NOAA handles TABA—and how to make the most of it—can help you move from concept to customer more effectively.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what TABA actually is, how NOAA implements it, and what your next steps should be to get the full value from your SBIR award.
What Is TABA and Why It Matters
TABA stands for Technical and Business Assistance. It’s a dedicated set of services or funds built into the SBIR program to help small businesses improve their commercialization outcomes. In plain terms: it’s help for turning your research into revenue.
TABA is used to support activities like market research, customer discovery, business mentoring, and commercialization planning—tasks that aren’t usually covered by your R&D budget but are critical if you want your innovation to reach users or buyers outside the lab.
For NOAA SBIR applicants, this matters because science alone doesn’t win contracts, attract partners, or generate sales. By using TABA, you’re not just proving that your technology works; you’re showing that it has a place in the real world—and that your company can get it there.
Best of all, TABA is not deducted from your core award. It’s additional support, available to you if you use it correctly.
TABA in NOAA SBIR: Phase I
If you receive a Phase I award from NOAA, you’re automatically eligible for TABA—but unlike some other agencies, you don’t have to lift a finger to get it.
NOAA handles TABA in Phase I through a pre-selected commercialization support vendor. Currently, that vendor is FedTech, a firm that specializes in helping research-based startups navigate the market. Their role is to work directly with each awardee, offering services like stakeholder engagement strategies, competitive landscape analysis, and commercialization roadmapping.
This is an in-kind benefit, meaning you don’t need to budget for it or request additional funding. The service is provided automatically, and NOAA’s solicitation makes clear that winners will be contacted by the TABA provider once awards are made. Typically, the support lasts for the duration of your Phase I project—about six months, plus time for final reporting.
This model allows NOAA-funded small businesses to get tailored commercialization help without navigating a complex procurement process or vetting vendors.
TABA in NOAA SBIR: Phase II
In Phase II, NOAA takes a different approach to TABA. This time, the responsibility falls on you—the small business—to request the assistance and select your provider. But that added control also means added flexibility.
Phase II awardees can request up to $50,000 in TABA funding to work with a commercialization expert of their choice. This funding is in addition to your standard R&D award—it does not reduce your research budget.
To access it, you must include the TABA request in your original Phase II proposal. That means:
- Including a brief description of the assistance you’re requesting
- Justifying its value to your commercialization plan
- Providing a letter of commitment from your chosen provider
Once approved, the TABA funds are added to your contract, and you work directly with your vendor to complete the agreed-upon scope of work.
This model gives you more freedom to tailor your commercialization strategy to the specific needs of your technology and market—but only if you plan ahead.
Plan Early
You must request TABA in your original Phase II proposal. You cannot add it later.
Choosing the Right TABA Provider for Phase II
When it comes to NOAA SBIR Phase II, the success of your TABA support hinges on choosing the right vendor. While NOAA doesn’t require you to use a specific provider, the agency expects your chosen partner to deliver targeted, high-quality commercialization support.
Taking the time to vet your vendor not only strengthens your proposal—it sets your business up for more informed, market-ready decision-making.
Common Missteps (and How to Avoid Them)
Even experienced applicants can trip up when navigating TABA. Here are some of the most common errors NOAA SBIR participants make—and how you can avoid them:
1. Ignoring TABA Entirely
Some awardees skip TABA because they don’t realize it’s available—or they assume it’s only for business-heavy companies. That’s a missed opportunity. Even deep-tech firms need market strategy.
Tip: Treat commercialization support as essential, not optional. It’s part of building a viable business around your technology.
2. Budgeting for TABA in Phase I
This is a unique quirk of NOAA: Phase I TABA is handled in-kind. If you try to budget for it or propose your own vendor, it could complicate your submission.
Tip: Read the solicitation carefully. If NOAA says the service will be provided, don’t include it in your cost proposal.
3. Using an Unqualified Provider in Phase II
NOAA allows you to pick your own TABA vendor in Phase II—but they expect real value. Submitting vague, poorly defined support plans with underqualified consultants can result in your TABA request being rejected.
Tip: Make sure your provider offers clear deliverables and has relevant expertise. Include a detailed scope and letter of commitment.
4. Submitting Without TABA and Expecting to Add It Later
Once your Phase II proposal is submitted, you can’t retroactively ask for TABA funding.
Tip: Plan your TABA strategy early. Treat it as a core part of your commercialization plan, not an afterthought.
Avoiding these pitfalls can make the difference between fully leveraging your NOAA SBIR award—or leaving valuable resources on the table.
Summary: Why TABA Is Worth It
TABA isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a built-in commercialization advantage for NOAA SBIR awardees.
In Phase I, it’s automatic. You’ll be connected to a vetted vendor at no cost and given tailored support that aligns with NOAA’s mission. No proposal prep, no added paperwork—just value you can apply right away.
In Phase II, it’s flexible. You choose the provider, define the scope, and get up to $50,000 in additional funds to turn your R&D into a viable business model. But that value only materializes if you plan for it and use it well.
Commercialization is where research meets the real world. NOAA’s TABA program helps you bridge that gap—if you take it seriously.
So don’t wait until you’re writing your final report to think about your market. Build TABA into your strategy from the start. It’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a NOAA SBIR applicant.