USDA SBIR TABA: Eligibility & Funding Guide

Introduction

If you’re applying to the USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, you might be overlooking one of the most flexible sources of extra funding: Technical and Business Assistance (TABA). TABA offers additional support—above and beyond your research budget—to help you develop a strategy for commercialization. Whether you’re seeking market research, IP guidance, or business planning, USDA’s approach to TABA gives you options in both Phase I and Phase II. But to access it, you need to understand the eligibility criteria and process details up front.

What Is TABA and How It Works at USDA

TABA—short for Technical and Business Assistance—is designed to help small businesses develop commercialization strategies and navigate market realities. In the USDA SBIR program, TABA funds are offered in both Phase I and Phase II, but with distinct structures and requirements. What sets USDA apart is its hybrid approach: in Phase I, you can either use USDA’s designated vendor or propose your own. In Phase II, you’re expected to bring your own provider.

These funds are not part of your core research award. Instead, they’re offered on top of the standard SBIR funding cap, giving you a dedicated budget line to hire third-party consultants or firms that specialize in business development.

TABA doesn’t reduce your research budget
USDA TABA support is awarded as an add-on—your core R&D funds remain fully intact.

Phase I: Two Paths for Using TABA

In Phase I of the USDA SBIR program, applicants have two ways to access TABA services: through USDA’s official vendor or by selecting a provider of their own.

Prepare your documentation early
If you choose your own vendor, your proposal must include both a justification and a provider commitment letter. Missing either may disqualify your TABA request.

Phase II: Self-Selected Vendor Only

In Phase II, the USDA SBIR program shifts to a fully self-managed model for TABA. Unlike in Phase I, there is no pre-approved vendor. If you want TABA support, you must identify and justify your own third-party provider in your original proposal.

You can request up to $50,000 in additional funding for TABA during Phase II. But there are conditions:

• The request must be included in your initial application.
• You need to provide a detailed TABA plan outlining the assistance needed and how it supports commercialization.
• The budget must include a TABA line item (up to $50,000) and be supported by letters of commitment from your provider(s).

If approved, this funding is added to your Phase II award amount—for example, your $600K project could become $650K with TABA.

Don’t miss the window
You cannot add TABA after submitting your Phase II application. Late requests, even post-award, will not be considered.

Provider Restrictions and Conflict-of-Interest Rules

Not just anyone can serve as your TABA provider under the USDA SBIR program. To prevent conflicts of interest, USDA applies strict rules about who qualifies as an external service provider.

Choosing an ineligible provider can jeopardize your award. It’s best to document your provider’s independence clearly in your proposal and verify their eligibility well before submission.