Key Dates

Related Announcements

• July, 17, 2025 - Supporting Fairness and Originality in NIH Research Applications. See Notice NOT-OD-25-132.
• July 23, 2018 – NIH/AHRQ Application Submission/Resubmission Policy. See Notice NOT-OD-18-197.

Issued by

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

Purpose

The purpose of this notice is to inform HHS Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applicants of a new policy limiting the number of applications that HHS, including all components, will consider per Small Business Concern per fiscal year.

Background

The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (the Act), signed into law by President Trump on April 13, 2026, reauthorized the SBIR, STTR and related pilot programs through September 30, 2031. The Act includes a requirement for federal agencies to set a maximum limit on the number of SBIR and STTR applications or proposals a Small Business Concern, including its affiliates, can submit across HHS per fiscal year.

Applicability

This policy applies to all competing applications and proposals submitted to HHS SBIR and STTR programs for due dates on or after April 13, 2026.

Policy

HHS will accept a maximum of nine new, renewal, resubmission, or revision applications (including grants, cooperative agreements, and contract proposals) from a Small Business Concern, including its affiliates, in a fiscal year. This policy applies to all SBIR and STTR activity codes. 

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

SEED (Small business Education and Entrepreneurial Development)
Office of Extramural Research
[email protected]