The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs fund small businesses conducting research and development. These awards aim to boost private-sector commercialization and drive technological innovation.
STTR awards in particular require a formal partnership between a small business and a U.S. research institution. The research institution must be the subawardee, not the primary recipient.
For agency-specific guidelines, visit the relevant award solicitation and agency website.
Managing Conflicts in SBIR/STTR Awards
Close collaboration between university researchers and businesses can raise conflicts of interest. Early disclosure and management of these relationships help ensure transparency, reduce bias, and support seamless progress from Phase I to Phase II.
Although federal regulations (42 CFR Part 50 Subpart F Section 50.602) exempt SBIR Phase I from certain conflict of interest requirements, Phase 1 and Phase 2 principal investigators (PIs) and all senior/key personnel must disclose outside activities and financial interests before proposal submission, in accordance with the UO’s Financial Conflict of Interest in Research Policy.
Financial conflicts of interest in research, which include Phase 2 SBIR/STTR projects, go before the Conflict of Interest in Research Committee following the management plan process.
Learn More About Management Plans
NIH-specific SBIR/STTR Disclosure Requirements
NIH SBIR/STTR awards require disclosure of all funded and unfunded relationships with foreign countries and foreign entities.