Sen. Brown Announces NASA Contracts for 14 Ohio Companies

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that 14 Ohio companies were awarded NASA contracts for research and technology projects. The contracts are funded through NASA's Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer program (STTR).

"This funding will provide a national platform for Ohio's small business and research firms to refine their innovative tools and products," Brown said. "Ohio has a strong tradition of innovation and these funds will bolster that reputation while advancing companies right here in Ohio."

The programs address specific technology gaps in NASA missions while striving to complement other agency research investments. Program results have benefited numerous NASA efforts, including air traffic control systems, Earth observing spacecraft, the space shuttle and International Space Station, and robotic explorers.

The SBIR and STTR programs are divided into three-phases and provide eligible small businesses with a platform to make proposals that meet specific research and development needs of the federal government. Phase I is a feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an idea. Contracts are typically for six months for the SBIR and 12 months for the STTR and are worth as much as $100,000.

Firms that successfully complete Phase I are eligible to submit a Phase II proposal expanding on the results of the developments in Phase I. Phase II awards may be for as long as two years and worth as much as $750,000. Phase III is for the commercialization of the results of Phase II and requires the use of private sector or non-SBIR federal funding.

NASA received 1,876 Phase I proposals. The winners were selected based on technical merit and feasibility, experience, qualifications and facilities, effectiveness of the work plan, and commercial potential and feasibility. The individual award amounts will be negotiated with each company over the next several months.

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