I have an idea that doesn’t match any topics in the U.S. DOT SBIR solicitation. What should I do?

All proposals must respond to a specific topic in an open solicitation in order to be considered for an award through U.S.DOT’s SBIR program. 

You can suggest a topic for consideration. All ideas submitted will be shared with the U.S. DOT agencies participating in SBIR on a quarterly basis. If any ideas are used for future solicitation topics, they will be shared publicly and will be open to all eligible U.S. small businesses.

In addition, there are other ways to do business with U.S. DOT and the federal government. Visit the U.S. DOT Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization web page and SAM.gov to search for contract opportunities that match your idea and/or your capabilities. SAM.gov is the primary location to learn about U.S. DOT contract opportunities. Information about additional federal government funding opportunities can be found on the U.S. DOT SBIR site’s Additional Resources page.

Contact a small business specialist to learn about other opportunities within agencies.