Who is considered a “Covered Individual”?

The Department’s SBIR Program Office has defined “covered individual" as follows: "Any individual who contributes in a substantive and meaningful way to scientific development or execution of a research and development project proposed to be carried out with a research and development award from a federal research agency." The program considers the Principal Investigator and individuals identified as key personnel in a proposal, to include subcontractors or consultants, to be covered individuals. DOT may further designate covered individuals during award negotiations or the award period of performance.