The U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released their FY2014 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Request for Proposals. The closing date for submission is January 29, 2014.
The main topic related to aquaculture for this solicitation is \'Resilient Coastal Communities and Economies,\" with the subtopic being Developing and Improving Commercial Marine Algal Culture in the United States.
There is a large market opportunity for algae culture in the U.S. Expected end users are consumers of industrial and food products containing algae, the marine algal aquaculture industry (and finfish industry in the case of improved aquafeeds incorporating algae), municipalities interested in nutrient bio-extraction, and federal, state, and local institutions involved with ecosystem services or algal aquaculture research and development.
NOAA\'s solicitation is available on the FedBizOpps website here. A detailed description of the Algal Culture subtopic can be found on pages 51 - 52 of the solicitation.
NOAA requires hard copy submission (not electronic submissions) so be sure to allow enough time for delivery of your proposal.
SBIR Phase I Background
The purpose of Phase I of the SBIR program is to encourage firms to conduct research and development that allows the government to determine the scientific or technical merit and feasibility of concepts, ideas, and quality of performance as a prerequisite for further government support. This support may follow in Phase II of the program. Any organization or individuals receiving awards under Phase I are be eligible to compete for a Phase II award.
