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Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) / Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The SBIR program at USDOT encourages small businesses to develop high-tech, innovative transportation solutions that could be commercialized. The FMCSA participates in this program, administering projects focused on commercial motor vehicle safety.
This is a three-phase program where Phase I establishes technical merit, feasibility, and commercial potential, and Phase II continues the work with the goal of commercialization in Phase III.
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Or search similar grants →According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Small businesses. The project selection process is highly competitive, and once selected, projects progress by merit through a three-phased program. Each phase must be successful to progress to the next. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is funded by U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) / Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
Past winners and funding trends for this program
U.S. DOT's FY26 SBIR Phase I solicitation opens June 3 and closes July 7 with awards in September. Ten topics across FHWA, FRA, FTA, NHTSA, and PHMSA at $200K–$300K each. Why the topic distribution telegraphs DOT's three-year R&D priorities and how niche specialists can win against generalist competitors.
Read articleThe FY2026 Bus Safety, Accessibility, and Innovation Research Program closes September 28. Universities, agencies, and startups are all eligible to lead — but every team must include a transit vehicle manufacturer in a prominent role, and FTA already cancelled a nearly identical NOFO in 2024 without making a single award.
Read articleFRA combined FY2025 and FY2026 into a single $2.04 billion CRISI NOFO — the last round backed by IIJA advance appropriations. With a $532.5M rural set-aside, 130 anticipated awards, and a June 25 deadline, the strategic terrain has shifted toward shovel-ready short lines and grade-crossing technology.
Read article