NASA’s SBIR/STTR Program has officially released the first three Phase I appendices for their Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).
If you are looking to collaborate with small businesses or leverage external innovation to advance your technology goals, this is a prime opportunity to engage. While the structure of these solicitations looks a bit different this year, NASA is actively seeking innovative research and technology solutions.
Here is what you and your potential industry partners need to know about this latest funding cycle:
A New Framework
If you have tracked NASA SBIR/STTR submissions in the past, you will notice a change in the numbering format. NASA has shifted to a new framework.
This change is actually great news for technology development: by moving to a BAA, the program now has the flexibility to open additional appendices throughout the year. This gives us more opportunities to seek out proposals and continuously evolve our technology needs, rather than relying on a single annual drop.
Currently Open Appendices
Submissions are now open for the following Phase I opportunities:
- Appendix 2026A Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Funding Opportunity
- Appendix 2026B Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I Funding Opportunity
- Appendix 2026B Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I Funding Opportunity
We highly recommend reviewing all three documents carefully. Each appendix contains completely separate topics and subtopics. Heliophysics is mentioned in different sections in all three opportunities.
Important Deadlines & Submission Info
If you are working with a small business or academic partner preparing to submit, please ensure they are aware of the following:
- Submission Deadline: All proposals are due no later than Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- ProSAMS Portal: NASA is now using the Proposal Submissions and Award Management System (ProSAMS). Partners planning to submit should complete their ProSAMS registration immediately to avoid delays. A [Digital Guide] is available to walk users through the process.
Questions on Technical Content
The only way to get responses to questions related to the technical content of the subtopics is to submit your questions through the forms linked below by May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. We are opening this period of time to submit any technical questions you may have to be answered and posted to the website. Asking questions early is instrumental in helping us provide you with the appropriate answer quickly, which gives you more time for your proposal. You also will need to select the relevant subtopic to help us deliver your question to the appropriate subject matter expert.
- 2026A SBIR Technical Questions Form
- 2026B SBIR Technical Questions Form
- 2026B STTR Technical Questions Form
Before submitting, check the Q&A page to see if your question has already been answered.
Please note that while we will do our best to answer as many questions as possible, we will not be posting general questions about the submissions. Those questions should still be submitted to the NASA SBIR/STTR Help Desk (agency-sbir@mail.nasa.gov).
To register and begin the proposal submission process click the button below.