Stimulating Innovation and the U.S. Economy through the U.S. DOT’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program The National Transportation Systems Center Advancing transportation innovation for the public good June 16, 2015 A Presentation for the Spring National SBIR Conference U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary of Transportation John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center

How SBIR Supports the Mission of DOT The mission of the DOT is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people SBIR addresses high priority research gaps within DOT’s R&D Program SBIR topics are developed to align with Secretary’s strategic priorities, specific modal priorities, and SBA

Administering the DOT’s SBIR Program  Secretary of Transportation chose the Volpe Center to direct the Department's SBIR Program in November 1982  SBIR Program Office, located at the Volpe Center, directs all activities required under the SBIR law and executes the policy established by the Small Business Administration  Coordinates with eight DOT Operating Administrations  Integrates SBIR in DOT’s R&D Program through DOT’s RD&T Council  Administers contracts

Snapshot of Phase I Participation in DOT’s SBIR Program by Agency

Examples of Past Topics Management System Display to Track Emergency Response Vehicles and Mutual Aid during a crash (FAA) Active Personal Safety System for Train Yard and Road Crewworkers (FRA) Driver Fatigue and Distraction Monitoring and Warning System (FMCSA) Driver Engagement/Status Monitoring Technologies for Vehicle Automation Applications (FHWA) Innovative Transit Technology Devices, Applications, or Solutions Focused on Safety, Mobility, or Energy and Sustainability (FTA) Community College – Technical School Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Curricula (FHWA) Wireless Compatible Digital Train Line (WiDTL) for Passenger Type Vehicles in a Train Consist (FRA) Improving the Ventilation of Motorcycle Helmets (NHTSA) Using alternative energy to reduce greenhouse gas production in the transportation sector (OST-R) New non-destructive evaluation methods to quantify remaining strength of line pipe steel and or pipeline fittings (PHMSA)

Upcoming Solicitation Schedule ActionTentative Start Date Tentative End Date Solicitation Open and Close Dates 10/14/201512/16/2015 Evaluation Period Initiation and Completion 12/28/20152/12/2016 Announce Award Recommendations NLT 3/16/2016 Award ContractsNLT May 2016 Visit to sign-upwww.volpe.dot.gov/sbir to receive alerts on new solicitations

DOT Solicitation Process  Solicitations are posted at and  Requests for clarifications/questions on research topics can be submitted to the Program Office staff  Submission of proposals via secured website is a requirement  Selection notifications issued to all applicants within 90 days of solicitation close date  Program Office does not accept unsolicited proposals

DOT SBIR Recent Updates  New Commercialization Assistance Program will be available to U.S. DOT SBIR awardees beginning in the 15.1 Solicitation o Focus on increasing commercialization potential for the Phase I award and preparing for entry into the marketplace for Phase II  Pre-proposal conference calls for Phase II  Improved cost appendices  Funding for CORs to travel to project sites

Opportunities Outside of DOT SBIR Program  DOT/Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization –  Fed Biz Ops –  University Transportation Center Program –  Transportation Research Board –  Challenge.gov  Check DOT agency websites for BAAs, RFIs and other research opportunities

U.S. DOT SBIR Contact Information Rachael Sack, Program Director Jeanne Rossetsky, Program Contracting Officer DOT SBIR Hotline: