The Programs Are Frozen, Not Dead
If you've tried applying for an SBIR or STTR grant recently, you may have hit a wall. The legislative authority for both programs expired on October 1, 2025, and Congress hasn't passed a reauthorization yet. This doesn't mean the programs are gone. It means they're in limbo. Federal agencies can still process applications and make awards under solicitations that were already open before the expiration. But they can't release new funding opportunities until Congress acts. NIH has been the most direct about this. Their official notice (NOT-OD-26-006) states plainly: "NIH is not accepting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) applications because the legislative authority for the programs expired." DoD is a different story. They're still running their rolling solicitations, and you can submit proposals for topics released before October 1. If you're eyeing a DoD opportunity, check whether it's an existing solicitation or a new one that's been delayed.
Why Congress Can't Agree
Two competing visions for the programs are clashing in the Senate. The House passed H.R. 5100 unanimously on September 15, 2025. It's a clean one-year extension with no changes to the programs. Simple, straightforward, and ready for the President's signature if the Senate approves it. But Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, has other plans. She's pushing the INNOVATE Act (S. 853), which would reshape the programs significantly. The biggest change: a lifetime cap of $75 million in combined Phase I and Phase II funding per organization. That cap would force some of the most successful SBIR recipients to "graduate" out of the program. Senate Democrats are pushing back, supporting either the simple extension or their own version (the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025), which would make the programs permanent and gradually increase agency set-asides from 3.65% to 7% for SBIR. The January congressional session is the next realistic window for a resolution. The backup plan is a standalone bill, since neither the FY2026 NDAA nor the continuing resolution included an extension.
Current Status by Agency
Not every agency is handling the lapse the same way. Here's the breakdown: NIH: Fully suspended. No applications being accepted. If you're a current awardee, contact your Program Officer. NSF: No current solicitations available. The America's Seed Fund program is on hold. NASA: Planning a major shift to a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) format for 2026, but waiting on reauthorization to release it. The new format will allow multiple submission windows throughout the year instead of one annual solicitation. DoD: Still active for existing solicitations. Their rolling submission model means some topics remain open. Current window closes around the last Wednesday of each month. DOE: Delayed. The 2026 topic release has been pushed back. HHS (non-NIH): Standard application dates are scheduled (February 24, March 14, June 23, etc.), but these depend on reauthorization. USDA, EPA, DOT, DHS, Commerce (NOAA, NIST): No current 2026 solicitations.
What You Should Do Right Now
You're not powerless while Congress debates. Here's how to stay ready: Keep your registrations current. You need an active SAM.gov registration (renewed annually) and a Unique Entity ID. You also need to be registered in the SBA Company Registry, which gives you a Small Business Concern (SBC) Control ID. Let any of these lapse and you'll scramble when opportunities reopen. Monitor DoD if it fits your work. They're the most active agency right now. Check defensesbirsttr.mil for open topics, particularly from the Air Force, Army, DARPA, and SOCOM. Prepare your Phase I pitch now. When programs reopen, agencies will likely fast-track new solicitations. Having a polished proposal ready means you can submit quickly instead of starting from scratch. Watch for NASA's BAA. Their new format will reset proposal limits with each appendix, meaning more chances to apply throughout the year. Subscribe to their information hub for updates. Follow the legislative calendar. The Senate reconvenes in early January. Track H.R. 5100 and S. 853 for movement.
Funding Amounts Haven't Changed
If you're new to SBIR/STTR, here's what the funding looks like: Phase I awards range from $50,000 to $275,000 over 6 to 12 months. This phase is about proving feasibility. Can your technology work? Phase II awards are larger, typically $400,000 to $1.8 million over 24 months. This is the full research and development phase. You need to have completed Phase I to apply for Phase II (with some exceptions for Direct-to-Phase-II programs). Phase III is commercialization. There's no SBIR/STTR funding here. You're on your own to bring the product to market, but the federal agency can be a customer. One potential change to watch: the INNOVATE Act proposes a $75 million lifetime cap across all Phase I and II awards. If that passes, organizations with long SBIR histories would be affected.
Where to Track Current Opportunities
Until reauthorization happens, your best bets for finding active opportunities are: Grants.gov: Set up alerts for SBIR and STTR NOFOs. When new solicitations drop, you'll get an email. SBIR.gov: The official portal. Funding opportunities are listed by agency, though most are paused right now. Defensesbirsttr.mil: DoD's portal for their active programs. This is where the action is during the lapse. FundingLandscape: We track SBIR/STTR opportunities alongside thousands of other federal, state, and foundation grants. Search for "SBIR" or "STTR" to see what's currently open and when new opportunities appear after reauthorization.