"It is an honor to invite small businesses across America to partner in research with the Department of Energy across a significant portion of our program offices," said Secretary Brouillette. "Small businesses have unique advantages that have the potential to solve a myriad of science and energy challenges, and we are grateful for their expertise."
Phase I grants are 6-12 months in duration with maximum award amounts up to $250,000. Small businesses that successfully complete their research in Phase I will compete for funding in FY 2020 to carry out prototype or processes research and development during Phase II. Phase II grants are up to 2 years in duration with maximum award amounts of up to $1.6 million.
More detailed information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/-/media/sbir/pdf/TechnicalTopics/FY2020_Phase_I_Release_2_Topics.pdf?la=en&hash=935C6CA9A54809788F388CAC3E8A8A1E2B626C10 The fusion topics are materials, SC magnets, and low temperature plasmas. There is a mandate from Congress that 3.65% of research funding be provided via the special SBIR call. For fusion that means around $14M in funding.
The funding can go for either Phase I or Phase II awards. The Phase I are one year efforts focused on some technical issue that is key to developing and commercializing a new technology. For fusion Phase I projects are limited to $200K. Projects that are successful in Phase I efforts, can apply for a Phase II. The phase II are two year efforts and for the fusion program they are for $1.1M for the two year period.