The US Department of Defense is soliciting applications for its Small Business Innovation Research program beginning May 1. Proposals will be accepted from July 1 to Aug. 11.

The program provides more than $500 million annually to small technology companies to conduct R&D projects that could prove beneficial to both the military and private sector. Recipients of a Phase I grant receive up to $100,000 to test the scientific and technical merit of a proposed concept. If that effort is successful, companies may receive a second grant of up to $750,000 for development to the prototype stage.

Interested parties can view solicitation topics and submission procedures at www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir. For additional help, call (800) 382-4634.