Department of Education Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB 2026: Pre-Solicitation
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) anticipate releasing a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB pre-solicitation (#91990026R0004) on or about April 30, 2026. This program, known as ED/IES SBIR, provides awards to eligible for-profit businesses for the research, development, and evaluation of new, commercially viable education technology products. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity.
Purpose & Scope
The Phase IB solicitation will invite eligible for-profit small business firms and partners to submit proposals for contracts up to $250,000 over a 9-month period. The objective is to develop and evaluate a prototype of a new component to be integrated with an existing education technology prototype or product. The program specifically seeks ground-breaking, high-risk, high-reward approaches to solve pressing problems in education. The priority area is IB: A New Component to be Integrated with an Existing Education Technology Prototype of Product for Use by Learners, Educators or Administrators (or Other School Personnel).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Contracts (specific type not detailed in pre-solicitation)
- Period of Performance: 9 months for Phase IB.
- Estimated Value: Up to $250,000 for Phase IB.
- Phase II Eligibility: Successful Phase IB awardees will be eligible to apply for a Phase II award of $1,000,000 in 2027 for 2 years of further development, evaluation, and commercialization.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Eligibility: Eligible for-profit small business firms and partners with strong research and development and evaluation capabilities for education technology products.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- Important Note: Offerors are not permitted to submit the same or similar proposals under the 2026 Phase IA, IB, Direct to Phase II, or Phase II solicitations. Duplicate or similar proposals will be rejected.
Key Dates & Submission
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: On or about April 30, 2026.
- Anticipated Proposal Submission Date: Late June 2026 (approximately 60 days after solicitation release).
- This notice is not a request for proposals at this time.
Additional Notes
Three other 2026 ED/IES SBIR solicitations (Phase IA, Direct to Phase II) will be released concurrently. The ED/IES SBIR program is highly competitive, with historical Phase I award rates of 5-7%. A FAQ page is available at https://ies.ed.gov/small-business-innovation-research-sbir/edies-sbir-frequently-asked-questions. The primary means of communication with Department personnel is via email. Interested parties should continue to monitor this posting for updates.
Contact Information
- Primary: David Yadeta (
david.yadeta@ed.gov) - Secondary: David Geary (
david.geary@ed.gov)