Department of Education Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB 2026: 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's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is soliciting proposals for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase IB 2026 program. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks eligible for-profit small businesses to develop and evaluate a prototype of a new component for an existing education technology product. The goal is to strengthen research-based educational technology. Proposals are due June 29, 2026, by 11:00 a.m. ET.
Purpose & Scope
This Phase IB solicitation (RFP #91990026R0004) invites proposals to develop and evaluate a prototype of a new component that integrates with an existing, research-based education technology prototype or product. The project must propose a distinct new technological approach for this component. Successful Phase IB awardees will receive up to $250,000 over a nine-month period and may be eligible to apply for a $1,000,000 Phase II award in 2027 for further development and commercialization.
Key Requirements & Deliverables
- Develop a prototype for a new component distinct from an existing education technology prototype or product.
- The new component must utilize a novel technological approach.
- The existing prototype/product must be research-based.
- Conduct a pilot study of the new component prototype during Phase IB.
- Submit a 3-minute maximum YouTube video demonstrating the current prototype/product and the proposed new component.
- Provide a letter of agreement from an education setting for participation in the Phase IB pilot research.
- Up to three letters of support for potential commercialization pathways are encouraged.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Phase IB Award Amount: Up to $250,000
- Period of Performance: Approximately 9 months (October 5, 2026 - July 4, 2027)
- Phase II Potential: Up to $1,000,000 over 2 years
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Submission Deadline: June 29, 2026, 11:00 a.m. ET.
- Questions Deadline: May 21, 2026.
- Proposals must be submitted via email as a single PDF or MS WORD document to david.yadeta@ed.gov with a CC to david.geary@ed.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Significance (40 points), Phase I R&D Objectives and Work Plan (30 points), Project Team, Budget, and Prior SBIR Projects (30 points).
- Proposals will undergo pre-review screening, triage evaluation, and full technical review.
Eligibility & Notes
Offerors must be eligible U.S. for-profit small businesses. Firms are not permitted to submit the same or similar proposals under the 2026 Phase IA, IB, or Direct to Phase II solicitations. Offerors are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of the deadline. The anticipated award start date is October 5, 2026.