NASA selects small business tech projects

WASHINGTON, April 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency said it has selected nine proposals for negotiation of phase 2 contract awards in the Small Business Technology Transfer program.

The selected projects have a total value of approximately $5.4 million. The contracts will be awarded to nine hi-tech firms partnered with nine universities in 12 states.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration program is a competitive, three-phase award system. It provides qualified small businesses -- including disadvantaged- and women-owned firms -- with opportunities to propose innovative ideas that meet specific federal research and development needs.

The Small Business Administration manages the program and NASA is one of the federal agencies required to reserve a portion of its research and development funds for small business.

Phase 1 was a feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an idea, with awards up to 12 months in amounts up to $100,000. Phase 2 expands the program, with awards for up to two years in amounts up to $600,000.

A list of the selected Phase 2 companies is available at http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/SBIR/sttr2006/phase2/awards/index.html