The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued its FY 2015 Phase I Release 2 Funding Opportunity Announcement (DE-FOA-0001227) for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. This FOA includes two hydrogen- and fuel cell-related topics: fuel cell-battery electric hybrid trucks and in-line quality control devices for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Qualified small businesses with strong research capabilities in science or engineering in any of the research areas sought in the announcement are encouraged to apply.

Fuel Cell-Battery Electric Hybrid for Utility or Municipal Medium-Duty or Heavy-Duty Bucket Trucks
FCTO seeks applications with projects that develop and demonstrate hydrogen PEM fuel cell-battery electric hybrid trucks for medium-duty or heavy-duty bucket trucks with drivetrain-integrated electric power systems. Applications are sought for technology and value propositions that will help establish a business case and demonstrate fuel cell-battery electric hybrid truck technologies.

In-Line Quality Control (QC) Devices Technology Transfer Opportunity (TTO) Applicable to PEM Fuel Cell MEA Materials
FCTO has supported Manufacturing R&D to address industry-identified technical barriers to the scale-up of PEM fuel cells for mobile, stationary, and portable applications. Applications are sought that meet the critical need for in-line quality control devices for PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) component manufacturing processes. Awardees will have access to technology developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and must design and fabricate a QC device that is ready for implementation in a roll-to-roll production line to produce one or more MEA component materials.

To be eligible to submit a Phase I application, you must first submit a Letter of Intent. Letters of Intent are due by December 15, 2014, 5:00 p.m. EST. Grant applications to both SBIR and STTR programs are due by February 3, 2015, 11:59 p.m. EST.

New this year, the EERE SBIR team is providing additional resources and support to potential SBIR/STTR applicants, especially minority- and woman-owned small businesses that seek to move their cutting-edge technologies to market. This includes the launch of a new web-based interactive, all-in-one tool that will help make the application process quicker and easier.