Bid guide
How to bid on the NCI Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Innovative Concept Phase I Award Program
What the NCI is buying and why it matters
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is seeking proposals from small businesses for its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Innovative Concept Phase I Award Program. This program aims to fund proof-of-concept research for new technologies related to pediatric and rare cancers.
Specifically, the NCI is looking for innovative therapeutic or preventative technologies, as well as devices, diagnostic technologies, or digital health tools for the treatment, detection, and diagnosis of pediatric and rare cancers. For rare cancers, the focus is on those with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. This is an opportunity for small businesses to secure funding to de-risk and demonstrate the feasibility of potentially transformative research and development (R&D) ideas.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by the deadline of September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal well before the exact deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
After the deadline, the NCI will evaluate the submitted proposals. While the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is not obligated to make any awards, successful Phase I contractors will be informed of the opportunity to apply for a Phase II award. Only one Phase II award may result from a single Phase I SBIR contract.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is ideal for small business concerns with capabilities in health-related research and development, particularly those focused on oncology. Firms that can conduct R&D in therapeutic, preventative, diagnostic, or digital health technologies for pediatric and rare cancers are encouraged to participate.
The program is designed for high-risk, high-reward ideas, and preliminary data is not required. However, proposals should be based on a sound scientific premise, either from the offeror's own research or existing literature. This suits firms that have innovative concepts they wish to develop and commercialize.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full solicitation and prepare your response, you will need to go to the original source portal. Click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always necessary for every bid. Once you have access, review all sections of the solicitation, including Amendment #2, which removes the Data Management Sharing Plan requirement.
Tips for a competitive response
Clearly identify the clinical problem and specific cancer type(s) your proposal will address, providing adequate justification. Your proposal should also identify an anticipated product and clearly outline its development path.
Propose experiments that will obtain initial de-risking and proof-of-concept data. Remember that non-exempt human subjects research will not be supported under this solicitation. Focus on the scientific premise of your idea, even without preliminary data, and ensure your proposed R&D aligns with the NCI's objectives for pediatric and rare cancers.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Institutes of Health; the original posting controls.