Posted: April 5, 2010

EPA invites small business nanotechnology research proposals in the areas of pollution prevention, monitoring and control

(Nanowerk News) The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites small business firms to submit research proposals under this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Solicitation. The SBIR program is a phased process across the Federal Government of soliciting proposals and awarding funding agreements for research or research and development to meet stated agency needs or missions.
EPA is interested in advanced technologies that address priority environmental issues. The following topics are included in this solicitation: Green Building, Innovation in Manufacturing, Nanotechnology, Greenhouse Gases, Drinking Water Monitoring and Treatment, Wastewater and Sustainable Infrastructure, Air Pollution Monitoring and Control, Biofuels, Waste Management and Monitoring, and Homeland Security. The proposed research must directly pertain to EPA's environmental mission and must be responsive to EPA program interests included in the topic descriptions in this solicitation. (See page 2 for a summary listing of all research topics included in this solicitation.)
In order to facilitate proposal reviews by external peer reviewers with specialized expertise and by EPA technical personnel with focused program needs and priorities, offerors must designate a research topic for their proposal. The same proposal may not be submitted under more than one topic. An organization may, however, submit separate proposals on different topics, or different proposals on the same topic, as long as the proposals are not duplicates of the same research principle modified to fit the topic. If such duplicates are submitted, only one will be reviewed. Refer to Sections IV, V, and VI for additional requirements. Where similar research is discussed under more than one topic, the offeror shall choose the topic most relevant to the proposed research. It is the complete responsibility of offerors to select and identify the best topic for their proposals.
With regard to nanotechnology, research is needed to apply nanotechnology to the areas of pollution prevention, monitoring and control. Research is also needed to help detect, quantify and control nanoparticles themselves. Nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Encompassing nanoscale science, engineering and technology, nanotechnology involves imaging, measuring, modeling, and manipulating matter at the nanoscale. Specific areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
  • Development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)- and nanotechnology-based sensors for rapid and precise process control and environmental monitoring. Areas of particular interest include remote, in-situ, real-time and continuous measurement of species at trace (ppt) concentrations. Sensors that utilize lab-on-a-chip technology are also of interest.
  • New nanoporous filters for removal of gaseous pollutants and particulates from contaminated air streams.
  • Nanoparticulate catalysts for utilization in VOC treatment devices and related applications.
  • High surface area nanomaterials for new coatings and environmental applications.
  • New, lightweight portable instruments to detect and quantify nanoparticles.
  • Technologies that minimize the release of nanomaterials into the environment.
  • Closing date for proposal submission is May 11, 2010.
    Full details for SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE I Program Solicitation RFP# PR-NC-10-10251.
    Source: EPA - National Center for Environmental Research