National Science Foundation
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer
1999 SBIR/STTR Phase I Program Solicitation and Phase II Instruction Guide

CHAPTER 8.0 Research Topics (used for preparing SBIR/STTR Phase I proposals only)

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(AM) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
(BT) Biotechnology
(EL) Electronics
(IT) Information-Based Technologies


A fundamental mission of NSF is to promote discoveries and to advance education across the frontiers of knowledge in science and engineering. Consistent with that mission, NSF encourages and supports a wide range of proposals from the research and the education community and also from the private small business sector. These proposals are reviewed under NSF's new merit review criteria, which evaluate both research quality and potential impact on society.

The SBIR/STTR program solicits proposals from the small business sector consistent with NSF's mission. The program is governed by public law P.L.102-564. A main purpose of the legislation is "to stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization". The NSF SBIR/STTR program is therefore in a unique position to meet both the goals of NSF and the purpose of the SBIR legislation by transforming discovery to the benefit of society and by emphasizing private sector commercialization. To be consistent with this emphasis, NSF has reoriented the solicitation topics for SBIR/STTR along four broad areas of technology, which are more in alignment with the high technology investment sector's interest:

(AM) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

(BT) Biotechnology

(EL) Electronics

(IT) Information-Based Technologies

These broad technology topics encompass virtually all of the scientific and engineering disciplines that are represented at NSF. Please read thoroughly the descriptions of all four solicitation topics in their entirety and select the topic that best reflects the area where your novel idea would have the most potential impact in the market place. That topic must be specified on the cover page of your proposal, coding it to the most specific level possible. We welcome your SBIR and STTR proposals in response to this solicitation.

Topic (AM) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

The Small Business Innovation Research Program is interested in supporting new, emerging technologies with direct impact on business, consumers, and society. The National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) will support research in a wide range of multidisciplinary and cross-cutting research and educational activities that provide enabling technologies addressing fundamental phenomena in materials; materials synthesis and processing; materials structure, composition, properties, and performance. Supported activities are also in the processes, machinery, systems of modern manufacturing, and environmental impact with the goal of making the country's manufacturing base more competitive through innovation and responsiveness to National and globally changing needs.

Under the SBIR Program, the National Science Foundation supports experimental and/or theoretical research at small businesses aimed at synthesizing/designing new classes of materials, material systems, and processes which have the potential to develop into commercial products and technologies. Proposals are sought to develop materials with superior properties for potential applications through the understanding and control of chemistry, morphology, microstructure, and processing variables. Proposals are also sought in the approach to create, develop, and expand the scientific and engineering foundations of processing methods for current and future engineering materials and of design and manufacturing methods and systems for making useful products from these materials. The program supports a blend of experimental, analytical, and computational efforts directed toward economically competitive and environmentally compatible technologies.

Included are methodologies for concurrent design of materials, processing, and manufacturing methods for products with engineered microstructures and properties, devices using innovative fabrication and assembly procedures, and systems that integrate various unit processes. Manufacturing machine, sensor, and computer control technologies for manufacturing processes and operations are of interest, as are operations research and production systems methodologies that underlie the full range of engineering systems. Integration engineering addresses a complete manufacturing enterprise and its infrastructural components.

  1. Advanced Materials

    1. Materials for Next Generation Vehicles (NGV)

      Technology that will reduce the cost of manufacturing and enable the large volume production of critical NGV components such as membranes, fuel cell membrane-electrode assemblies (MEAs), fuel cell stacks, energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, flywheels and ultracapacitors), fuel processors and gaseous fuel storage systems. Issues ranging from manufacturing process control to alternative materials are of potential interest if the issue of manufacturing cost is credibly addressed. Strictly as an example, the characterization of conductive polymers suitable for use as an alternative to bulky and heavy graphite bipolar plates in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks would be of interest.

      1. Membrane Research

        Improvement and analysis of membranes used in fuel cells with particular emphasis on PEM membranes. The objective is to develop new membranes capable of being used in very compact fuel cells. The ultimate goal is to develop low-cost, easy-to-manufacture membranes that demonstrate improved performance, lifetime, power density and/or tolerance of a broad range of operating conditions. Fundamental research, which leads to a better understanding of these characteristics, can also be supported.

      2. Catalysis

        Improved catalysts and processing/manufacturing technologies for incorporating catalysts in fuel cells or fuel reformers. Proposals developing improved techniques for integrating catalysts into fuel cell MEAs in a mass production environment will be given priority consideration. Specifically, lower-cost alternatives to platinum such as macrocyclic catalysts and methods to reduce catalyst loading and increase power density in PEM fuel cells will be given due consideration.

        Catalysts for the environmentally benign direct oxidation of methanol are of interest. NSF would support theoretical work related to this topic, such as the development of molecular modeling and analysis tools, focused on the issue of improved capabilities to design such new catalysts or structures at minimum cost, for use by the general research community. There would be special interest in novel algorithms embodying the quantum mechanical calculations relevant to predicting the electrochemical properties of alternative molecules.

        Generation of new catalysts or catalytic systems, or new uses for known catalysts, with applications in consumer products, environmental control, and chemicals production. [Note: Proposals relating to fuels production or utilization should be submitted to the Department of Energy rather than to NSF.] Of particular interest are systems with promise of reducing the release of acid rain precursors and/or greenhouse gases or systems for the production of high-value-added products. This does not include pharmaceuticals (Reference: Biotechnology Topic).

    2. Structural Materials

      1. Novel metal-alloy, ceramic, and polymeric materials (including advanced composites) with controlled microstructures from the atomic to the macroscopic level for innovative structural applications.

      2. Geosynthetics and other new geo-materials in applications such as new construction and structural repair, retrofit and rehabilitation.

    3. Materials Modeling

      Computational approaches to understanding and controlling the interrelationships among materials properties, processing and performance, emphasizing the scales from the atomic through the macroscopic.

    4. New and Innovative Materials for Construction

      • Fiber reinforced polymers and polymeric composites
      • High performance steel and concrete
      • Composite-reinforced wood laminates

    5. Harsh Environment Performance

      Materials designed specifically to perform in the extreme conditions posed by environments such as Polar Regions.

  2. Materials Applications

    1. Surface Engineering

      Innovations are solicited in coatings, spraying, and non-traditional treatments, such as ultrasonic, laser, plasma, electron-beam and ion-implantation methods, and in the use of surface, near-surface and interface material to improve and predict the performance of structures and components subject to mechanical and thermal stresses and environmental degradation, wear, corrosion, and oxidation. New processes that modify surfaces to obtain specific properties are also of interest.

    2. Applications of Advances in Mechanical Behavior of Materials

      Basic material behavior at the intersection of solid mechanics and microstructure of material; mechanistic and phenomenological constitutive relations; modeling of property-microstructure-processing-composition relationships; nano-mechanics; computational approaches to materials simulations.

    3. Materials with Designed Properties

      Innovative research on materials-related technologies which can take into account underlying microstructural states, origin, transformation and evolution to address problems of deformation, fatigue, fracture and corrosion of all classes of materials, including composites, is of interest. Techniques to apply knowledge about critical meso- and micro-structural features, to enhance macro-mechanical properties, of engineering materials and smart materials is desired.

    4. Technologies that Address Materials Failure and Degradation Problems

      Deformation, instability, defects, failure of materials and material systems.

  3. Electronic Applications of Materials

    1. Chemicals and Materials in Mainstream Integrated Circuit Fabrication

      Chemicals and materials of interest in mainstream integrated circuit fabrication include high and low K dielectrics, silicon-on-insulator technologies, resists, and interconnected metals among others. Other chemicals and materials include those relevant flat panel display applications, and in mass storage, compound semiconductors for microwave and radio frequency applications, and materials for optoelectronics applications including communications and mass storage. This subtopic also includes tools and processes used to fabricate devices, circuits and systems in all of the applications discussed above, including rapid thermal processing, dry etch processing, and materials synthesis. (Reference: Electronics Topic)

    2. Electronic and Photonic Materials

      Semiconductors, ferroelectrics, glasses, organics; synthesis, processing, characterization are of interest.

    3. Magnetic and Superconducting Materials

      Proposals on innovative superconducting and giant magnetoresistance materials, nanoparticles and clusters for potential use in recording media and magnetic superlattices, materials for sensors and switches are solicited.

  4. Process Design and Control

    1. New Design Strategies for Complex Integrated Chemical Processes

      Research on the control of chemical plants and studies of new design strategies for complex integrated chemical processes as well as for system optimization.

    2. Photochemical and Electrochemical Processes

      Examination of processes using radiation or electric current to effect chemical reaction, including principles for design of industrial-scale reactors for such processes. Included in the scope are photocatalytic and electrocatalytic systems. Prime interest is in processes suitable for commercial chemical production or for environmental control.

    3. Unit Manufacturing Processes

      Innovations and improvements in the processing of materials result from advances in the fundamental understanding of the relationships between the process, the material, and the resulting product. Novel processing methodologies or the processing of new materials are sought for new product development, for research leading to next-generation machines and/or improvements in product performance and cost.

      Research in the fundamental issues necessary to further the knowledge of materials processing are suggested in the areas and issues as follows:

      • Netshape processing of metals, ceramics and metal or ceramic-matrix composites - Net shape processing optimization and innovative process modification

      • Polymer and polymer-matrix composite processing

      • Novel manufacturing processes - Microfabrication of functional materials

      • Electronic materials, semiconductor materials, and superconductive materials processing

      • Joining and Assembly - Research is sought on technologies and processes to engineer surfaces for optimal topography and microstructure that can lead to improved materials, lubricants and coating materials for operation under severe conditions. Innovations in all welding, riveting, adhesive, and other joining processes are solicited.

    4. Environmentally Conscious Processes

      1. Benign Processing

        This is a relatively new area in which proposals are also being sought. These proposals need to address pollution prevention or reduction, not waste treatment. Projects should focus on unit manufacturing and chemical and synthetic processes and should be design-oriented as opposed to analytical and computer-oriented. Typical ideas might include the following: alternative processes that bypass toxic feedstocks and solvents, recycling foaming agents in polymer foam production, developing nonfiberglass in-wall insulation, and new chemistries for on-demand, on-site production and consumption of toxic intermediates in manufacturing. Proposals that address processes to remove pollutants from waste streams or that address conventional end-of-pipe environmental engineering are not responsive to this interest.

        • In-factory recycling

        • Improved techniques are invited for recycling and for the processing of recycled materials within the factory.

        • Life-cycle environmental assessment

        • New techniques and systems are invited for estimating the environmental costs associated with each stage of the product life cycle, including metrics for enterprise-wide integration of product/process/waste management.

        • Resource utilization

        • New processes and methods are invited to promote improved material and water resource utilization and energy efficiency in manufacturing.

        • Substitution strategies

        • Innovative systems are desired to facilitate the selection and/or substitution of low environmental impact materials and/or low impact processing in product design.

      2. Combustion and Plasma Systems

        Uses of combustion or plasma technology for environmental, energy, transportation, or manufacturing applications are of interest. Also included are approaches to safety issues associated with these applications including fire control in natural or anthropomorphic environments. Combustion may be in burners, boilers, engines, or "open" situations. Plasmas may be high-pressure or low-pressure, thermal or nonequilibrium. More specifically:

        • Innovative concepts for clean and efficient combustion of gaseous, liquid, or solid fuels.

        • Burning of low-grade fuels in combustors.

        • Incineration of wastes containing toxic or hazardous materials.

        • Use of plasmas or combustion to synthesize a specific product of economic value.

        • Plasma modification of surfaces or morphology.

        • Plasma-based destruction, conversion, or control of effluents, emissions, toxic or hazardous materials, or pathogens.

        • Diagnostic techniques that can function in a high-temperature or high-field environment.

    5. Separation and Purification

      Since separation is often a major cost of chemical processing, improved and new separation processes are increasingly important. Emerging technologies such as bioengineering and electronic materials processing are primary examples of application areas where cost-effective separations are critical. Research of interest encompasses highly selective, energy-efficient, and economic processes and mass separating agents for the separation and purification of all types of substances. Example areas of support include supercritical extraction, membrane processes, desalination, filtration, adsorption and chromatography, absorption, ion exchange, fractionation, and crystallization. Research in novel separation processes and those based on a combination of various techniques is encouraged. Specific areas of ongoing emphasis include the following:

      • Energy-efficient separation and purification of organics (e.g., olefins);

      • Environmentally benign separation processes;

      • Recovery of critical and strategic metals; and

      • Research on fuel cell membranes is not appropriate for this subtopic area.

    6. Thermal Transport and Thermal Processing

      Innovative concepts and novel devices which relate to the use and transport of thermal energy, and to the manipulation of thermal history and thermal gradients to accomplish engineering and manufacturing goals. Examples include:

      • Novel techniques or devices to achieve ultra-high heat fluxes;

      • New concepts for insulation;

      • New thermal processes with advantages in cost, reduced emissions, quality, etc. over existing processes;

      • New thermal processes for producing materials with unique properties or structures; and

      • Microscale and nanoscale thermal transport.

  5. Chemical Transport Systems

    1. Fluid, Particulate, and Hydraulic Systems

      Supports research on mechanisms and phenomena governing single and multiphase fluid flow, particle formation and transport, and fluid-particle system characterization. No bias exists with respect to methods, whether analytical, numerical, experimental, or a combination of these. Research is sought that aims at markedly improving our understanding of important fluid engineering processes or phenomena, and/or that creates advances with high potential for significant industrial and environmental impacts. Since fluid and particulate behavior control many processing and manufacturing technologies, the desired impact is improvement in the predictability, precision, and control of existing systems, as well as in the suggestion of entirely new ones. Research support areas under this program include the following:

      • High Reynolds number flow;

      • Flow control;

      • Density stratified flows;

      • Flow of complex fluids;

      • Deliberate production and/or modification of small particles with controlled properties, via colloids, aerosols, or crystallization;

      • Particle attachment to or removal from surfaces;

      • Efficient removal of particles from processing streams or plant effluents; efficient separation of particles based on size, bulk composition, or surface composition; and

      • Multiphase processes.

    2. Interfacial, Transport, and Thermodynamic Phenomena

      Recent needs and developments in information storage have led to an examination of small aggregates of molecules that exhibit unusual interfacial and transport properties. Small businesses can play a major role in applying this scientific concept to the design of artificial layers and structures at the molecular level; in the design of chemical processes for new organic and inorganic chemicals and materials; and in making phase equilibria and transport predictions for environmentally hazardous chemicals. Examples of relevant research are the following:

      • Preparation and thermodynamic characteristics of micellar, self assembly molecular structures, and microemulsion fluid systems as templates for solid electronic or separation microstructures;

      • Transport characteristics, processing, and fabrication of vesicular and liposomal clusters for patterned deposition for fluid systems;

      • Near critical and Supercritical Phase Behavior and Environmentally benign physical processing;

      • Langmuir-Blodgett film, self assembly, or other interfacial processing related to interfacially dominated applications, such as printing lithography, coatings, printing, and/or sensors; and

      • Interfacial diffusion processes between thin films, two layers, and experimental analysis and modeling of the process.

  6. Chemistry and Chemical Technology

    The unique interdisciplinary capabilities of small business to promote new developments in this area are sought. The general categories in chemical investigations are not exclusive of any other research having the potential to advance the understanding and utility of the chemistry being proposed by the small business.

    1. Design and synthesis of new organic and inorganic substances that possess unusual properties giving rise to new and improved materials or that enable the testing of theoretical, mechanistic, or structural hypotheses. Examples include but are not restricted to:

      • Molecular-level approaches to the synthesis of organic, inorganic, and organometallic molecules that are useful materials or materials precursors

      • Isolation and characterization of natural products that have well-defined commercial potential

      • Design and synthesis of molecular arrays of importance to molecular recognition, catalysis, separation science, and other interfacial and biomimetic processes

      • Development of environmentally benign synthetic routes for the production commercially important chemical products

      • Combinatorial approaches to the discovery of new materials, catalysts, or molecular structures with commercial potential

      • Electrosynthesis of value-added products offering advantages in materials cost, energy utilization, and reduced environmental impact

    2. Characterization

      Physiochemical studies leading to the development of a marketable product or procedure for the improved characterization of chemical systems. Such products and procedures often utilize new technologies and may demonstrate new concepts for chemical instrumentation (Reference: Electronics Topic)

      • New approaches for the characterization of surfaces and interfaces

      • Design of new species specific chemical sensors

    3. Computational Innovations in the Chemical Sciences

      • New or improved algorithms for chemical computation.

      • Development of graphical user interfaces for computational chemistry software.

      • Porting and development of new algorithms for chemical computation on emerging parallel architecture computing platforms.

      • Development of improved force field parameterizations for molecular simulations.

  7. Nanotechnology: Functional Nanostructures

    "Functional nanostructure" are structures that have at least one characteristic dimension in the range from molecular to 100 nm; they are conceived and constructed for a function (device, structural application, or effect) that develops in that scale. Nanotechnology arises from the exploitation of physical, chemical and biological properties of systems that are intermediate in size between isolated atoms/molecules and bulk materials, where phenomena length scales are comparable to the size of the nanostructure. The discovery of novel phenomena at the 'nano' scale and new experimental and theoretical tools, developed in the last few years for investigating these structures, provide fresh opportunities for commercial technology in nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and nanodevices.

    • Synthesis - Proposals are solicited in synthesis and fabrication, and processing of nanostructures (1-100 nm), such as clusters, particles, tubes, layers, self-assembled systems, having tailored properties to be used for building up functional nanostructures. Approaches may include gas-, liquid-, solid-, and vacuum-based processes, size-reduction, and techniques to produce nanosystems at high rates.

    • Assembling and Processing of Nanostructured Materials - Proposals are solicited in processing and conversion of molecules and nano-precursors into functional nanostructures, nanostructured materials, nanocomponents, and nanodevices, including sensors. (Reference: Electronics Topic) This might involve sintering, sputtering, various forms of epitaxy, and chemically assisted assembling techniques. Examples include an optical waveguide, a multifunctional nanolayer, a nanostructured catalyst, and a nanofilter or a chemical sensor deposited by using sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition methods.

  8. Advanced Manufacturing/Systems

    1. Design and Integration Engineering

      Design and integration engineering involve the use of information in decision-making processes that determine the specification of products and their realization via manufacture. Global competition and advancing technology demand excellence in decision making throughout design and manufacture. To meet this need, rigorous theories of decision making and decision analysis from fields such as economics, operations research and game theory can be exploited. Good decision making also demands the creation of alternatives, both for product design and for manufacture. This activity supports research leading to the development and implementation of software tools for improved engineering design and integration engineering. Specific areas include the following:

      1. Decision theory and Applications

        Applications of decision theory and decision analysis to engineering design and integration engineering. Of particular concern are tools for design and integration decision making under risk and uncertainty, and especially tools that include decision making over the entire product life cycle.

      2. Evaluation of System Performance and Risk

        Software tools for the rapid and easy evaluation of system performance as a function of design and manufacture, including the treatment of uncertainty in all areas of design and integration and the quantification of risk, both monetary and non-monetary. This includes the analysis of system reliability, tolerancing, manufacturability, disposability, liability, etc. as a function of design and integration decisions.

      3. Explication of Design and Integration Alternatives

        Software tools for the rapid generation of design and integration alternatives, including advanced CAD and CAM software, and tools to enable the reuse of previous designs, such as CAD libraries with search capability. This includes also tools for tolerancing and explication of manufacturing alternatives.

      4. Manufacturing Enterprise Design and Optimization

        Software to support the integration of product lines and product families, supply chain management, concepts of agility and decision making across the enterprise. This includes also tools for management of collaborative design and integration engineering and the management of engineering teams.

    2. Manufacturing Processes

      Generic research toward advanced processing technologies and new processes for difficult-to-manufacture materials. The goal is to reduce costs and improve productivity, quality, performance, and reliability of manufactured products. The scope includes processing bulk materials into engineering materials (primary processing) and processing engineering materials into discrete parts (secondary processing). Increasing productivity means reducing the lead time between design and manufacture (leading to simultaneous engineering), raising production rates, reducing costs, and improving product quality and reliability while meeting product safety requirements both during manufacture and in service.

      • Low cost manufacturing processes for such difficult-to-process materials as composites, ceramics, polymers, sprayed materials, and superalloys;

      • Nontraditional manufacturing processes (including hybrids) for surface treatments in coatings and spraying, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical machining (ECM), electrochemical grinding (ECG), ultrasonic, microwave, laser, plasma, electron-beam, ion-implantation, and abrasive jet machining;

      • Ultra precision machining; Near-net shape forming; and

      • New advanced cutting tools and die materials.

    3. Machines and Equipment

      Research on integratable, intelligent equipment and machines that support automation systems and manufacturing processes. Specific areas include the following:

      • Intelligent man-machine interfaces that enhance the effectiveness of manufacturing people who are involved with vast information flows. Expert systems to support interactive decision making for future flexible manufacturing systems;

      • Machines and equipment for individual unit processes, including research on novel machines and equipment to extend the range of applicability of existing designs as innovative improvements are made in materials and unit processes;

      • Advanced machine tools, including research leading to new and improved machine tools to produce parts of greater accuracy and higher productivity, especially for materials that are difficult to machine. Advanced, light-weight, and rigid machine components and structures from epoxy composites, ceramics, and other materials;

      • New design methodologies and strategies for untended manufacturing, automation systems, and for the integration of machine elements and subsystems in a fully automated environment;

      • Sensors, including fusion of sensor data from similar and dissimilar sensors, high-speed data acquisition from multiple sensors, and neural net concepts for on-line monitoring of machine operations (Reference: Electronics Topic);

      • Controllers and advanced control techniques applied to advanced manufacturing machines and equipment to enable their rapid and robust response to changing environments; and

      • Innovative machine design and development for manufacture, inspection, measurement, assembly, and packaging of microparts and microsystems.

    4. Rapid Prototyping

      The ability to prototype a design rapidly reduces the lead-time to bring a new product to market. One means of reducing the time to design a product may be through the use of virtual product prototyping in software, using novel information technologies. To the extent possible, all phases of the product life cycle should be considered simultaneously. Examples include the following: the synthesis of shape and geometry from engineering analysis, the association of manufacturing processes with product features, the transformation from design geometry to manufacturing procedures, and novel methods for the physical realization of electronic models.

    5. Operations Research

      Improved understanding and modeling of production systems will ultimately lead to better system design and operation and, consequently, to higher system performance. Research leading to the development of improved analytical and computational techniques for modeling, analysis, design, optimization, and operation of natural and man-made systems is supported. Research areas supported by the program range from new mathematical techniques to application-oriented algorithmic procedures. The areas of interest focus on large-scale integrated problems with a variety of tightly and loosely interconnected components that generally involve people, information, machines, and controls. Examples of specific areas of interest include basic research in optimization, scheduling, routing, location, simulation, queuing theory, statistics, and stochastic processes.

    6. Advanced Manufacturing Systems

      NSF is interested in operational issues such as cost and performance analysis, inventory management, production planning and control, scheduling, reliability, quality, facilities design, material handling, logistics, distribution and man-machine integration within the production environment. While the main focus of the program is on manufacturing systems, research with application to the full range of production systems including communication, transportation, and distribution systems is also sought. Also of interest are advanced or innovative systems for production planning, scheduling, materials management, and distribution.

    7. Enterprise Modeling and Simulation

      Research to support the development of improved enterprise modeling and simulation capabilities for improved decision making based on alternative scenarios. Research areas include the following: formalized representations of process knowledge, enterprise models that incorporate new knowledge, applications of artificial intelligence for flexible decision-making modules, agent-based simulation modeling tools, the optimization and integration of mixed models, models of organizational structures and cross-organizational behavior, and models of complex or nonlinear systems and processes. Models and simulations should include descriptions of the interactions between people and between people and machines.

Please direct inquires to Cynthia Ekstein, Cheryl Albus, or Ritchie Coryell, SBIR Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Program Managers, telephone: 703-306-1390, or email sbir@nsf.gov.


Topic (BT) Biotechnology

Rapidly advancing frontiers in the biosciences are strongly stimulating the creation and growth of small businesses that are based on biotechnology. It is the goal of these small businesses to connect bioscience discoveries to society through the commercialization of new products, devices, processes, or services.

As a consequence of their rapid growth, these small businesses are creating new jobs for scientists, engineers, and others. Similarly, in the context of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), facilitating the connection of discoveries to society and job creation are goals of NSF. Moreover, National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) committees have suggested numerous SBIR strategic focus areas that fall within biotechnology. Congruent with these NSF, NSTC, and GPRA frameworks, and aligned with the objectives of the overall Federal SBIR program, the NSF SBIR biotechnology program area solicits proposals targeted toward the generation of innovative new products, devices, processes, or services in the subtopics of:

  1. Genomics

    New capabilities enabling the rapid and massive sequencing of entire genomes of organisms from microbes to humans are transforming biological research. Exciting opportunities for commercialization activity have been created, with more yet to be proposed.

  2. Proteomics

    The full complement of proteins expressed by complete genomes is now susceptible to analysis, prediction, and modification of structure, function, and interactions, again giving rise to new commercial opportunities.

  3. Bioinformatics

    Computer-power is required to harness the vast and expanding datasets that are being explosively generated through genomics and proteomics, creating bioinformatics business opportunities.

  4. Biochips

    "Biochips" are biologically based microarray and microfluidic devices used for analysis and synthesis. How can they be made at lower cost? How can their applications be expanded?

  5. Combinatorial Biotechnology

    Proposals are welcomed on potential commercial applications of "combinatorial biosynthesis," "combinatorial biocatalysis," and biologically oriented combinatorial chemistry.

  6. Computational Biotechnology

    Research with commercial objectives on the development and implementation of algorithms and software for: the characterization of the relationship of DNA and protein sequence to biological function, design of small molecules with biological activity, analysis of complex dynamic biological systems, multi-scale ecological modeling.

  7. Environmental Biotechnology, including Bioremediation

    Application of the power of biology to improve and protect the environment.

  8. Ecological Engineering

    Research with commercialization potential on the design and management of ecosystems based on ecological principles and incorporating the self-organizing capacity of natural systems. Specific areas include: ecosystem rehabilitation, habitat construction or enhancement, and flood prevention or mitigation.

  9. Agricultural and Food Biotechnology

    Application of biotechnology to crops and food products and processes. Includes food safety and biological control of pests.

  10. Marine Biotechnology and Aquaculture

    Use of biotechnology to enhance the search for valuable products from the sea and/or to improve their production.

  11. Industrial Bioproducts

    Includes industrial enzymes and biopolymers, neutraceuticals, bioreagents, etc.

  12. Biosensors

    Development of innovative biosensors for commercial applications.

  13. Bioprocessing and Bioconversion

    Includes bioreactors, bioseparations and purification, etc., as well as biotechnology for a sustainable environment. In particular, biomining and bioleaching alternatives to smelting are included in this subtopic.

  14. Biomedical Engineering, including New Devices or Systems to Aid Persons with Disabilities

    Supports bioengineering research with commercial objectives that have the potential to contribute to improved health care and the reduction of health care costs. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, means to improve deriving information from cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; extraction of useful information from complex biomedical signals, new approaches to the design of structures and materials for eventual medical use; and new methods of controlling living systems. Also included are means for the characterization, restoration, and/or substitution of normal functions in humans.

  15. Tissue Engineering

    Development of polymer/cell structures and systems for biomedical applications.

  16. Metabolic Engineering

    Targeted and purposeful alteration of metabolic pathways found in organisms to enable or improve production of useful products.

  17. Biomaterials

    New materials for bioengineering applications.

  18. Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery

    Development of systems, devices, or materials to enable or improve pharmaceutical dose applications and/or regimens.

  19. Biomolecular Nanotechnology

    Fabrication at the nano-scale involving biomolecules and/or biosystems for potential commercial applications.

  20. New Emerging Developments in Biotechnology

    These are the creative new biotechnology subtopics yet to be identified.

    Projects involving testing of pharmaceuticals in human clinical trials or animal models are not eligible for support. However, research with diagnosis or treatment-related goals, that applies engineering principles to problems in biology and medicine while advancing engineering knowledge, is eligible for support, as long as the focus is on practical applications with potential for eventual commercialization. Bioengineering research to aid persons with disabilities is also eligible.

    Innovative SBIR biotechnology proposals that cut across technical disciplines are eagerly sought. For example, in the area of environmental biotechnology, a bioremediation proposal might well involve genetic engineering in microorganisms (with proposal review expertise at NSF residing in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences), environmental microbiology (Division of Environmental Biology), bioreactor design (Division of Bioengineering and Environmental Systems), pollutant transport in porous, adsorptive, and aqueous media (Division of Chemical and Transport Systems), and, for soil bioremediation, soil and fracture mechanics (Division of Civil and Mechanical Systems). Such interdisciplinary proposals will be reviewed by a crosscutting grouping of experts. In particular, it is most likely that a number of new SBIR biotechnology proposals will be related directly to existing NSF interdisciplinary initiatives such as "Life and Earth's Environment (LEE)," including crosscutting programs such as "Life in Extreme Environments (LExEn)." Illustrative projects include work on industrial enzymes derived from genes originally resident in organisms inhabiting extreme environments.

Please direct inquires to Dr. Bruce K. Hamilton, SBIR Biotechnology Program Manager, telephone 703-306-1391, x5254, or e-mail bhamilto@nsf.gov.


Topic: (EL) Electronics

Technological progress in the 20th century has been dominated by the influence of electrical, electronic and photonic systems which have leveraged human capacities and revoluntioned mankind's existence. This major area supports research in electrical and communications essential for innovation and advances in these systems. These are the fundamental technologies that support and enable telecommunications, computational capabilities, detection and sensing systems, measurement and control, for example.

Electronics, Photonics and DeviceTechnologies

Research areas such as microelectronics, photonics, lasers and optics, plasmas, electromagnetics, nanotechnology, micromachining, microelectromechanical sensors and systems, to name a few, are expected to spur continued scientific and technological advances in areas important to the nation's economic vitality. Innovative proposals, in the thrust areas, are encouraged that explore new concepts and their application; that identify emerging technologies which may promise substantial applications impact; that can lead to advances in performance, through component and device optimization, design, modeling and simulation tool development, fabrication and processing advances, and manufacturing effectiveness and/or related environmental issues; and proposals that push the frontiers on applications of these enabling technologies in the marketplace.

Controls, Networks and Computational Intelligence

Proposals in the thrust areas are encouraged for advanced applied electronics research activities in analytical, knowledge-based and computational methods for modeling, optimization and control of engineering systems. The emphasis is on development of methodologies, tools and designs that are motivated by a wide variety of fundamental systems issues, including nonlinearity, scaleability, complexity and uncertainty. Research under this sub-area is designed to enable leading-edge applications in learning and intelligent systems, neural networks, nonlinear and hybrid controls and advanced computational methods in distributed problem solving and decision making environments.

Integrative Systems

Proposals in the thrust areas are encouraged that stimulate innovative systems-oriented application activities utilizing electrical, electronic, optical and/or photonic technologies. The promise of these activities might be expected to spur significant scientific, technological and educational advances in communications, computing, information, learning, sensing and instrumentation, healthcare and the life sciences, transportation, electric power, manufacturing and other important and emerging areas. Visionary, systems-oriented research activities with significant commercialization potential, and which promise clear technological and societal benefit are strongly encouraged.

[Note: Proposals that are for information-based technologies such as software are not appropriate for submission under Topic EL, but should be submitted under Topic IT.]

The following are the major application thrusts of the Electronics topic in the 1999 SBIR Solicitation:

DETECTORS, SENSORS, INSTRUMENTS AND SYSTEMS

These thrusts request proposals for next-generation or significantly improved detector, sensor, instrument and/ systems capabilities.

Successful proposers will conduct R&D on projects that: 1) result in near-term application of a product, process or device concept; or, 2) greatly enhance the ability of scientists and engineers to conduct fundamental or applied research in a laboratory, field or research facility. Features expected in detectors, sensors, instruments and systems resulting from these thrusts include but are not limited to: new, special purpose or step advances in performance capabilities; improved efficiency; increased damage resistance; stability in environments of extreme temperature or pressure; ability to operate at higher energy or greater spatial resolution capability; significantly improved control of frequency or power; or the ability to characterize surfaces and interfaces of real-world samples in nanoscale.

High-risk projects with high potential commercial payback are encouraged. Research tools developed under this thrust area that also meet significant commercial market needs will be given special consideration. The development of devices that combine several useful functions is strongly encouraged.

  1. Physical Property Measurement

    New devices are necessary for surface measurement in many applications as well as innovative precision temperature and other variable control instruments. Improved instruments are needed for in situ measurement of precipitation, cloud characteristics, air motion, water vapor and atmospheric electricity as well as the solar terrestrial environment. The capability to do isotopic and microstructural analysis of rocks and minerals. Measurements of ground displacements or accelerations due to earthquakes and/or man-made sources.

  2. Chemical Characterization

    Focus areas include measuring instruments and quality control instruments as well as precision industrial flow measuring devices and controls for liquids and gases. Specific examples of devices and techniques being sought might include:

    • Chemical sensors for petroleum exploration

    • Chemical analysis of rocks and minerals

    • Marketable processes or procedures for improved characterization of chemical systems

    • Strategies and devices for characterization of real-world samples in the nanoscale region and beyond

    • New approaches for the characterization of surfaces and interfaces

    • Comprehensive approaches for obtaining the maximum information from chemical data.

    • Techniques are for quantitative determination of trace species in the ambient atmosphere.

  3. Remote Sampling and Measurement

    Integrated and discrete measurement and reporting systems for unattended deployment on buoys and/or moorings that provide high frequency, real-time chemical, biological and physical data are needed. Underwater sampling techniques for physical and chemical parameters are also being sought under this thrust. Remote sensing using acoustic, optical and electromagnetic techniques in the polar, atmospheric and ocean environments is also needed. Systems for rapid and wide-scale measurements using satellite, airborne or other remote techniques are also possibilities under this thrust. Reliable systems for data collection that have a reduced requirement for on-site people are needed for the harsh polar environment.

  4. Astronomical Detection Arrays

    Research is needed on ways to decrease the cost of high-performance, solid-state detector arrays such as charge coupled devices. The development of systems that apply recent concepts such as adaptive optics, interferometry and artificial guide stars to compensate for atmospheric and instrumental blurring in astronomical systems is needed.

  5. Chemical Process Control

    Research on the control of chemical plants and studies of new design strategies for complex integrated chemical processes as well as system optimization is needed. Included in this area are innovative new approaches to problems such as temperature and pressure control techniques. Software development is an appropriate area for research under this thrust.

  6. Intelligent Control Systems

    Advanced control systems and programmable devices are needed for power plants. Research is needed on solutions to control problems and on intelligent control systems and designs. This thrust also seeks the development of power semiconductors, programmable logic controllers and industrial control systems computers using analog, digital and microprocessor technology software. Small power systems for autonomous-remote scientific data acquisition systems are also being sought. Systems to coordinate building heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and lighting as well as techniques for determination and control of air quality and pollutants in building environments. Advanced technologies for disaster mitigation (earthquake, wind, etc.) such as on-line control systems that can reduce the impact of natural and technological hazards on structures, lifelines, foundations and the natural environment.

  7. Diagnostic Systems

    There is a need to design, develop and produce innovative systems for testing, data acquisition and characterization in the industrial and laboratory environments. These systems include but are not limited to: dial and digital indicators, micrometers, comparators and pressure gages; test and process control devices including magnetic analyzers; and inspection equipment. This thrust also includes the prototyping of smart structures and smart devices and elements, advanced sensors and actuators, and wireless data transmission and signal processing techniques for use in condition monitoring, diagnosis and dynamic response control of detectors and instruments.

  8. Power Management

    This thrust focuses on energy management devices, systems and integrators. Included are devices such as advances in dynamometers and throttle control systems for engines and the powertrain industry; electromechanical switches and electronic speed controllers.

  9. Closed-loop Control

    The competitive requirements of advanced electronic devices require the use of real-time sensors and closed-loop control systems to eliminate the problem of defective products or unnecessary production. Such advanced control methods will greatly reduce set-up times and improve the reliability of processes and equipment. The development of thermal sensors and actuators for chemical and gas process control.

  10. Non-destructive Testing

    This thrust seeks innovative means for non-contact or non-invasive temperature, pressure, relative humidity, moisture, oxygen and gas measurement and monitoring. Sophisticated flaw detectors and thickness gages are also being sought under this thrust.

  11. Multi-media Systems

    This thrust seeks the development of intelligent instrumentation and control systems.

  12. Signal Processing Systems

    Antenna array processing with application to wireless communications systems, especially cellular telephony, Personal Communications Systems (PCS), and wireless local area networks. Signal compression for reduced data rate with applications to wireless communications systems. Scalable, progressive, multiresolution approaches in signal decomposition, compression, and other signal processing techniques to support content analysis; data quality validation.

  13. Satellite Enhancement

    Protocol development to improve TCP/IP throughput via geosynchronous communications satellites. Use of low earth orbit (LEO) store/forward satellite technology for telecommand/control and data. Retrieval from remote science data acquisition platforms (ocean, terrestrial, and balloon-borne systems.)

  14. Input/Output Systems

    Concepts that incorporate new input/output (I/O) or mass storage devices into a computing system are supported. High-performance I/O systems allow increasingly widespread computers to sense and affect daily activities. The technical approaches in this area should integrate advances in interface hardware and software with the engineering of new I/O devices such as smart CMOS sensors to apply computer systems to new real-world tasks.

Please direct inquiries to Michael Crowley, Darryl Gorman, or Joseph Hennessey, SBIR Electronics Program Managers, telephone: 703-306-1390, or email sbir@nsf.gov.


Topic (IT) Information-Based Technologies

Recent achievements in computing, in mathematics, educational and social, behavioral and economic theories, and in the engineering of smart devices and materials, and in new communications capabilities are truly revolutionary. Enabled by such advances, applications of information technologies are virtually transforming the world in which we live. The descriptor, information-based technologies, is used to signify the broad scope of this topic. It includes not only computation and information sciences, but also other associated fields: mathematics, social, behavioral, decision and economic sciences, technology management and education. New advances in all these fields portend even more significant positive changes in the way we will learn and create and live and work in the future. Technologies that have important commercial potential for the development, management, use and analysis of myriad forms of information are significant and exciting areas for applied research.

This SBIR topic focuses upon the development of commercial systems and technologies, that will build upon the fruits of rapidly emerging technology in this broad array of areas. Such systems can enable astonishing developments in science, engineering, education, production, medicine and business. This is especially so for small businesses because opportunities in this area do not usually require major corporate infrastructures to succeed. In fact, opportunities in this area are often most readily captured by small organizations. This topic will support research that can lead to the development of commercial products and services which will improve our ability to achieve the benefits of advances in knowledge associated with fields identified above. The scope of the topic includes the creation and/or integration of devices, models, algorithms, sensors, software and associated environments, and other information capabilities such as integration of sensing systems. Successful projects will focus upon concepts that will ultimately result in the commercially viable employment of information resources in service to society.

Some of the areas where new information-based products, technologies and services can offer rich opportunities for small high-technology firms include the following:

There are four subtopics for this topic. Each subtopic encompasses a set of associated disciplines that can contribute to creative ideas for new and innovative products and processes in a variety of application areas. The main subtopics are:

  1. Social, Behavioral and Economic Science Applications

  2. Educational Applications

  3. Mathematical, Computer and Computational Applications

  4. Information Systems Applications

The achievement of business success in most areas associated with innovative technology not only will require the development of innovative tools and techniques, but also will require a comprehensive understanding of their applications. Therefore, all areas of this topic may require the collaboration of social, behavioral and economic scientists during the research. Such joint collaboration can substantially improve the ultimate potential for success of innovative new concepts in all areas of the broadly defined information technology market, but particularly in several areas under the Information Systems Applications section of this topic.

  1. Social, Behavioral and Economic Science Applications

    In addition to information-based technologies of direct relevance to social behavioral and economic science applications, the achievement of business success in most areas associated with innovative technology, will not only require the development of innovative tools and techniques, but also it will be necessary to provide a comprehensive understanding of their applications. Therefore, all areas of this topic may require the collaboration of social, behavioral and economic scientists during the research. Such joint collaboration can substantially improve the ultimate potential for success of innovative new concepts in all areas of the broadly defined information technology market, but particularly in several areas under the Information Systems Applications section of this topic.

    Potential areas for research under this subtopic for both direct social, behavioral and economic applications and collaborative activities include the following:

    1. Social Science Applications

      Employment of innovative methods to identify and analyze the social, legal, and ethical impacts and implications for decisions to commercialize new technologies.

      Utilization of decision analysis, risk analysis, and management science techniques such as models of the planning, scheduling, and control processes in management operations in the variety of sectors.

      Decision analysis models of individual and group decision making criteria and procedures that identify the structure of decision problems and can evaluate alternative strategies for commercialization and deployment.

      Inclusion of inferential models and risk analysis methods for anticipating environmental, health and financial risks that might adversely affect the successful commercialization of new technologies. Examples include issues such as process redesign considerations that can affect deployment of new cost-reducing or pollution prevention technologies or decision and risk issues involved with implementation of techniques for improved management of hazardous facilities.

      Development of techniques to create large data bases that integrate various forms of visual, textual and numeric information. (See Item D1 of this topic for additional detail.)

      Use of geography and regional science capabilities such Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for better understanding of locational decision making and other types of geographical analysis that could affect deployment of a technology, public safety and protection of property. This might be particularly applicable to technologies that could affect urban and regional economic development or improve emergency management capabilities.

    2. Behavioral Science Applications

      Incorporation of innovative methodology for identifying the most promising market segments and associated technical and marketing strategies for achieving early adoption of research results. That methodology is typically based on psychological, economic, sociological, and decision research concepts, such as forecasting the impacts of product improvements and/or price changes on sales.

      Specific product market research will not be supported.

      • Internet-based survey methodologies and approaches that would enable faster, lower cost surveys. For example, enabling methodologies would allow faster/cheaper market research and political polling.

      • Product design research using "virtual" customer techniques. These methods would allow feedback on virtual prototypes to inform designs. Tools and techniques would allow for the integration of customer needs and engineering product characteristics.

      • Products that facilitate environmental and urban monitoring, including hardware and software that enable the collection, display, integration, and/or analysis of data pertaining to the human environments.

      • Hardware and software to enhance ability to collect multi-channel evoked potential (ERP) data, hardware and/or software to aid in tracking eye movements during visual scanning, development of virtual reality technology that could be used in laboratory settings to create wrap around visual environments for research on scene perception.

      • Audio-computer technology for administering measures to adolescents, children, and adults.

    3. Economic Science Applications

      Application of economic science techniques, including where appropriate, econometric analysis, economic modeling, and other areas of computational economics; economic forecasting; and research in other areas of economics such as finance, international economics, labor, and industrial organization.

  2. Educational Applications

    This subtopic supports projects that will broaden access to and enhance student learning and participation in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology at every level of education (including pre-kindergarten through graduate studies, science literacy for the general public, and education for seeking new career opportunities or new skills in the technological workplace.) In the area of education and development of human resources, NSF seeks to provide leadership in improving the quality of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education for all students; to increase the participation of underrepresented populations (women, minorities, and persons with disabilities) in the scientific enterprise; and to expand opportunities for the public understanding of science and technology. Proposals submitted under this topic must support one or more of the five major long-terms goals of education and development of human resources in the NSF:

    • To ensure that a high-quality education in science, mathematics, engineering and technology is available to every student, enabling those with interest and talent to pursue scientific and technical careers at all levels and providing a base of understanding of scientific and technological concepts;

    • To ensure that individuals who select scientific, engineering, and advanced technology careers have available the best possible education in their respective disciplines;

    • To ensure that opportunities are available for interested non-specialists to broaden their scientific and technical backgrounds;

    • To enable high performance and productivity in the technological workplace;

    • To provide access to scientific, mathematical and engineering and technology knowledge and skills and human-system interfaces that contribute to high performance and productivity in the workplace and in personal living.

    Advanced technologies have revolutionized many segments of the economy. While showing great potential for the education sector, this impact has been limited. Emerging technologies can play an important role in enhancing student learning and participation in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Emphasis is on the development of innovative hardware or software that promises (1) to improve the learning of scientific and technical principles, as well as problem solving at all educational levels; (2) to facilitate interactive learning; (3) to broaden access to quality science and technology education; and (4) to promote equal access for those with disabilities. [Note: Projects for specialized educational equipment for persons with disabilities should be submitted under c]

    1. Technologies for Teaching, and Learning (preK-12)

      Categories of proposals most strongly encouraged are as follows:

      Development of Web-technologies that facilitate and promote educational collaboration across distances among peers, as well as across educational boundaries connecting educators and students to scientists, mentors, experts, and enable remote access and use of educational resources not locally available, which can be either software or hardware.

      • Technology to support embedded assessment that goes beyond the traditional separate testing activities to assessment that is ongoing and embedded in the child's learning activities. These tools should be more versatile and provide fuller information on each student. Moreover, these tools should be useful in helping to identify specific content and methodological strengths and weaknesses of the learner.

      • Computer simulation and modeling that promotes enhanced student learning through such means as visualization and virtual experimentation. This could include providing access to data sources and support for modeling large data sets or complex processes.

      • Physical modeling technologies to enable learning through real-world experimentation.

      • Just-in-time or on-demand instruction that provides timely information and support for teachers and learners. These could be related to new or dynamic topics that are difficult to offer in printed (fixed) format, but could include more general forms of support for educators and students.

      Under category 1, to further assist in identifying a panel most appropriate for review of your proposal, you should indicate the educational level (i-iii) as follows:

      i. Elementary (grades pre K-5).

      ii. Middle School (grades 6-8).

      iii. Secondary School (grades 9-12).

    2. Higher Education

      Proposals are invited to develop hardware and/or software, instrumentation, or other equipment to improve undergraduate/graduate science, mathematics, engineering, or technology education. Applications may include classroom or laboratory use, research experiences for undergraduates, or distance learning. Proposers are encouraged to review the most current Undergraduate Education Program Announcement and Guidelines (see...

      http://www.ehr.nsf.gov

      ...or NSF 98-45) for further information in developing a proposal.

    3. Assistive Technology in Information Environments

      [Note: Projects for anatomical devices (e.g., prosthetics, etc) and for mobility devices (e.g., wheelchairs) should be submitted under one of the other 3 topics as appropriate, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Biotechnology or Electronics]

      • Devices or software for persons with physical or cognitive disabilities that will improve independent performance of activities in employment, education and personal living.

      • Educational equipment for persons with physical or cognitive disabilities that aids in the delivery , support, or access of quality education in science and mathematics through such means as adaptive equipment, instructional methods, and technologies.

      • Human-system interfaces for persons with physical or cognitive disabilities, with a primary focus on access to information and information technology.

      • Devices or software that simulate various limitations that will enhance the capability of developers of new technologies to aid people with disabilities by ensuring that products are created under conditions that will result in a match with the needs of the targeted.

      Specific Evaluation Criteria - Proposals submitted under this subtopic should be focused on establishing the feasibility of developing an innovative and cost-effective product that promises to have a major impact on science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education. In addition to the two NSF general research evaluation criteria specified earlier in this solicitation, the following must be addressed as appropriate:

      1. Demonstrated need for the proposed product.

      2. Evidence that the proposed product is unique and innovative, e.g., with promise to advance the state-of-the-art in educational technologies.

      3. Demonstrated knowledge of accepted content standards in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.

      4. Demonstrated awareness of research on student learning and teaching ensuring sound pedagogical techniques and developmental appropriate content and instructional strategies.

      5. Demonstrated involvement of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at appropriate education levels.

      6. Promise of transportability (i.e., replication across sites), scalability (i.e., increasing the number of users), and ease of use so as to maximize impact on the education

    For further information to assist in developing an SBIR proposal within this subtopic or identifying other programs, proposers are referred to the most current Education and Human Resources (EHR) announcements...

    http://www.ehr.nsf.gov

    ...Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education (NSF 98-4); Division of Undergraduate Education (98-45); and Activities in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics for Persons with Disabilities (98-144).

  3. Mathematical, Computer and Computational Applications

    This subtopic supports research that will lead to innovative techniques and systems for enhancing the ability of scientists, mathematical scientists, engineers and educators to treat complex problems. As new discoveries are made through advanced research, the need for improved ways to use that knowledge often requires improved, or even completely new, analytical and statistical approaches and computational systems. Proposals are solicited for research on new computational applications, in any scientific, mathematical, or engineering discipline, but particularly where new discoveries have indicated the need for capabilities beyond currently available analytic, statistical, or computational technology. Research leading to applications of advanced mathematics, and for hardware and software to solve or analyze complex problems as well as educational applications for computational science and engineering, are covered by this topic.

    1. Mathematical Methods, Models and Systems

      Analytic Methods. Flows including properties of dusty gases, flow of oil and water in porous media, flow of slurries in pipes, blood flow, flows with chemistry, and multiphase flows. Optimal design including minimal weight structures, drag reduction, optimal composition of composite materials, and optimal shape design. Systems theory including parameter identification and control of nonlinear and/or distributed parameter systems, nonlinear filtering, stochastic control, and discrete event control. Phenomena involving multiple scales including vortex structures in turbulent flows, polymer shapes, combustion, phase transition, and quantum optics. Inverse problems including tomography, NMR, geophysical prospecting, conductivity, and nondestructive evaluation. Nonlinear continuum mechanics including multivariate splines, large deformations in elastic materials, crack formation, and turbulent fluid flow. Nonlinear optimization and optimal control.

      • Algebraic Methods.

        Mathematical coding theory and cryptology. Combinatorial complexity including algorithms, computer codes, and large-scale combinatorial optimization. Combinatorics including computation and algorithms. Symbolic computation.

      • Statistical Methods.

        Optimal design including design for multifactor general linear models, for response surfaces, for robust inference, for nonparametric and semiparametric models, and including adaptive design. Statistical computation and algorithms and Monte Carlo and probabilistic problem solving. Statistical graphics including graphical methods for high dimensional data, visualization, image reconstruction, curve and surface fitting, and pattern recognition. Statistical modeling including nonparametric and semiparametric modeling, modeling for unequal probability samples and unequal spacings, predictive modeling and expressions of model uncertainty, Bayesian modeling of opinion and data, and modeling expert systems. Inferential methods such as robust procedures including re-sampling, and detection of change point phenomena. Spatial statistics including modeling and mapping techniques, inference for remotely sensed data, and spatial time series analysis. Statistical reliability including inference for truncated observations and data with informative censoring, statistical process control. Studies related to problems in massive datasets and databases.

      • Geometric Methods.

        Geometry of robotic devices. Geometry of DNA and polymer structures. Integral geometry, geometric probability, stochastic geometry, and pattern recognition. Packing and tiling. Geometric modeling for CAD/CAM. Computational geometry. Development and application of fractal techniques.

      • Stochastic Models.

        Construction, analytical and algorithmic development, and validation of stochastic models with emphasis on realistic, data-driven models developed in close consultation with experts in areas such as biological systems, ecology, environmental systems, geosciences, atmospheric sciences, materials science, and social sciences.

      • Computational Mathematics.

        Design and development of symbolic and numeric algorithms that better exploit current and future technological developments related to simulation and computation. The focus is on development of critical computational techniques from algorithm development through implementation. Interest ranges over various subjects including dynamical systems, computational fluid dynamics, computer graphics and the mathematics of visualization, parallel computing, symbolic computation, and computational statistics.

    2. Computer and Computational Science

      The foci of this subtopic are on the following:

      - enabling technologies for computational science including technologies needed to advance the state of the art in high performance computing and to bring advanced computing and simulation capabilities to bear on fundamental problems throughout the sciences and engineering;

      - understanding, improvement, and use of advanced tools that involve interactions among people;

      - automated physical or computational systems, and information resources, using methods based on computing, cognitive, and information sciences and robotics, and especially emphasizing the utility to people as users, or in heterogeneous, possibly mobile environments;

      - research in communication networks with special emphases on optical networks; networks integrating voice, data, and video, multimedia networks; wireless networks and wireless access to networks, very high speed networks and distributed computing;

      - research in computer science, computer engineering, communications, and signal processing systems aimed at significant improvements in one or more of the areas below.

      Multi-disciplinary research is encouraged. Specific areas of interest include the following:

      • Programming tools, from high-level problem-solving environments through programming languages and compilers to run-time systems and libraries.

      • Graphics and visualization, including scientific visualization; applications of virtual reality in scientific computing, telerobotics, remote computing and remote collaboration; and computational steering.

      • Data handling, including parallel I/O systems, data mining, and management of large data sets.

      • High performance computing, including innovative uses of high performance computing; parallel numerical algorithms and libraries; and very high performance computing applications.

      • Network architectures, including modeling, analysis, and design of network architectures and topologies.

      • Network protocols, including protocol development such as fast computation protocols for very high speed networks; formal models for protocol development; distributed protocols; and protocol specification, verification, and performance.

      • Network management, including routing, flow control, performance modeling and analysis, fault diagnosis, and distributed algorithms.

      • Optical networks, including new architectures especially designed for optical networks, performance comparisons among alternatives, new architectures, and new approaches to high-speed switching and switch design.

      • Multimedia networks, including techniques, protocols, algorithms, and architectures for the creation, transmission, storage and retrieval and sharing of multimedia information.

      • Communications and signal processing systems, including wireless access and architectures, protocols, signaling, network management, error control; addressing, mobility management, dropout recovery and other aspects of wireless access to networked information resources and computing

      • High performance distributed information systems, internet electronic commerce, and security

      • New algorithms, languages, tools, and hardware and software systems.

      • Design and implementation of computer languages.

      • Numeric, symbolic, and geometric computation.

      • Algorithms, data structures, and software tools to support scientific problem solving.

      • Tools and systems for design automation.

      • Design and imprlementation of software systems and computer languages.

  4. Information Systems Applications

    [Note: Proposals for electronic devices in this area should be submitted under Topic ET and proposals for new materials should be submitted to Topic AM. Only proposals for information-based systems are appropriate for the descriptions below.]

    1. Information Representation, Storage and Discovery

      Together, the information repositories available in the current information infrastructure hold information on a truly vast scale, with data represented in a wide variety of forms, including various human languages, digital and video images, audio, mathematical equations, and database relations. In order to harness the full capability of the information revolution, the information sought must be readily located and transmitted to the user. Consequently, this subtopic is seeking R&D proposals, likely to result in commercial products and/or services with the following capabilities:

      • Technologies leading to more effective representation of multimedia objects

      • Low-power storage hardware for mobile, multi-media access devices

      • Technologies which permit the creation and co-ordination of large, dynamic, distributed knowledge repositories for the creation, preservation and distribution of digital information or objects in many modalities and in various knowledge domains

      • Integration and translation services which can integrate and/or translate information from multiple formats to other formats, subject to semantics constraints

      • Knowledge discovery services which track the creation of new databases and update existing repositories as new information/knowledge is created

      • Data and knowledge management services which can find information relevant to the request, and which can infer the right audience for a piece of information produced

    2. Information Preparation and Transmission

      The development of both wired and wireless communications technologies, which can provide the means to deliver information to the user, artifact-free, is also essential. Topics include research on concepts likely to result in commercial products and/or services such as the following

      • Techniques, protocols, algorithms, architectures and tools enabling the efficient and effective wired and/or wireless transmission of multimedia information (incl. compression, modulation and coding, network management and protocols)

      • Technologies which enable the development of intelligent, reasoning systems which automate planning and scheduling of information collection and transmission

      • Scalable, progressive, multi-resolution approaches in signal decomposition, compression and other signal processing techniques to support content analysis and data quality validation

    3. Information Delivery

      In order to harness the full capability of the information revolution, machines must be able to communicate more effectively with people. Thus, information should be delivered to the user in a familiar and flexible way. In order to provide an effective interface between person and machine, it is necessary to develop products, which are sensitive to, and capable of mimicking the many communication modalities used by people. These human-friendly interfaces will be capable of sensing gestures, graphics, animation and natural language, and will be able to respond in a communication modality most appropriate to meet specific user needs. With critical research investments, these interfaces will also be capable of learning, over time, the preferences, skills and pattern of use of a particular user, and will adjust automatically to this user in subsequent interactions.

      Proposals focussed on the development of such human-centered interfaces, wh will result in commercial products, are sought in this subtopic. Examples include the following:

      • Devices and technologies leading to the development of intelligent, adaptive, multimodal human - machine interfaces. Communication modalities might include speech recognition, natural language understanding, speech synthesis, gesture recognition, facial expression recognition, and tactile interfaces

      • Sensors and sensor systems which facilitate more effective human-machine communications

      • Machine learning technologies enabling the interface to adapt operations and interactions to each user's preferences

      • Visualization techniques resulting in the effective delivery of multimedia objects

    4. Information-Intensive Robotic Systems

      Techniques that develop and enhance intelligence in robotic systems. Topics include the following:

      • Smart sensors and real-time perception systems to enable perception-based modeling, reasoning, and activity in various physical environments

      • End-user robots with advanced capabilities of human-machine interaction to serve different human needs, assist people with disability, and augment human capabilities in performing physical tasks

      • Technologies to enable communication and physical coordination among distributed robotic systems

    5. Intelligent Interactive Systems

      The development of intelligent systems, which integrate the capabilities discussed above in important applications, is also essential, and will ultimately result in the universal availability of human-centered systems, which will optimize the application of information in service to society. Consequently, R&D proposals are sought in the following areas:

      • Software tools, which capitalize upon multimedia information and are designed to enable resource sharing, distributed reasoning and effective co-ordination and decision making among groups of people or robotic systems that may not be co-located

      • The development of new and effective models which support or monitor the impact of such tools for creatively structuring decision problems and for evaluating alternative actions

      • Products which monitor the impact of intelligent systems in group and organizational interactions

      • Products which determine the usability and adaptability of intelligent systems

      • Development of programming paradigms and software environments tailored to problem domains and task specifications

      • Advanced simulation and modeling technologies which allow the immersion of the user in the task environment, thereby creating a virtual environment

      • End-user enhancement technologies which assist humans in performing complex information management tasks

      • Products grounded in theory and based on empirical observation which facilitate intelligent systems development in areas such as human factors, psychometrics, assessment of physiological state, enhancement of sensory systems, deception detection, and processing of facial, vocal and expressive information

      • Technologies which can accelerate development, management, and affordable universal accessibility of digital information and communications

      • Techniques and tools for multi-lingual information management

      • Techniques and tools for multi-media information management

      • Techniques and tools for wireless information management

      • Techniques and tools for process/workflow management in information systems

      • Methodologies, techniques and tools for information systems evolution, migration, version management, and long-term storage, especially for very complex and very large (TB) systems

      • Techniques and tools for multi-modal interfaces, such as for speech and gestures

      • Techniques and tools for dialogic interaction with information resources

      • Techniques adn tools which support alternative forms of Internet and WWW access through representational means such as VOXML (TM)

      • Multi-agent system applications such as distributed resource scheduling, simulation assessment or expert systems

      • Personal robotics which assist or serve human needs such as in education and training or for people with disabilities

      • Software tools which capitalize on multi-media information and communication capabilities and which are designed to enable collective resource sharing, reasoning, coordination, decision-making and collaboration among groups of people and/or intelligent agents, including robotic devices, which are distributed

      • Performance engineered computing and communications systems will include methods and tools leading to the development of performance frameworks for modeling, measurement, analysis, evaluation and prediction of performance of complex computing , communications and robotic systems and of the applications executing on such systems

      • Simulations of organizational and group learning

      • Information Systems for Engineering Management

      • [Note: Proposals for electronic devices in this area should be submitted under Topic ET and proposals for new materials should be submitted to Topic AM. Only proposals for information-based systems are appropriate for the descriptions below.]

      • Information-based technologies employing new concepts for analysis of new, deteriorated, and repaired structures and systems such as technologies to determine performance of construction materials and that can provide enhanced assessment of deterioration processes and rates. Information management systems for inexpensive diagnosis of infrastructure component or system condition over the whole life cycle of the constructed facility. Information systems to coordinate building heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and lighting systems. Techniques for determination and control of air quality and pollutants in building environments. Technologies for design, including performance and optimization for initial construction, operation, utilization, and renewal or recycling of structures and systems.

      • Information-based techniques for assessment and analysis of natural and technological hazards on structures, lifelines, foundations and the natural environment. Research is supported for innovations that can enhance capabilities for: (a) verification of design procedures and methodologies using data from laboratory and field experiments; (b) simulation of earthquakes; (c) measurements during major events; and (d) post-earthquake reconnaissance inspections. Techniques for seismic design, of geotechnical structures such as foundations; retaining walls, slopes, earth dams, buried lifelines, soil and site remediation. Tools for performance-based engineering and design. Global hazard data and information systems. New design technologies, and techniques for improved safety, maintenance, and operation of lifeline systems such as pipelines, bridges, and tunnels. Engineering tools such as internet technologies for real-time large data systems, innovative computer systems for use of land-use planning, and seismic and wind insurance policies.

      • Infrastructure management technologies that apply new discoveries in engineering design, decision science, information science (i.e., sensors and sensor systems, data acquisition, data mining, knowledge creation and management), socio-economic sciences (e.g., valuation, preference, privatization and impact of investment, regulations and contract practice), and external effects (e.g., value of time, maintenance and environment), which can be used for planning, performance assessment, risk evaluation, supply and demand analyses, investment impact, and life cycle management.

      • Computational tools and techniques for organizational engineering and environmental studies.

      • TCAD (Technology Computer Aided Design) for Improved Processes and Devices including the development of robust TCAD (tools and software) to support all stages of IC design, manufacturing and testing as well as design for manufacturability, reliability and performance.

Please direct inquiries to G. Patrick Johnson or Sara Nerlove, SBIR Information-Based

Technologies Program Managers, telephone: 703-306-1390, or email sbir@nsf.gov.