Don Nolan-Proxmire                            August 17, 1998 
Headquarters, Washington, DC
(Phone: 202/358-1983)

RELEASE:  98-151

NASA SELECTS 25 INNOVATIVE SMALL BUSINESS PROJECTS 

     NASA has selected 25 research proposals for negotiation of 
Phase I contract awards for NASA's 1998 Small Business Technology 
Transfer (STTR) Program. 

     STTR is designed to stimulate technological innovation, help 
small businesses become better-qualified to assist NASA in its 
research and development, and increase private commercialization 
of federally funded research.  The program also requires small 
businesses to conduct cooperative research and development by 
partnering with a research institution.

     Seven NASA field centers reviewed the proposals for technical 
merit, feasibility and relevance to NASA research and technology 
requirements.  The selected firms will be awarded fixed-price 
contracts valued at up to $100,000 each to perform a one-year 
Phase I feasibility study. 

     The combined award total for the 25 Phase I contracts is 
expected to be $2,495,046. Companies which successfully complete 
the Phase I activities are eligible to compete for Phase II 
selection the following year.  The Phase II award allows for a 
two-year, fixed-price contract up to $500,000.
 
     The 1998 solicitation closed on May 14, 1998.  NASA received 
130 proposals submitted by small, high technology businesses from 
across the country.

     The NASA STTR Program Management Office is located at the 
Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, with executive 
oversight by NASA's Office of Aeronautics, NASA Headquarters, 
Washington, DC.  Individual STTR projects are managed by the NASA 
field centers. 

     A printed list of companies selected for the program can be 
accessed on the Internet at URL:

                        http://sbir.nasa.gov 

                              -end-