Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program

The Federal and State Technology Partnership Program is administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration through its Office of Investment and Innovation. The program was originally authorized under the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 and continues through subsequent appropriations, including the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026. The SBA, established in 1953, supports small businesses through financing, counseling, and technical assistance, and the FAST program represents a targeted effort to strengthen innovation and commercialization capacity among small businesses participating in federal research programs. The purpose of the FAST program is to improve the technological competitiveness of small businesses in the United States by increasing participation in the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. Awards are made to eligible organizations that provide outreach, education, technical assistance, and financial support to small businesses. Activities may include proposal preparation support, mentoring networks, training sessions, and assistance with commercialization. The program also supports efforts to broaden participation among underserved regions and populations, including rural areas and those with historically low participation in SBIR and STTR programs. Funding under this opportunity is provided through cooperative agreements, with a total of nine million dollars available for fiscal year 2026. Individual awards may be made up to one hundred eighty thousand dollars. Funds must be used strictly for allowable activities and cannot be commingled with other funding sources. Recipients are required to meet federal cost principles related to allowability and reasonableness. Indirect costs may be included based on a negotiated rate or a de minimis rate. The period of performance is twelve months, beginning September 30, 2026 and ending September 29, 2027. A non federal matching requirement applies to all awards, with match ratios determined based on state rankings for SBIR and STTR participation. Match requirements range from fifty cents to one dollar per federal dollar awarded, depending on the applicant’s geographic location and service area. At least half of the matching contribution must be in cash, while the remainder may include in kind contributions. Planning activities up to five percent of the award are exempt from match requirements. Eligibility is limited to public or private entities, organizations, or individuals that are endorsed by a state governor or authorized designee and located in specific states or territories identified in the announcement. Only one application per organization is permitted, and applicants must demonstrate capacity to deliver technical and business assistance programs. Ineligible entities include those with outstanding federal obligations, recent bankruptcies, or prior disqualifying compliance issues. Applicants must also maintain an active registration in federal systems such as SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and include a cover letter, technical proposal, budget documentation, and required certifications. The technical proposal is limited to ten pages and must address organizational capacity, project management, coordination efforts, and program design. Evaluation is based on a one hundred point scoring system across these criteria, with emphasis on demonstrated experience and ability to achieve program outcomes. The submission deadline is July 22, 2026 at four p.m. Eastern Time, and late applications will not be considered. Program oversight is conducted by SBA officials, and recipients are required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports throughout the project period.

Emphasize demonstrated experience supporting SBIR STTR applicants strong partnerships and measurable outcomes; clearly address evaluation criteria sections and provide detailed project design and outreach strategy