About NOAA TPO
As NOAA’s primary interface with private-sector innovation, TPO supports the NOAA mission, stimulates innovation, and strengthens the U.S. economy.
NOAA TPO oversees two programs:
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Stimulates the U.S. economy and business growth through the commercialization of innovative mission-related technologies, by investing NOAA research funds in American small businesses, and providing guidance to entrepreneurs throughout the process of researching, developing, and commercialization of products or services.
Technology Transfer Program
Promotes increased use and commercialization of NOAA's innovative technologies and knowledge by facilitating strategic partnerships and ensuring the rapid and cost-effective transfer of intellectual property from NOAA labs and programs to other federal agencies, academia, and the U.S. private sector.
The common thread between the two programs is the successful commercialization of innovative technologies in support of a strong and resilient U.S. economy.
Our Mission
To serve NOAA and the U.S. economy by transferring NOAA’s scientific and technological innovations to commercial applications, facilitating strategic public-private partnerships, and investing in small business research and development related to NOAA’s mission areas.
Supporting Mandates & Policy
- 🔗DOO 25-5, Section 8.02(d) and 8(J)(1): Department of Commerce department organizational order defining TPO functions and location
The TPO is the NOAA focal point for research to commercial (R2C) transition activities and is an important component of NOAA’s public/private partnership activities. TPO staff sit on the NOAA Line Office Transition Managers Committee and represent NOAA on a number of interagency groups addressing Small Business Innovation Research, Technology Transfer, and commercialization initiatives.
SBIR Authorizing Legislation
- 🔗Small Business Act of 1953, Title II of Pub.L. 83–163 ch. 282, 67 Stat. 232: The Small Business Act is the Act of Congress which created the Small Business Administration. It was enacted July 30, 1953, and it was codified at 15 U.S.C. ch. 14A.
- 🔗Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act (P.L. 102-564) : Originally passed in December of 2000, the program was reauthorized until September 30, 2008 by the Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-554).
- 🔗Public Law 114-328 (SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2017): Reauthorization of the SBIR Program from 2017 through 2025.
- 🔗SBIR/STTR Policy Directive: The Small Business Act (the Act) requires that the SBA issue a policy directive setting forth guidance to the Federal Agencies participating in the SBIR and STTR programs (Participating Agencies). The 2020 SBIR/STTR Policy Directive outlines how agencies must generally conduct their programs.
- 🔗Public Law No: 119-83 (Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act): Reauthorized of the SBIR Program from 2026 through 2031
Technology Transfer Program Authorizing Legislation
Contact TPO
General Inquiries:
OAR.ORTA@noaa.gov
Technology Transfer:
NOAA.T2@noaa.gov
SBIR Program:
NOAA.SBIR@noaa.gov
SBIR Invoices:
Invoices.SBIR@noaa.gov
Follow Us on Social Media
