The 2015 Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I Release 2 topics have been released and include two hydrogen and fuel cell related topics: fuel cell-battery electric hybrid trucks and in-line quality control devices for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells.

The Fuel Cell Technologies Office (FCTO) aims to build on other early niche market successes in applications such as fuel cell-powered lift trucks by helping industry initiate another market in motive power applications and to enable a robust domestic supply base. FCTO helps drive down costs, develop a supply base, and provide a strategic pathway to high volume manufacturing as part of establishing an industry in transportation applications. These activities are a key component to moving technologies from the laboratory to self-sustaining commercialization in the marketplace. Topics include the following:

Fuel Cell-Battery Electric Hybrid for Utility or Municipal Medium Duty or Heavy Duty Bucket Trucks
FCTO seeks applications with projects that develop and demonstrate PEM fuel cell-battery electric hybrid trucks for medium duty or heavy duty bucket trucks with drivetrain-integrated ePTO systems. Applications are sought for technology and business solutions that will help establish a business case, mitigate the cost of hydrogen fuel infrastructure, supplement utility industry evaluations of introducing hydrogen generation on their grids, and demonstrate fuel cell-battery electric hybrid truck technologies.

In-Line Quality Control (QC) Devices Applicable to PEM Fuel Cell MEA Materials
FCTO has supported Manufacturing R&D to address industry-identified technical barriers to the scale-up of PEM fuel cells for mobile, stationary, and portable applications. Applications are sought that meet the critical need for in-line quality control devices for PEM fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) component manufacturing processes. Awardees must design and fabricate a QC device that is readily implementable in a roll-to-roll production line for the production of one or more MEA component materials.

A webinar will be held on these topics on November 7 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST. The application deadline is February 3, 2015.

New this year, the EERE SBIR team is providing additional resources and support to potential SBIR/STTR applicants, especially minority- and woman-owned small businesses that seek to move their cutting-edge technologies to market. This includes the launch of a new web-based interactive, all-in-one tool that will help make the application process quicker and easier.