Jim Cast
Headquarters, Washington, DC                    May 10, 1996
(Phone:  202-358-1779)


RELEASE:  96-95

NASA ANNOUNCES 1996 STTR PHASE I SELECTIONS

     NASA has selected 35 research proposals for immediate 
negotiation of Phase I contracts as part of the 1996 Small 
Business Technology Transfer Pilot Program (STTR).

     The 1996 Phase I solicitation closed on January 25, 
1996.  One hundred and one separate proposals were submitted 
by 75 small, high technology businesses from all sections of 
the United States.  Research topics included:  general 
aviation, access to space, advanced technology for space 
science, and human exploration and development of space.

     All proposals were peer reviewed for both technical 
merit and commercial potential.  Six NASA field centers 
participated in these evaluations.  Each of the 35 selected 
proposals will be awarded a fixed-price contract valued up 
to $100,000 with 12 months to complete their Phase I 
projects.

     The STTR program requires small business concerns to 
conduct cooperative research and development by partnering 
with a research institution.  At least forty percent of the 
work must be performed by the small business concern, and at 
least thirty percent must be performed by the research 
institute.

     Companies that successfully complete Phase I activities 
are eligible to compete for Phase II awards the following 
year.  The Phase II award process allows for two-year, 
fixed-price contracts of up to $500,000.

                    - end -

A complete listing of the selected STTR  Phase I  selectees 
is available via the Internet and anonymous ftp at:  
ftp.hq.nasa.gov/pub/pao/pressrel/1996/sttr.txt
Mailed hard copy of the list is available from the 
Headquarters Newsroom at 202/358-1600.