The Federal SBIR/STTR programs goals include fostering and encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by women and socially or economically disadvantaged persons.
The Office of Science (SC) added a Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plan Requirement for all solicitations beginning in FY 2023.
To advance this goal and adopt the practices established by SC, DOE SBIR/STTR began requiring Promoting Inclusive and Equitable Research (PIER) Plans beginning with Fiscal Year 2024 funding opportunities. Guidance is provided below for the development of responsive PIER Plan, but applicants should review the PIER Plan requirements in the FOA for additional details and/or requirements.
Guidance for Developing a Responsive PIER Plan
Applicants are encouraged to focus on areas, including but not limited to:
- The composition of the project team and partnering institutions
- The research environment—cultivating respectful, professional and accessible environments
- Equitable and inclusive implementation of the research project
- Partnering with underrepresented institutions and/or underserved communities
PIER Plan Elements and Requirements
All applications must include a PIER Plan as an appendix to the research project narrative. The PIER plan should describe the strategies and activities of the applicant to promote equity and inclusion as an integrated element of the research and development project within the proposing small business concern. The PIER Plan does not count toward the Project Narrative page or word limitations.
The PIER Plan should advance the small businesses activities in fostering inclusive innovation, in other words, “move the needle”.
Examples of suitable topics for PIER Plans:
Possible Topics – PIER Plans |
Mentoring underrepresented (UR) persons in R&D and entrepreneurship. |
Hiring UR intern(s). |
Providing professional development training and leadership experience to UR persons integral to the project. |
Provide professional learning and educational opportunities to small business employees to develop awareness, knowledge, and strategies for supporting diverse and innovative work environments. |
Implementing inclusive workplace practices. |
Partnering with a Minority Serving Institution such as an Historically Black College and University. |
Engagement with organizations in the project that represent underserved communities as a core element of their mission, including Minority Business Entities, and non-profit or community-based organizations. |
Inclusion of community advisory boards or other relevant steering committees to inform technology development. |
Technology development with future community benefit and/or Energy Equity implications for disadvantaged communities, should the technology be successful, such as:
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PIER Plan Requirements
PIER Plan Requirements |
The PIER Plan is provided as an Appendix to the Project Narrative and 1-3 pages in length. The font size should be no less than 11-point. |
The PIER Plan may leverage existing Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Accessibility (DEIA) plans, but the plan should be tailored to and integral to the proposed project. |
The PIER plan should include at least one specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound (SMART) milestone. |
The PIER Plan progress relative to the milestone will be a reporting requirement. |
The complexity and detail of PIER Plans are expected to increase with the size of the small business and the number of personnel supported. |
Funds may be requested for execution of PIER Plan consistent within allowable cost guidelines for financial assistance. |
Phase I Note
Since the Phase I award is of limited duration (6 – 12 months) and the award size is $200,000 to $250,000, it is expected that, one-page PIER Plans are suitable and will be most typical. The PIER Plan should be simple, focused, and relevant to the scope and duration of the award.
PIER Plan Review Criteria
Reviewers will be prompted to consider the questions/concerns listed below in their assessments of PIER Plans. Applicants should review these questions carefully to ensure that their plans do address these issues in a clear and easy-to-find manner.
- The appropriateness of the proposed PIER Plan for the size of the small business concern, proposed project and whether it is integrated into the proposed project.
- Whether the PIER Plan is likely to lead to participation and mentoring of individuals from diverse backgrounds in the proposed project, including individuals historically underrepresented in the research community.
- Whether the PIER Plan includes intentional partnering with, or benefits to, a disadvantaged and/or underrepresented community.
- Whether the PIER Plan is likely to support a sense of belonging among project personnel.
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