SBIR
Also known as: Small Business Innovation Research
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a federal initiative that funds small-business R&D in three phases (feasibility, prototype, commercialization). DoD SBIR awards routinely include FAR 52.204-21 (Phase I) and frequently progress into CUI-handling work that triggers DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC Level 2 (Phase II and beyond).
Related terms
- FAR 52.204-21
FAR 52.204-21 is the Federal Acquisition Regulation clause that requires federal contractors to apply 15 basic safeguarding requirements to systems that process, store, or transmit Federal Contract Information (FCI). It is the regulatory basis for CMMC Level 1, the 15 Level 1 practices are drawn directly from paragraph (b)(1) of this clause.
- CMMC Level 1
CMMC Level 1 is the lowest of the three CMMC certification tiers, covering contractors who handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) but not CUI. It requires implementing the 15 safeguarding requirements in FAR 52.204-21(b)(1), an annual self-assessment, and an annual senior-official affirmation posted in SPRS.