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Small businesses awarded $400,000 for environmental innovation

Release Date: 03/01/2007
Contact Information: Dave Bary or Tressa Tillman at 214-665-2200 or r6press@epa.gov

Companies in Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas receive $70,000 each

(Dallas, Texas – March 1, 2007) Six small businesses have each been awarded $70,000 contracts from the Environmental Protection Agency and its Small Business Innovation Research program.

EPA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program provides financial support to small businesses to translate their innovative ideas into commercial products that address environmental problems.

SBIR has helped spawn successful commercial ventures that not only improve our environment, but also create jobs, increase productivity and economic growth, and enhance the international competitiveness of the U.S. technology industry.

Each of the companies awarded contracts received Phase I, or “proof of concept,” awards to test the feasibility of their research concepts. If the results of this phase are successful, businesses can submit proposals for Phase II contracts, which can reach amounts up to $225,000 to help commercialize the technology.

The 22 million small businesses in the United States employ about 51 percent of the private work force and develop most of the country’s new technologies. Years ago, Congress recognized the need to strengthen the participation of small businesses in federally-funded research and development by passing a law creating the Small Business Innovation Research. An SBIR small business is defined as a for profit organization with no more than 500 employees.

EPA’s next Phase I Solicitation will open on March 15, 2007. Information on the Small Business Innovation Research program is available at http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/.

To learn more about activities in EPA Region 6, please visit www.epa.gov/region6.

The following companies received Small Business Innovation Research contracts: (by state)

Arkansas

Nanomaterials and Nanofabrication Laboratories, LLC
PO Box 2168
Fayetteville, AR 72702
Contact: Dr. David Goorskey, 479-575-2723, dgoorskey@nn-labs.com
Project Description: At present, most energy-efficient lighting relies on mercury vapor emission. This project aims to create highly efficient lighting technologies that do not rely on toxic mercury vapors.

New Mexico

Adherent Technologies, Inc.
9621 Camino del Sol NE
Albuquerque, NM 87111
Contact: Andrea Hoyt Haight, 505-346-1685, adherenttech@earthlink.net
Project Description: Adherent Technologies will develop a system using fiber optics to detect contamination in water supplies and wastewater streams in real-time or on demand.

Oklahoma

Fort Environmental Laboratories
515 South Duncan Street
Stillwater, OK 74074
Contact: Douglas Fort, 405-624-6771, djfort@fortlabs.com
Project Description: Fort Environmental Labs will develop a test that can determine whether aquatic animals are exposed to waste run-off from animal feed operations that could alter their endocrine systems.

Texas

Operational Technologies Corporation
4100 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 230
San Antonio, TX 78229
Contact: John Bruno, 210-731-0015, john.bruno@otcorp.com
Project Description: OpTech will develop a sensor that can detect fecal matter in fresh and marine recreational waters. Operators will need little or no experience or training to use the equipment and determine whether waters are safe for swimming.

Lynntech, Inc.
7607 Eastmark Drive, Suite 102
College Station, TX 77840
Contact: Anthony Giletto, 979-693-0017, cindy.barnett@lynntech.com
Project Description: Lynntech will develop a dry powder formulation that can destroy chemical warfare agents, inactivate viruses, and kill vegetative organisms and bacterial spores that does not require specialized delivery equipment.

Lynntech, Inc.
7606 Eastmark Drive, Suite 102
College Station, TX 77840
Contact: Brian Hennings, 979-693-0017, cindy.barnett@lynntech.com
Project Description: Lynntech will develop a retrofitted technology for older diesel-powered, off-road vehicles that reduces pollutants such as NOx, CO, and unburned hydrocarbons.