PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To develop scientific information about potentially toxic and hazardous chemicals by concentrating on toxicological research, testing and test development, and validation efforts. Specific goals of the program include the determination of the toxicological profiles of chemicals, and the development and validation of existing and emerging methodologies that can be successfully employed for predicting the human response to toxic agents. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY;
- Research, Education, Training;
2. HEALTH;
- Specialized Health Research and Training;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- State;
- Local;
- Public nonprofit institution/organization;
- Other public institution/organization;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Local (includes State-designated Indian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Other public institution/organization;