FY 2022 NIST Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Fast-Track Phase I and Phase II for American Rescue Plan Act Funds Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)

• Sensors and Privacy: Contact tracing sensors were demonstrated as efficient methods for identifying potential exposure to COVID-19. However, this practice raises questions about individual privacy. Development of sensors that determine how close individuals come and for how long while protecting privacy is essential for facilitating communication during a public health emergency. • AI prediction algorithms: Development of an AI systems for the early identification and tracking of public health emergencies, including pathogens, contamination (ground, air, or water), and food borne illnesses will be valuable tools in protecting lives.

• PPE decontamination: Development of systems for efficient and safe decontamination of PPE and to establish that the equipment remains safe following decontamination e.g., removal of chemicals used to decontaminate without toxic decontamination byproducts. These technologies will reduce stress on the supply chain. • Mask design: Understanding characteristics that make masks effective protecting the user from breathing in viruses, bacteria, and other particles and to prevent the user from spreading pathogens to others nearby. Considerations include mask materials, mask construction, and determining mask effectiveness in different situations.

• Supply chain informatics: Develop systems for the prediction of critical shortages in the supply chain. Weaknesses in our supply chain for the manufacture of medical equipment and PPE were exposed during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early notification and possible substitutions would help protect human health and safety. • Manufacturing critical supplies: System for the identification of small and mid-size manufacturers capable of producing critical supplies for public health emergencies. This research could aid in circumventing supply chain shortages. • Quality control testing: Developing methods for the evaluation of the quality of items produced. This is especially important during an emergency and some markets will make subpar products available. An example is during the COVID-19 pandemic it was essential to look at the type of alcohol used in hand sanitizers to reduce toxicity and the amount of alcohol to ensure pathogen destruction.

• De-stress communication systems: Develop an understanding of peak times and circumstances for use of the wireless spectrum and determine methods for distribution of the signal for destressing the communications network. Additionally, deploy methods for prioritizing first responder communications and delivering blanket communications and directions to the community. • Medical applications for wireless devices: Develop reliable wireless communication devices that are capable of medical monitoring to allow for evaluation of health status of many people from one central location. Communications need to maintain patient/user privacy.