Named for Roland Tibbetts - acknowledged as the father of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program - these prestigious national awards are made annually to small firms, projects, organizations, and individuals judged to exemplify the very best in SBIR achievement. The nomination selection and processes are designed specifically not to pit any one geographic area against any other. Significant state and regional variation is assumed. The emphasis is on recognizing those accomplishments where, in the judgment of those close to hand and often most immediately affected, the stimulus of SBIR funding has made an important and significant difference.