The US Department of Defense's Small Business Innovation Research program launched its first solicitation for the 2002 fiscal year last month. Potential applicants can view the research topics and present questions to the authors at www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir. The program will accept proposals from Dec. 3 to Jan. 16. Additional information is available from the Department of Defense at +1 (866) 216-4095 or by e-mail at sbirhelpdesk@pbcinc.com.The program is open to businesses with 500 or fewer employees. If the first phase of research is successful, the company may receive a contract for a second phase and up to $750,000 in funding for development. The company retains intellectual property rights on its work.