NASA, one of the largest players in the SBIR/STTR funding pool, has opened the 2011 SBIR/STTR solicitation for Phase I projects. Proposals are due September 8. The maximum value of Phase I awards has been increased to $125,000. According to NASA, the acceptance rate for both SBIR and STTR proposals is 8:1, with 45 percent of those selected for Phase I also being selected for follow-on Phase II awards. Topics include specific areas within aeronautics research, exploration systems, space operations and planet & space science. The topic list is included in the solicitation. Remember to read the solicitation carefully and make sure you meet all the checklist requirements. For more information, review our online resources or join us at an SBIR Circle, held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. in ATDC room 207 at Technology Square, 75 Fifth St NW.
NASA has pre-released its 2010 SBIR and STTR solicitations. The full combined SBIR/STTR solicitation will be available on July 19th. The NASA SBIR and STTR 2010 technical topics and subtopics support the NASA Mission Directorates of Space Operations, Aeronautics Research, Science, and Exploration Systems. To write an effective proposal, be sure to understand the purpose and focus of the Mission Directorate–understand how your proposed solution will help fulfill that specific Mission.
There will be many topics and subtopics that fall within these Mission Directorates. Full list of Topics and Subtopics will be available on the 19th. Meanwhile, take a look at last years’ 2009 solicitation topics to give you an indication of projected 2010 topic areas.
All contractual and technical questions must be submitted in writing via email to Cassandra Williams, Contracting Officer (vog.asannull@1-smailliw.ardnassac), not later than August 13, 2010. NOTE: To ensure fairness, questions relating to the intent and/or content of research topics in this Solicitation will not be addressed during the Phase 1 solicitation period. Only questions requesting clarification of proposal instructions and administrative matters will be addressed.
When the solicitation opens on the 19th, it will be posted on NASA’s SBIR/STTR site.
All Phase I proposals will be due on September 4th.
NASA just released their 2009 SBIR and STTR Solicitation.
Topics range from sensor or detector development to aviation safety. Awards in the amount of $100,000 may be requested for a Phase I SBIR or STTR and up to $600,000 for a Phase II SBIR or STTR. If you are applying for an STTR the Principle Investigator may employed by either the collaborating Research Institute or the applicant Small Business Concern.
Proposals are due on September 3rd, 2009 at 5:00 PM EDT. All applications must be submitted electronically.
If you would like assistance with your proposal contact SBIR GA!
… if not available do not apply.
Many SBIR applicant companies make the assumption that good science is all that is needed to sell a proposal. This is an erroneous assumption. Market and commercial potential are equally as important as scientific merit.
A recent client received notice from the DoD that their proposal will not be funded due to lack of market and commercialization data. When considering re-submission they mentioned, "I guess we’ll just make something up." Don’t make it up, do your research.
Finding market and commercial data is research just like any other. Dig, dig, dig and keep digging. The internet is a good place to start, the library is also valuable. Ask us, ask a colleague, ask a sales rep. What questions should you ask?
- What is the market size? –
For your particular product, not the entire industry!
- What is your per unit manufacturing cost? (ballpark figure)
- What is your competitors sales price per unit? (How will you compete?)
And what is their share of the above market?
In addition you will need to profile a potential customer and explain your finance strategy (other than SBIR/STTR funds) needed to bring the product to market.
It’s not as daunting as it sounds. You just need to do a little research … which is what your good at, right?
Today, NASA released Phase I SBIR and STTR topics in their 2008 solicitation. Proposals will be due on September 4th. For complete details, please read the solicitation, but here are a list of topic catagories (specific topics are listed under each):
SBIR:
STTR:
TOPIC T1 Information Technologies for System Health Management and the Study of Space Radiation Environments and Associated Health Risks
TOPIC T2 Atmospheric Flight Research of Advanced Technologies and Vehicle Concepts
TOPIC T3 Technologies for Space Exploration
TOPIC T4 Innovative Sensors, Detectors and Instruments for Science Applications
TOPIC T5 Modeling and Simulation
TOPIC T6 Innovative Technologies and Approaches for Space
TOPIC T7 Launch Site Technologies
TOPIC T8 Research for Improving Heat Conversion Efficiency
TOPIC T9 Technologies for Human and Robotic Space Exploration Propulsion Design and Manufacturing
TOPIC T10 Rocket Propulsion Testing Systems