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