In an effort to to provide more timely and transparent peer review, the NIH has been implementing many changes to both the review process as well the proposal structure. Previously, a new scoring system was put in place. The 5 point system was replaced by a 9 point system, and reviewers are now required to provide a numerical score for each of 5 categories. These scores are presented to the applicant on the review statement, along with comments, providing a more transparent view of the review process.
The latest change is a restructured research proposal with shorter page limits. The proposal structure will now be more aligned with the review criteria, and the shortened page limit will, ideally, allow the reviewers more time with each proposal. The changes are as follows:
- Specific Aims section is now limited to 1 page only.
- Three sections of the Research Plan (Background & Significance, Preliminary Studies, and Research Design & Methods) are now combined into 1 section, Research Strategy, with 3 sub-sections, Significance, Innovation and Approach. Preliminary Studies and Progress Reports must be discussed under Approach.
This section is limited to 6 pages for Phase I and 12 pages for Phase II.
- The Commercialization Plan has been limited to 12 pages.
In addition, the Facilities section must now explain how the scientific environment will contribute to the probability of success for the proposed project. Lastly, a Personal Statement has been added to Biographical Sketch section.
Changes are effective for ALL proposals submitted after January 25, 2010
Practically, how does this effect your application and chances for success? If you are clear as to the commercial aspect of your technology, and can articulate that, as you would to any investor, it will actually make your work much simpler. If however, you are are still determining how to apply your science to the commercial market, you are in for a challenge. No longer can you use the Background section to talk about the scientific basis of your discovery. You must spend the majority of the proposal discussing it’s Significance and Innovation as it applies to the marketplace.
Changes to the Facilities section are in an attempt to ensure that applicants actually have appropriate commercial space in which to perform the work. These grants are not to fund academic endeavors.
For new applicants, such as post-docs or former graduate students, that want to experiment in the world of start-ups, the Personal Statement section provides as specific section is which to address their strengths such as inventor status.
As always, if you would like to discuss these changes, or your application, feel free to contact our office.
The Department of Education (DOEd) released two solicitations for 2010 SBIR. One is a Phase I solicitation and the other is a FastTrack solicitation.
The Phase I solicitation, RFP Number: ED-IES-10-R-0009, and the Fast-Track, RFP Number: ED-IES-10-R-0008 (which is actually a combined Phase I and Phase II solicitation) have two main priority topics:
- Education Technology Products for Students
- Education Technology Products for Teachers
Phase I Award: not to exceed $100,000
Phase II Award: not to exceed $750,000
The purpose of the Fast-Track solicitation is to eliminate the gap in time and funding between a Phase I and a Phase II award. NOTE: In order to apply for Fast-Track funding, offerors must submit both 1) a full Phase I proposal and 2) a Fast-Track proposal. Fast-Track proposals that are submitted without a Phase I proposal will not be evaluated.
The Solicitation will close at 11:00 AM on January 11th. This is a paper submission, so be sure to allow time for mail/Fed-X delivery. While the delivery method is paper, companies must still be electronically registered in CCR and ORCA prior to submitting a proposal.
The Department of Defense pre-released its 2010.1 SBIR Topics this morning. The solicitation will be open to proposal submission from December 10, 2009 at 6AM ET through January 13, 2010 6AM ET.
You may directly contact the Topic Manger (listed with the topic) to ask technical questions/clarification prior to December 10th. After this date, your questions and the responding answers will be made public on the website. The DOD is looking for specific solutions to their specific problems A clear understanding of the full problem, mission of the unit needing the solution, and the role of any prime contractors already involved in the solution can be critical information necessary for an effective proposal. Be sure to take advantage of this time to ask questions while you have a competitive advantage.
The DOD components with topics in this solicitation are:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- CBD
- DARPA
- DARTA
- SOCOM
Each component has its own set of instructions, so be sure to read the DOD’s the full solicitation and the component’s specific instructions.
The DOD has its own DOD SBIR search engine to search for topics specifically in this solicitation. All proposals will be submitted through the DODSBIR.net system.
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, pre-issued its 2010.1 SBIR Solicitation. The full solicitation will be released on November 18th and the agency will accept proposals until 4:30 PM on January 4th. Phase I Awards are up to $100,000.
Topic titles for this solicitation are:
- H-SB010.1-001 Rechargeable, High Efficient, High Capacity Energy Storage
- H-SB010.1-002 Rare Variant Detection Using Next Generation Sequencing Technology
- H-SB010.1-003 Precision Information Environments
- H-SB010.1-004 Molecular Recognition for Explosives Detection
- H-SB010.1-005 Synthetic Biometrics
- H-SB010.1-006 GPS Resolution in Denied Location (GRIDLOC)
For full topic descriptions and the contact information of the Technical Points of Contact (TPOC) for each topic, please read the full solicitation. Proposers are encouraged to contact the TPOC before November 17th to ask technical questions not clearly stated in the topic description (proposers may not ask for advice or guidance on its solution approach, nor submit additional material). No direct contact may be made with the TPOC after this date.
Proposals will be submitted through the DHS’ secure portal; be sure to register early.
Have you checked out the SBIR/STTR Help Documents located under the “RESOURCES” tab of this ATDC site? Maybe you’ve heard about SBIR/STTR in passing, but you still are not exactly sure what these programs are or who qualifies. Maybe you think you qualify, but you can’t remember all the details of the programs. Your first step should be to review the documents on this Resource page. Some documents will give you general overview SBIR/STTR information, others list samples, participating agencies, and proposal preparation guidance.
This information might help you decide if these highly-competitive federal programs are right for your company. IF after reviewing, you think your company qualifies, and you are interested in learning more, meet with one of the ATDC Startup Catalysts specializing in SBIR/STTR during their Office Hours for further discussion:
Connie Ruffner
John Mills
Julie Collins
NOTE: We will be adding more documents/help in the future, so check back for new additions.
Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has pre-released its list of 2010 SBIR Topics. There are 42 research topics that include subjects like Cryocoolers, RFID-Integrated Sensors, Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes, 3-D Imaging Ssensors, and Barrier Fabrics for Fire Safety.
Full Solicitation will be released on November 2nd, but a list of 42 intended topics is available now. Proposals will be due on January 22nd and Phase I Awards will have a maximum value of $90,000.
The Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (DOC-NOAA) released details of its FY 2010 Program Solicitation. Budgets may not exceed $95,000 or six months for Phase I research. NOAA anticipates making 10 Phase I awards. Physical deliver of the proposals must be made before 4:00 PM on January 14th. Topics fall within the following broad categories–see the full solicitation for details:
- Ecosystems
- Climate
- Weather and Water
- Commerce and Transportation
Four seasoned SBIR/STTR recipients will relay their experiences in obtaining SBIR/STTR funding. On October 21st, the ATDC Brown Bag Panel Discussion will allow you to glean from their knowledge.
Hearing about the SBIR or STTR award process is one thing, but hearing from someone who actually went through the process (and was successful), is even more beneficial. SBIR/STTR Awards can provide your company with up to $850K to conduct research. Why not learn how others have done it and reap valuable knowledge from their experiences? Come hear them relay how they did it, problems they had, and things they wish they had known. Don’t forget to bring your questions too!
Panelists:
- Karol Hatzilias is the President, ShapeStart Measurement Systems, Inc. Phase 1 and 2 SBIR grant from the Navy.
- Nikil Jayant is a Chaired Professor in the School of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Georgia Tech, a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar, and Co-Founder of VQLink. Phase 1 and 2 SBIR grants from NSF.
- Ron Garmon is CEO of VueLogic. VuLogic has received Phase 1 and 2 NSF SBIR funding.
- Thanh Doan is Vice President of Operations at Vivonetics. SBIR and STTR awards from NIH.
Please note: This is a FREE event (for ATDC Members only), therefore it is a TRUE Brown Bag – meaning, bring your own lunch. If you forget to pack one before you walk out of the house, there are plenty of great restaurants in Tech Square to patron just before you enter this program.
Not an ATDC member? Join now!
Today, the Department of Transportation released its FY10 SBIR Program Solicitation. Proposals will be due by November 16th with a budget not exceeding $100,000. Details and proposal instructions can be found in the solicitation. Topics fall within the following areas:
- FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
- FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION
- FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION
- FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION
- NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
- PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
SBIR and STTR awards are sometimes described as “free government money”. People hear this and immediately start lining up with their hands out. Not so fast. Just because the money doesn’t have to be repaid (like a loan), it doesn’t mean that it is automatically given to every person who wants it. Before you too jump in line with your hand out, make sure you qualify—no need to spend a lot of time, only to find out down the road that you are ineligible.
First, SBIR and STTR awards are for businesses—not individuals. Even then, they are not appropriate for every business. The awards are intended for serious, risky research with a high potential for commercial success—meaning, customers will actually pay you money for your innovative, end-product. Obtaining an award is a competitive process—make sure you CAN submit before you spend time preparing a proposal. So what are these qualifications? Well, here is a list of the minimum qualifications—specific agencies might have additional qualifications or expectations:
- Business is set up For-Profit
- No more than 500 employees in the business (including all affiliated entities)
- Satisfy ownership issues of the business:
- Business must at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Resident Aliens
OR
- Business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by another small business that satisfies the above “a” requirement
- Business and proposed research location must be in the U.S.
- The Principal Investigator (PI) must be credentialed (education and experience) in the area of research that the business is proposing—must demonstrate on paper that he/she can lead a formal research study
- The PI must be employed fulltime (usually at least 51%) by the company (NOTE: sometimes for STTR, the PI can be employed by the company OR the partnering Research Institute)
- The proposed research must address a specified agency topic or area of research interest outlined by the soliciting agency—unsolicited proposals are NOT accepted.
Those are the minimum qualifications. If you DO qualify and you DO have an innovative idea that can realistically advance the mission of an agency, then submitting a proposal might be appropriate for your company. Talk to one of the ATDC Startup Catalysts specializing in SBIR (Connie Ruffner, Julie Collins, or John Mills) for more details.