MICHIGAN EDITION - June 2018  top                                                        Follow us on Twitter  View our profile on LinkedIn  View our videos on YouTube  Visit our blog
Important SAM Registration Update
Last March, the System for Award Management (SAM) began requiring entities renewing or updating their registrations to submit an original, signed notarized letter confirming the authorized Entity Administrator associated with the DUNS number before the registration was activated. The step was taken to address alleged fraudulent activity. That policy has now changed.

Effective immediately, entities that only apply for federal assistance grants (including SBIR/STTR), loans, etc. no longer need to have an approved notarized letter on file before their registration is activated. They must still mail the original signed copy of the notarized letter to the Federal Service Desk (FSD) within 30 days of activation. Failure to do so may result in the registration no longer being active. In addition... Read on
 
You've Won the Award. Now Stay Compliant
Yea! Your company received your grant award. Now, be aware of grant compliance requirements:
  1. Accounting system that separates cost types (direct, indirect and unallowable) and grants/ other projects
  2. Financial policies and procedures - internal controls (travel, employee policies)
  3. Timekeeping system - completed by employee and approved by supervisor
  4. File reports required - FFR reports file quarterly -Interim progress report - Final technical report - Invention Disclosure 
  5. Other requirements - supporting documentation such as actual vs budget tracking, agreements, etc.

Contact BBCetc to advise and assist on setting up compliant grant management. View grant management services
 

Submission Changes at NSF
The National Science Foundation reports that proposers can now prepare and submit full, research non-collaborative proposals in the Research.gov Proposal Preparation and Submission Site. The initial release of this new Research.gov capability is running in parallel with existing proposal preparation and submission capabilities in FastLane. As a result, proposers can choose to prepare and submit full, research non-collaborative proposals in Research.gov or in FastLane. 

The new system is being developed incrementally and, as more FastLane features become available in Research.gov, the system features will expand until it replaces FastLane for proposal preparation and submission. A specific date for completion of this transition process has not yet been determined. Read on

NIH Announces SBIR/STTR Administrative Supplement to Promote Diversity
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced funding for administrative supplements for active SBIR/STTR awardees to improve the diversity of the research workforce. These supplements will allow for the recruitment and compensation of students, post-doctorates, and eligible investigators from groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related research or in the SBIR/STTR program.

What is an administrative supplement?
It is a noncompeting award (evaluated by NIH staff, not peer review) that provides additional funding to a currently funded grant to meet increased costs that are within the scope of the approved project, but that were unforeseen when the new or competing renewal application was awarded.

Companies currently holding SBIR/STTR Phase I, Phase II, and Fast-Track grants from participating institutes and centers (see link), are eligible to apply for the supplement. It is also available to PD(s)/PI(s) of research grants who are or become disabled and need additional support to accommodate their disability and continue to work on the research project. Administrative supplements must support work within the scope of the original project. View the FOA

From NIH Extramural Nexus
... Ever wonder what happens when a program director/principal investigator (PD/PI) is no longer available to serve on an NIH grant? NIH recently issued a Guide Notice ( NOT-OD-18-172) to remind the community about the NIH's prior approval policy requirements when an institution seeks to change the status of a PI or other senior/key personnel as designated in the Notice of Award. The Notice also helps clarify the situations in which NIH's prior approval is required. Read the article

More Funding Opportunities
BARDA (the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) is soliciting proposals for advanced research and development of medical countermeasures (MCM) for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases that threaten the U.S. civilian population. A Quad Chart and White Paper may be submitted on any day during the open period of the BAA. Submission deadlines are July and October 31, 2018, and January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31, 2019. Learn more

DOD Air Force Office of Scientific Research 
Funding Opportunity:  FA9550-18-S-0003
Title: Research Interests of the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Synopsis 1
FY18 funding opportunities for the Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP) and the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) managed by the office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). Posted until superseded.

CDMRP  ( Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs).  Opportunities are available in the following programs: 
  • Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program
  • Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program (PH/TBIRP) Joint DOD and Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program (PH/TBIRP) Complex TBI Rehabilitation Research (CTRR)
  • Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP). 
Descriptions of the funding opportunities, eligibility, key mechanism elements, and funding can be found in the respective program pre-announcement

EDA Regional Innovation Strategies Program - i6 and Seed Fund Support
$21M in funding is available for organizations supporting innovation and entrepreneurship through business acceleration and incubation, and the formation, launch, and growth of early stage seed funds through angel groups, venture funds, etc.  View program page

BBCetc is nationally recognized for its expertise in helping technology-based entrepreneurs win federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and use it strategically to propel growth.  Its Michigan clients have been awarded over $213 million in funding since 2002. BBCetc capabilities include:
  • Commercialization planning
  • Research grant assistance
  • SBIR/STTR training and proposal development assistance
  • Grants/contracts management
  • Tech-based economic development programs

Contact us: 

info@bbcetc.com 
734.930.9741

Copyright © 2017 BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting LLC
  training on tap
Think Your Company is Too Big for SBIR? Think Again.
July 10 - Ann Arbor SPARK

SBIR Proposal Prep for USDA
July 18 - MSU Spartan Innovation Ctr., E. Lansing

Formatting and Readability Tips for SBIR/STTR Proposals
Aug 8 - Ann Arbor Spark

Check out our
new recorded webinar:

BBCetc's Pursuit Library of recorded webinars is FREE to Michigan companies
(Use code: "Michigan")

  solicitations
HHS-NIH/CDC/FDA/ACF Omnibus:
Standard close dates: Apr. 5, Sept. 5 & Jan. 5

Close July 10 (new date)

Closes July 31

  ndaa news
2018 Changes for DOD SBIR/STTR
Each year, Congress votes on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the coming fiscal year. The NDAA is the name for each of a series of U.S. federal laws specifying the annual budget and expenditures of the Dept. of Defense. 

This year's NDAA includes significant benefits for the SBIR/STTR community that are important for small businesses to be aware of, including streamlined acquisition without competition. NDAA has provided an infographic with a timeline of NDAA actions since 2016 which illustrates how the FY2018 changes aim to deliver technology solutions to the warfighter as expeditiously as possible.
  save the dates
Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition
November 13  in Detroit
Company registration opens July 15. More information  
Sponsorships

2018 DOD SBIR/STTR Beyond Phase II and Mentor Protégé Training Week 
Orlando, FL
August 14-16
This event is designed to strengthen the DOD's commitment to small business and features joint plenary sessions, a technology showcase, technology matchmaking sessions between company reps and acquisition professionals, prime contractors, and/or large businesses, and more.

Attendees include industry partners, academia, subject matter experts, small business specialists, contracting personnel, and DOD program managers. Sign up to receive event updates here.

  mi resources
  
    
  our sponsors
Funds for the Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program were provided by the 21st Century Jobs Fund, a MSF program designed to accelerate the growth and diversification of Michigan's economy. The MEDC markets Michigan and provides the tools and environment to drive job creation and investment. For more information on the 21st Century Jobs Fund initiative, visit  michiganbusiness.org.