SBIR/STTR Seed Funding News for Virginia's
Small Business Research Community
Featured Upcoming Training Includes:
  • DOD SBIR Proposal Planning & Prep, Sept. 9, 9AM-Noon
  • DOD SBIR/STTR "Tips before you Submit" Webinar, Sept. 30, 10:30AM-Noon
  • NSF SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Virtual Classroom, Oct. 13, 8:30AM-2PM
DOD SBIR/STTR Proposal Planning & Prep WEBINAR
Sept. 9, 2021 -- 9AM-Noon
The Department of Defense and its participating components award over $1.7B annually in SBIR/STTR funding.  This three-hour webinar recording presents proposal preparation tips for those targeting a DOD SBIR/STTR submission.  
Topics covered include:  
  • Proposal Basics -- What is a proposal, how proposals are scored (not read), and how to write to the DOD SBIR/STTR evaluator; 
  • How to Make a Bid/No Bid Decision -- evaluating the DOD topic requirements, determining if a topic “wired”, understanding potential competition, resources needed to submit; 
  • Pre-Solicitation ideas for “next time” -- tips on getting a topic idea inserted into future opportunities; 
  • Passed the ROI test and ready to bid -- The true cost of bidding, bid prep tips, developing an elevator pitch, project plans, and commercialization strategy; 
  • Preparing the Proposal -- Following directions, understanding the topic description, understanding the agencies objectives, what goes into the proposal (from outline to specific content).  This event is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Presented by Randy Simpson, TechOpp Consulting
Cost:
  • Virginia based companies & Virginia University: $25
  • All Others:  $75 per person
Duration: 3 hours

REGISTER HERE
Dept. of Defense SBIR/STTR "Tips Before you Submit" WEBINAR
September 30, 2021 -- 10:30AM-Noon
This special 1.5 hour webinar is designed to help those who are planning a submission an upcoming Dept. of Defense SBIR/STTR deadline. The next DOD SBIR & STTR BAA's open on Aug. 25, will begin accepting proposals on Sept. 21, and closes Oct. 21. This session will briefly cover the key elements of a DOD SBIR/STTR that make the proposal most competitive, followed by plenty of time for Q&A with the instructor!
This session is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Instructors: TechOpp Consulting
COST: 
  • Free for Virginia based small tech firms
  • $35 for all others

REGISTER HERE
JUST ANNOUNCED!
National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep WEBINAR
October 13, 2021 -- 8:30AM-2PM
This live, interactive session provides viewers an overview of the National Science Foundation's (NSF) SBIR/STTR grant programs and provides a section by section description on writing an NSF SBIR/STTR proposal. The NSF awards over $200M annually in SBIR/STTR to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. With an NSF SBIR or STTR, YOU write the topic that you want funding for! Ideal for anyone considering an NSF SBIR/STTR submission in the next 6 months. This event is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Presented by: BBC ETC.
TIME: 8:30AM-2:00PM
COST: Virginia based companies/Va. University $25; All Others $75
REGISTER HERE
Overview of CIT's SBIR Support & Seed Investment Fund Programs
RECORDING
This one hour session presents an overview of how the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) supports Virginia based companies in their efforts to learn about and apply for SBIR/STTR funding, and how the CIT GAP Seed Fund invests in early stage, high growth potential Virginia based tech companies (including many SBIR/STTR awardees in Virginia). 
Presenters: 
  • Robert Brooke, Dir. Federal Funding Program, CIT
  • Alex Euler, Investment Director, CIT GAP Funds
Find out how CIT can support your Virginia based technology company!
COST: FREE
REGISTER HERE
AGENCY UPDATES & Training
An Insiders Scoop on Running a Compliant and High Performing GovCon Business
Sept. 24, 1-2:30PM Eastern
This panel presentation presents some of the challenges and solutions regarding the most critical problems facing government contractors, including operating in an LPTA environment, GovCon compliance requirements (DCAA, Security, ISO), and category management requirements. The discussion also includes a short discussion of the federal SBIR program, and how some of the above issues are relevant to both small and growing contractors. The panel will discuss a case study from a HUBZone company and SBIR recipient, and offer discussion on solutions to these common issues.

GovCon Web Series
AtWork Systems is delivering a series of highly interactive webinars designed to provide in depth guidance on some of the core building blocks for government contractors. This low cost six part web series presents key foundational GovCon content in a very interactive format, using Kahoot and Zoom breakouts to create an interactive experience and collaboration with fellow attendees. Join us for an enjoyable and informative learning experience.
Each session is just $49.99, and run from 10:30AM-Noon Eastern – attend all or just the ones you feel are important to you. Sessions include:
  • Oct. 6 -- The RFP: To Bid or No-Bid
  • Oct. 13 -- The RFP: Contract Types and the Associated Risk
  • Oct. 20 -- Managing Contracts, Part 1
  • Oct. 21 -- Managing Contracts, Part 2
  • Oct. 27 -- Project Cost Accounting
  • Oct. 28 -- Understanding Indirect Rates
REGISTER HERE

NSF SBIR/STTR Q&A Intro
September 9, 2-3PM
The National Science Foundation (NSF) invites you to attend a virtual question and answer session, "Intro to America's Seed Fund at NSF" on Thursday, September 9, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET. In this session, a Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program Director will answer questions about how to get started, the basics of eligibility, and what we look for when we review Project Pitches. You may have attended or registered for a similar session in the past, but we want to give you every opportunity to have your questions answered​​​​​. For info and registration, visit https://seedfund.nsf.gov/events/.

NIH SBIR Contracts Opportunity Now Open
The annual NIH SBIR Contracting Solicitation is now open and will close on Oct. 28, 2021 at 5PM Eastern Daylight Time. This solicitation contains opportunities to submit a proposal under a variety of different Topics (39 topic areas listed). Some Topics allow for only a Phase I proposal to be submitted at this time. Some Topics allow for only a Phase II proposal to be submitted, through the ‘Direct to Phase II’ process. Some Topics allow for ‘Fast Track’ proposals, which include both a Phase I proposal and a Phase II proposal. For more information, visit the solicitation announcement here: https://sbir.nih.gov/sites/default/files/Contracts-Solicitation-PHS-2022-1.pdf

NIH SBIR Application Assistance Program – Free Support for Applicants
On Monday, August 30, 2021, the Applicant Assistance Program (AAP) began accepting applications from aspiring Phase I SBIR/STTR applicants. Program eligibility is limited to small businesses who have not previously won an SBIR or STTR award from the NIH. Applications must fit within the mission of one of the ten participating Institutes to receive consideration. This program provides small businesses with expert guidance that will help them build a strong Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application. To be considered for the program, fill out the simple application form on the AAP Application Portal and submit by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.  Before you apply, you are encouraged to view a recording of an information webinar recently presented. https://sbir.cancer.gov/programseducation/ . The participating Institutes are: National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).


NASA SBIR/STTR Infusion and Commercialization, Part 1 RECORDING
Recording of the 8/19/2021 NASA SBIR/STTR Infusion & Commercialization – Part 1 webinar. Through a short presentation and question & answer session with NASA experts, attendees learned about some of the different resources provided by the program to support infusion into a NASA mission and/or commercialization in the marketplace. Topics covered included how to prepare for Phase II, the Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) program, commercialization plan requirements, success stories, and more. View RECORDING HERE: http://click.reisystems.com/click/ejkw-2fus5a-fs49tv-9yyfikh9/

DHS SBIR Overview Webinar RECORDING
DHS SBIR Director Dusty Lang provided insight into how small business can participate in the Dept. of Homeland Securities program and how technologies developed through SBIR can support DHS component technology needs. We also spoke with Dr. Jenny Servo, founder and CEO of Dawnbreaker, who is contracted by the DHS SBIR office to manage their Commercialization Assistance Marketplace (CAM) program. Dr. Servo discussed how that program helps the commercialization efforts of small businesses to get their technology into the marketplace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgk_LL3oo2U

DHS S&T Building Partnerships Through Innovation and Collaboration WEBINAR
Sept. 7, 2-3PM Eastern
This webinar focuses on the unique programs and opportunities S&T uses to collaborate and form strategic partnerships with a broad network of other government agencies, industry, foreign partners, and academia. Register now and hear from the Directors of S&T’s Office of Innovation & CollaborationOffice of SAFETY Act ImplementationOffice of University Programs, and Office of Industry Partnerships about how S&T collaborates with the private sector to access innovative security solutions. For info and registration visit https://sri-csl.regfox.com/dhs-st-insights-outreach-september-7
View past sessions and see future session dates here: https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/dhs-st-insights-outreach
 
Plan now for Future AFWERX Open Topic
AFWERX did not issue Open Topics in the 21.3/21.C cycle released on August 25. The next Open Topics is in the 22.1/22.A cycle, planned to release topics on November 23 with proposals due February 10, 2022. The process for the Air Force traditional topics for 21.3/21.C cycle is still to be determined. Now is a good time to build relationships with end users as you develop your submission for the next Open Topics round. Helpful webinars about various AFWERX AFVentures is available here: https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/Events/AFVentures-Weekly-Webinar-Series/

NSF Partnerships for Innovation Info Webinar
Sept. 9, 3-5PM
Are you interested in developing your NSF-funded research into a proof-of-concept or prototype? If you have received a National Science Foundation (NSF) research grant or participated in the NSF’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, you may be eligible to apply for an NSF Partnerships for Innovation (PFI) grant. A virtual question and answer session will be held on Thursday, September 9, from 3:00 p.m. –  5:00 p.m. ET, to learn about the PFI program and the PFI Solicitation https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2019/nsf19506/nsf19506.htm (NSF 19-506). During the webinar, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the PFI program and what to expect for the submission deadline. You may have attended or registered for a similar webinar in the past, but we want to give you every opportunity to have your questions answered. PFI grants offer researchers the opportunity to transform new knowledge into societal benefits through translational research and technology development efforts, which catalyze partnerships to accelerate innovations that address significant societal needs. The program description and a synopsis of the PFI program are also available on here: https://www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/pfi/index.jsp

AFVentures Weekly Webinar Series
AFVentures is hosting weekly webinars, every Thursday at noon EST/EDT, to educate, inform and answer any questions you may have about the AFVentures Open Topic process. Tune in each week to learn more and ask your questions. More info: https://www.afsbirsttr.af.mil/Events/AFVentures-Weekly-Webinar-Series/

USDA FY22 Phase I SBIR Release -- NOW OPEN
Topics opened Aug. 17, Closes Oct. 23, 2021. Note that the RFA only includes the new topics and other updates in the 2021 solicitation with the remaining info available in the prior 2020 solicitation.

Dept. of Energy SBIR/STTR FY22 Phase 1 Release -- NOW OPEN
Topics released on July 21, 2021
Letter of Intent Deadline Aug. 30, 2021
Closes October 12, 2021
Application assistance webinars will be announced on mailing list (sign up at https://science.osti.gov/sbir )
View TOPICS and recorded Topic Webinars
ASK-Us Application Q&A Webinar Series

The Rapid Innovation Fund – Is there a Future?
While seen as an extremely successful program on many levels, after a 9 year run, funding for Rapid Innovation Fund isn’t in either of the FY22 House Appropriations Committee bills. A great article discusses the program’s success – if you’d like to get this funded, contact your elected officials to request that funding is reinstated! Read More: https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2020/5/5/bring-back-the-rapid-innovation-fund 
The program is bearing a lot of fruit (see the “Assessment of RIF Effectiveness” at https://www.dodrif.us/).  

SBIR/STTR Schedules
Current DOD SBIR/STTR BAA's Opened Aug. 25 in PRE-SOLICITATION, OPENS Sept. 23, CLOSES Oct. 22, 2021.
 
Closing Dates: Jan. 5 (2022), April 5 (2022), Sept. 5 (2022)

Closes Oct. 28, 2021

Closed January 13, 2021

Current quarterly window for submission closes Dec. 2, 2021
REMINDER: Must submit online Project Pitch to receive approval to submit full proposal.

Closed Jan. 8, 2021

Dept. of Energy SBIR/STTR -- View 1 hour Info Webinar HERE
Opened July 12, 2021, Closes Oct. 12

Closed Jan. 21, 2021

CLOSED 1/15/2021

Closed March 8, 2021

Closed April 5, 2021

Opened Aug. 17, Closes Oct. 22, 2021

Closed August 3, 2021.   
CIT Supports Virginia's SBIR/STTR Community
CIT's Federal Funding Assistance Programs supports the outreach, mentoring and training of the SBIR and STTR programs for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Support includes:
  • Low Cost SBIR/STTR Training at locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia;
  • Special Webinar training (live and recorded);
  • Mentoring services;
  • Consultant referrals;
  • Small grants to support hiring of expert consultants;
  • Introductions to CIT's GAP and CCF programs;
  • Matching Grants (Via the CCF program)
  • VIEW OVER 30 RECORDED SBIR WEBINARS HERE

Contact: 
Robert Brooke
Director, Federal Funding Assistance Program
Center for Innovative Technology
703-689-3080
Center for Innovative Technology | [email protected] | 703-689-3000 | Website