A strong team is one of the most critical components of a successful SBIR/STTR application. Funding agencies evaluate not only the technical merit of your project but also your team’s capacity to execute the proposed research and bring the innovation to market. Assembling a team with the right blend of expertise, leadership, and collaborative partnerships can significantly strengthen your proposal.
Why Team Structure Matters
Your team’s composition demonstrates to reviewers that your business is equipped to manage complex research and development (R&D) efforts and achieve commercialization. A well-rounded team provides confidence in your ability to meet milestones, manage resources, and address challenges as they arise.
Despite our warnings and advice, some startups still insist on naming no employees for their SBIR/STTR project except the PI and possibly one co-investigator. They anticipate the remainder of the roles will be TBA or outsourced to a consultant. These team structures earn positive reviews from the review panel 0% of the time.
Key Roles in a Competitive SBIR/STTR Team
1. Principal Investigator (PI)
The PI is responsible for the overall technical direction of the project. This role is typically required to be a full-time employee of the small business (for SBIR) or the partnering research institution (for STTR).
- Responsibilities:
- Overseeing research activities and technical execution.
- Ensuring compliance with timelines and milestones.
- Reporting progress to the funding agency.
- Key Qualifications: Strong scientific or technical expertise in the project’s research area, experience in leading R&D initiatives, and familiarity with federal grant requirements.
2. Business Lead
The business lead focuses on the commercialization plan and market strategy.
- Responsibilities:
- Developing the go-to-market strategy.
- Identifying target markets and customer segments.
- Managing stakeholder relationships and partnerships.
- Key Qualifications: Experience in business development, market research, and commercialization strategy.
3. Technical Team Members
Technical team members support the PI by conducting research, running experiments, and collecting data.
- Responsibilities:
- Executing specific research tasks.
- Documenting results and contributing to technical reports.
- Addressing technical challenges and refining methodologies.
- Key Qualifications: Backgrounds in relevant scientific or engineering disciplines, experience with research tools and methodologies, and problem-solving skills.
4. Compliance and Administrative Support
Managing an SBIR/STTR project involves significant documentation and regulatory compliance.
- Responsibilities:
- Ensuring timely submission of reports and deliverables.
- Managing budgets and financial reporting.
- Handling registrations and submissions through portals like SAM.gov and Grants.gov.
- Key Qualifications: Familiarity with federal grant management systems and attention to detail.
5. Collaborators and External Partners
For STTR applications, partnerships with research institutions are required, but SBIR applicants can also benefit from forming strategic collaborations.
- Responsibilities:
- Providing specialized expertise, facilities, or equipment.
- Contributing to specific research objectives.
- Strengthening the proposal through additional resources and validation.
- Key Qualifications: Strong track record in collaborative projects and access to research infrastructure.
Key Considerations When Building Your Team
1. Addressing Gaps in Expertise
If your team lacks expertise in certain areas, such as market analysis or regulatory compliance, consider adding external consultants or advisors to fill those gaps.
2. Balancing Research and Business Functions
A successful proposal requires both technical depth and a strong commercialization plan. Ensure that your team includes members who can address both aspects effectively.
3. Highlighting Relevant Experience
Include team members who have demonstrated success in leading R&D projects, securing grants, or launching products. Highlighting their past achievements builds reviewer confidence.
4. Demonstrating Collaboration
Show that your team has a history of working together or has formed partnerships to strengthen the project. Collaborative projects with universities, research labs, or industry partners add credibility and expand your resources.
Strengthening Your Application with Supporting Roles
In addition to core team members, consider adding advisory board members or mentors who can provide guidance and strengthen your proposal’s credibility. While these individuals may not be involved in day-to-day operations, their expertise can demonstrate that your project benefits from industry or academic insights.
Conclusion
A well-structured team is a key component of a competitive SBIR/STTR application. By assembling a team with the right mix of technical, business, and administrative expertise—and showcasing collaboration—you can strengthen your proposal and demonstrate your capacity to deliver results.
At E.B. Howard Consulting, we collaborate with startups to identify team strengths and address gaps, ensuring that proposals highlight the expertise and leadership needed for funding success. If you’re preparing your SBIR/STTR application and want to showcase a winning team, contact us today. Let’s work together to build a proposal that stands out.
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