Changes to NSF SBIR/STTR PPAG

  • December 5, 2022

NSF SBIR/STTR for 2023 is out. There are several changes between the 2022 solicitation and the 2023 solicitation.

The most notable change is that research.gov has replaced the Fastlane upload portal for all applicants. Video tutorials and written explanations are available on the website.

In addition, two forms that were once fillable PDFs must now be submitted via the SciENcv platform and language has been updated regarding disclosure about unfunded collaborators.

Additional changes include

  • Biographical Sketch(es), has been revised to increase standardization with the Common Disclosure Form for the Biographical Sketch developed in compliance with NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance. NSF has made every effort to mirror the Common Form. Due to timing disparities between the issuance of the Common Form and the PAPPG, however, it is possible that variances may occur. This section also has been revised to require the use of SciENcv for the preparation of this document, effective in October 2023.
  • Current and Pending (Other) Support, has been revised to increase standardization with the Common Form for Current and Pending (Other) Support that has been developed in compliance with NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance. NSF has made every effort to mirror the Common Form. Due to timing disparities between the issuance of the Common Form and the PAPPG, however, it is possible that variances may occur. This section also has been revised to require the use of SciENcv for the preparation of this document effective in October 2023. Also, in accordance with NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance, NSF program officers will request updated Current and Pending (Other) Support prior to making a funding recommendation.
  • Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources: Any substantial collaboration with individuals not included in the budget should be described in the Facilities, Equipment, and Other Resources section of the proposal (see Chapter II.C.2.i) and documented in a letter of collaboration from each collaborator. Such letters should be provided in the supplementary documentation section of FastLane or Research.gov and follow the format instructions specified in Chapter II.C.2.j. Collaborative activities that are identified in the budget should follow the instructions in Chapter II.D.3.
  • Research.gov: NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II solicitations will no longer be accepting proposals submitted through Fastlane. All proposals submitted to this solicitation must be through Research.gov. More details can be found at https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/full-proposal/.
  • Research.gov and URLs: As part of the transition of proposal submissions to Research.gov, the incorporation of URLs or websites within the NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I proposal’s Project Description will not be accepted.
  • The Dun & Bradstreet-issued Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number will no longer be used by NSF systems. Proposers will need to use the new SAM.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI) as the primary means of entity identification for NSF proposal submission.
  • In compliance with the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, Section 10636 (Person or entity of concern prohibition) (42 U.S.C. 19235): No person published on the list under section 1237(b) of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 1999 (Public Law 105 261; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) or entity identified under section 1260h of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for the Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116 283) may receive or participate in any grant, award, program, support, or other activity under the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships.


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