If you are thinking about applying for an NIH, CDC, and FDA for SBIR/STTR funding there are a few things you need to be aware of before you apply. In this post, we will focus on key dates, eligibility, and required registrations.
1. Key Dates
NIH, CDC, or FDA for SBIR/STTR are accepted annually. Applying is easier than some other organizations because NIH, CDC, or FDA solicitations offer 3 rounds of application deadlines instead of just one. The annual application deadlines for NIH, CDC, or FDA SBIR/STTR funding are noted in the image below and can be found HERE
2. Eligibility
To receive an SBIR or STTR award, the awardee must qualify as a Small Business Concern (SBC) as defined by SBA regulations at 13 C.F.R. §§ 701-705. The eligibility requirements for the SBIR/STTR programs are unique and do not correspond to those of other small business programs. To see more detail on eligibility please visit https://www.sbir.gov/sites/default/files/elig_size_compliance_guide.pdf
3. Required Registrations
- Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) – All registrations require that applicants be issued a DUNS number. After obtaining a DUNS number, applicants can begin both SAM, SBA Company registry, and eRA Commons registrations. The same DUNS number must be used for all registrations, as well as on the grant application.
- System for Award Management (SAM) – Applicants must complete and maintain an active registration, which requires renewal at least annually. The renewal process may require as much time as the initial registration. SAM registration includes the assignment of a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code for domestic organizations which have not already been assigned a CAGE Code.
- SBA Company Registry –See Section IV. Application and Submission Information, “SF424(R&R) Other Project Information Component” for instructions on how to register and how to attach proof of registration to your application package. Applicants must have a DUNS number to complete this registration. SBA Company registration is NOT required before SAM, Grants.gov or eRA Commons registration.
- eRA Commons – Applicants must have an active DUNS number to register in eRA Commons. Organizations can register with the eRA Commons as they are working through their SAM or Grants.gov registration, but all registrations must be in place by the time of submission. eRA Commons requires organizations to identify at least one Signing Official (SO) and at least one Program Director/Principal Investigator (PD/PI) account in order to submit an application.
- Grants.gov – Applicants must have an active DUNS number and SAM registration in order to complete the Grants.gov registration.
You must have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) identification number. The nest mandatory registration is with the System for Award Management (SAM) where you will apply for your Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code. The next step is to register with the SBA Company Registry (which requires you have a DUNS number to register). You must also register with eRA Commons. This step is crucial because eRA Commons is the application portal for NIH, CDC, and FDA for SBIR/STTR funding. The final mandatory registry is with Grants.gov.
SBIR Essential Info Before Applying
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