The National Science Foundation (NSF) has released its latest Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II solicitation, NSF 24-580. This program supports small businesses in developing innovative technologies with significant commercial potential. Here’s a detailed look at the key changes from the previous edition and important deadlines.
Here is the link 👉 https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-small-business-innovation-research-small/nsf24-580/solicitation
Submission Windows: The proposal submission system, Research.gov, will stop accepting proposals at 5:00 pm “submitting organization’s local time.” This is a firm deadline (no grace period). If your submission is late, you will not be able to submit again until the next deadline (and only if your Project Pitch invite remains valid). Proposers are strongly urged to submit well in advance of the deadline.
- September 18, 2024
- November 6, 2024
- March 5, 2025
- July 02, 2025
- November 05, 2025
General Information: The NSF SBIR/STTR programs provide non-dilutive funds for use-inspired research and development (R&D) of unproven, leading-edge technology innovations that address societal challenges.
Award Notification What You Need to Know: The National Science Foundation (NSF) typically takes 6–8 months to review and award Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Research (STTR) grant applications.
Estimated number of awards: 90 to 100 overall. With approximately 85-90 awards for SBIR Phase II per year, and approximately 8 awards for STTR Phase II per year, pending the availability of funds.
VIP!! You MUST have an NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I awarded to apply for Phase II. Proposers must submit their SBIR/STTR Phase II proposal within 6 to 24 months after the start date of their relevant NSF SBIR/STTR Phase I award.
Here are SOME Key Changes from the Previous Solicitation
Budget: The total SBIR/STTR Phase II award amount has been increased from $1,000,000 to $1,250,000 (inclusive of direct and indirect costs, Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funding, as well as the small business fee).
Organizational Eligibility: An organization whose Phase I award has been terminated by NSF is not permitted to submit a Phase II proposal predicated on the terminated award. Similarly, an organization whose Phase I award has been suspended by NSF pending a potential investigation may not submit a Phase II proposal while the suspension persists. If the suspension lasts longer than the normal 24-month window to submit the Phase II proposal, and the Phase I award is later reinstated, NSF will provide additional time to complete the Phase I project and submit the Phase II proposal.
Intellectual Property: An IP Rights Agreement is required for STTR proposals and strongly recommended for SBIR proposals when there is a sub-award to another institution. A fully signed Agreement is not required at the initial proposal submission but will be required before a recommendation for an award can be made.
Commercialization Potential: The Commercialization Potential is to be discussed in terms of both (1) a required Commercialization Plan (which includes Market Opportunity, Company/Team, Product/Technology and Competition, and a Finance and Revenue Model), and (2) the Phase I Technical Narrative (which considers how the results obtained during Phase I support the proposed commercialization approach).
Four documents: Biographical Sketch(es), Current and Pending (Other) Support forms, Collaborators and Other Affiliations (COA), and Synergistic Activities must be submitted for the PI, Co-PI (if STTR), and each Senior/Key Personnel specified in the proposal. Biographical Sketches and Current and Pending Support forms must be prepared using SciENcv: Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae. Collaborators & Other Affiliations (COA) Information is prepared using the instructions and spreadsheet template.
Synergistic Activities: Each individual identified as a Senior/Key person must provide a document of up to one-page that includes a list of up to five distinct examples of synergistic activities that demonstrate the broader impact of the individual’s professional and scholarly activities that focus on the integration and transfer of knowledge as well as its creation.
Letters of Support: Three (3) Letters of Support from potential product/service users or customers are required; Up to five (5) Letters of Support may be submitted. Letters of Commitment that confirm the role of any sub-award organization(s) in the project and explicitly state the sub-award amount are also required.
Here is the link to learn more 👉 https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-small-business-innovation-research-small/nsf24-580/solicitation
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