Tools and additional resources

Here are some helpful free resources and some paid tools that may be worth the investment to you.

General information

Online SBIR and STTR tutorials from sbir.gov: This is an extensive collection of multimedia tutorials covering all of the information you’ll need for the application process, including the details about the nuances of the individual agency’s programs.

TurboSBIR: This is a paid tool to help you find awards that fit your situation; prepare and submit a proposal, and maximize your funding. They also provide a platform to work with your team members, samples of winning submissions, templates and access to grant writers. There are different payment models starting around $500.

Technology Readiness Levels (summary provided from a 3rd-party, non-government entity): Technology innovators should be aware that federal agencies investing in research programs that support product commercialization utilize Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) to evaluate the maturity of the platform and the suitability for investment. Be sure to review the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the TRL requirements.

Heilmeier Catechism: This criteria is used by DARPA and other agencies to evaluate projects. It is important to have clear answers to this set of criteria for your proposal.

Salary validation for budget: National occupational and wage information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) information

NIH technical and business assistance needs assessment: The TABA Needs Assessment Report provides a third party, unbiased assessment of a Phase I project’s progress in technical and business areas that are critical to success in the competitive healthcare marketplace. It analyzes the current state of your Phase I project and identifies strengths and weaknesses.

NIH sample applications: Sample “exceptional” NIH applications and summary statements.

NIH SBIR/STTR forms annotated: A detailed walk-through of all of the e-series forms required for NIH SBIR and STTR applications.

NIH Applicant Assistance Program (AAP): This program serves underrepresented entrepreneurs in the biomedical sciences applying for Phase I funding and provides mentoring, application preparation support and review.

Navy information

Navy Phase III Guidebook: SBIR/STTR Phase III guidance is intended to be utilized by Program Managers (PMs) and Deputy Program Managers (DPMs); Procuring and Administrative Contracting Officers (KOs); and small business professionals to realize mission objectives, program requirements, and small business goals.

Department of Energy (DOE) information

DOE SBIR applicant resources: Extensive coverage of the process behind applying for a DOE-specific SBIR/STTR grant and the many questions that potential applicants may have.

DOE Phase 0 assistance program: Free application assistance for first time DOE SBIR and STTR applicants.

Preparing a DOE SBIR/STTR Phase I grant application: Application instructions, commercialization plan examples, guidance for indirect rate submissions, level of effort worksheets and more.