The America’s Seed Fund 2025 Virtual Tour provided valuable insights into navigating the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Below is a cohesive summary of the key takeaways, organized into actionable sections.
Proposal Submission and Evaluation Process
Solicitation Timeline: Solicitations are open for 60 days, followed by a technical and administrative review process that takes up to 90 days.
Pre-Solicitation Inquiries: Engage with program managers and technical experts before solicitations open. Once solicitations are live, technical advice on proposals is neither allowed nor recommended.
Evaluation Criteria: Proposals are assessed on five criteria, with commercialization carrying the most weight. Evaluators include subject matter experts (SMEs), engineers, scientists, and technologists, varying by agency (e.g., NIST uses three separate evaluators).
Key Proposal Elements:
Highlight the novelty and commercialization potential of your idea.
Address specific research areas and demonstrate how your technology solves a problem.
Emphasize competitive advantages, cost savings, efficiency, sustainability, and market knowledge.
Provide a clear pathway for commercialization and explain why your technology is the best solution.
Tips for Strong Proposals
Team Requirements: Advanced degrees (e.g., PhDs) are not mandatory. Focus on the team’s technical skills, budget, and project plan.
Respect Page Limits: Strong evidence and clear statements matter more than length.
Feedback for Unfunded Proposals: If not funded, applicants receive written feedback, can schedule debriefings, and ask follow-up questions. Resubmitting after addressing feedback often leads to better outcomes.
Preparation: Have at least one other team review your proposal, especially if they are unfamiliar with the technology. Avoid last-minute submissions.
Breaking Down Barriers to DoD SBIR/STTR Programs
The Department of Defense (DoD) offers unique opportunities through its SBIR/STTR programs, with contributions from the Army, Navy, AFWERX, and DARPA.
Army SBIR: Includes a Catalyst Program with an Army translator partner to assist in transitioning technologies.
DARPA: Initial contracts start at $250,000 and can be modified if research outcomes differ from expectations.
Critical Technology Areas: Focus on the 14 critical technology areas identified by the DoD. These areas align with military needs and can be found here.
Resources and Contacts:
APEX Accelerators: Offers free assistance to small businesses for government contracting, including registration, certifications, and procurement research.
Intellectual Property (IP) and USPTO Guidance
Protecting intellectual property is a critical step for small businesses. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers resources to help navigate this process.
Trademark Basics:
Conduct thorough research on USPTO’s search system before filing, as applications are non-refundable.
Federal trademarks are denoted by ®, while TM and SM are state based.
Patents:
Start with a provisional patent to test market perception and positioning before filing a non-provisional patent.
Expect approximately 14 months between filing and registration, with the first attorney review occurring around 7 months.
Resources:
Final Recommendations
Stay Persistent: Many successful applicants resubmit after refining their proposals based on feedback. Don’t give up after the first attempt.
Leverage Resources: Utilize government programs like APEX Accelerators and USPTO training courses to strengthen your application and IP strategy.
Build Relationships: Foster connections with program managers to stay informed about transitions and potential integrations.
By following these guidelines and leveraging the available resources, small businesses can increase their chances of success in securing funding and advancing their innovative technologies.
