Winter 2019 Newsletter



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In this issue:

• Hello, Innovators • Key Program Milestones 
• 2020 Phase I Solicitation • Other Opportunities
• Events • Recent Success
 

Hello, Innovators

As 2019 draws to a close, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program is preparing to release the 2020 Phase I Solicitation on January 21, and we would like to invite all interested small businesses to apply to make your mark on NASA’s future missions! 

The NASA SBIR/STTR 2020 Phase I Solicitation opens on January 21, 2020 and closes on March 20, 2020.

As you may know, we have been working over the past few years to modernize our Proposal Submission Electronic Handbook (EHB). We hope that as you go through the submission process this year, you notice enhancements that have been made to ensure you have a better, smoother user experience so your attention can remain on the most important part—submitting a top-quality proposal. I would urge you to get started on your submission as soon as possible, and to help you do so, we’ve included some tips and reminders in this email.

We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to reading your Phase I proposals in the new year!

 Gynelle Steele

NASA SBIR/STTR Deputy Program Executive

 

Key Program Milestones

Please find the major upcoming program dates below:

  • NASA STTR 2018 Phase II Awards Announced: Last month, NASA awarded nearly $16M in total funding to 21 small businesses as part of the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. https://sbir.nasa.gov/prg_selection/node/62898.
  • 2019 NASA SBIR Phase II Proposal Period: The program will be accepting applications from SBIR 2019 Phase I awardees beginning January 7, 2020. Once live, you can find more information on our home page: https://sbir.nasa.gov/.
  • 2020 NASA SBIR/STTR Phase I Solicitation Opening: The solicitation is scheduled to be released on January 21, 2020. Once live, you can find the full solicitation on our home page: https://sbir.nasa.gov/.

 

NASA SBIR/STTR 2020 Phase I Solicitation

The next solicitation for NASA SBIR/STTR is around the corner. We’re resharing tips before the solicitation opens:

  • Get familiar with the Electronic Handbook (EHB) submission system: If you are new to the program, watch the Proposal Submission System Webinars to be ready when it opens.
  • Begin all required registrations as early as possible: You must complete your (1) SBA Firm Registry before submitting your proposal and (2) System for Award Management (SAM) registration before selection for award. More information on completing these registrations will be available in Chapter 2 of the 2020 solicitation, but in the meantime, click here to read Chapter 2 of the 2019 Phase I solicitation.
  • Read previous solicitations: It is a time saver when you are familiar with the past subtopics and their descriptions.
  • Get started early and submit proposal prior to the deadline! The solicitation is open for approximately two months, but we highly recommend getting started on your submission as soon as you can to allow for time to revise and perfect.
  • Opt in to participate in I-Corps: Read about I-Corps benefits and watch the Introductory Webinar.
  • Remember to Endorse your Proposal: It is the final step in the submissions process that may be overlooked.
  • Have your Research Institution registered (for STTR): For STTR proposals, the RI needs to endorse the Research Agreement prior to submission.
  • Get guidance: Review past event presentations for more information about the program, process and more or contact the Program Help Desk with any questions.

 

Other Opportunities & Resources

Seeking NASA SBIR/STTR Companies to Feature at Consumer Electronics Show. This event will take place January 7-10, 2020, in Las Vegas, NV. CES specifically seeks NASA SBIR/STTR companies that launched their first product on or after January 1, 2019—no prior dates will be considered. If you qualify and are interested, email sbir_commsoutreach@reisystems.com.

Request for White Papers: NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II Sequential Awards to Advance Moon to Mars Objectives
On 12/17, NASA posted an announcement to sam.gov outlining a call for white papers to inform future investments in technology supporting the Agency’s ability to land humans on the Moon in 2024 and supporting a sustainable presence there by 2028. NASA is considering inviting companies to propose for Sequential Phase II awards with an elevated award value from $2.5 Million to $5 Million. The NASA SBIR/STTR Program requests white papers between December 17, 2019, and January 29, 2020, from eligible companies. Eligible firms received an email on December 17th with details on how to submit a white paper. https://beta.sam.gov/opp/4c83a031de834a5fbb55fd38556460a5/view

NASA’s Flight Opportunities Program is interested in participating as a Post-Phase II investor, specifically for the use of suborbital flight testing to help advance development or commercialization of the technology. Upcoming opportunities to take advantage of Flight Opportunities matching funds include Phase II-E proposals and the next round of CCRPP applications. nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/flightopportunities/opportunities/sbir-sttr-post-phase2

 

Events

Thank you to those who joined us last month at the Innovation & Opportunity Conference in Aurora, Colorado! For the second year, the NASA SBIR/STTR Program was a partner in this interactive, commercialization-focused event. You can find the presentations from the event on our website: https://sbir.nasa.gov/content/innovation-opportunity-conference-2019

Stay tuned for details about next year’s Innovation & Opportunity Conference and other upcoming events in 2020!

 

Recent Success

SBIR/STTR Businesses Featured for Small Business Saturday

On November 30, NASA published a blog on Tumblr for Small Business Saturday featuring many SBIR/STTR firms that won awards last year or are contributing to the Moon to Mars missions. Read here: https://nasa.tumblr.com/post/189390017309/small-businesses-with-big-plan...


Are you a previous or current SBIR/STTR awardee with a success story to share? We would love to hear about it and share your story! Email us at: ARC-SBIR-Outreach@mail.nasa.gov

 

Thank You for Reading!

If you have questions about the NASA SBIR/STTR Program, learn more at sbir.nasa.gov.