Changes to both Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR Solicitations:

1.3 Program Management

The solicitation includes topic and subtopics from NASA’s newly-established Space Technology Mission Directorate. See section 9.

1.4 Three-Phase Program

The description for the Phase II Enhancement (Phase II-E) and Phase II eXpanded (Phase II-X) contract options have changed.

1.5.2 (1.3.2 in the Phase II instructions) Place of Performance 

Proposals must clearly indicate if any work will be performed outside the United States, including subcontractor performance.

1.5.5 Restrictions on Venture Capital-owned Businesses 

As set forth in the SBIR Reauthorization Act of 2011, small businesses owned in majority part by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms may be eligible for SBIR awards. SBA's regulations of 13 CFR part 121 sets forth the eligibility criteria for SBIR applicants that are owned in majority part by multiple venture capital operating companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms. At the current time, NASA is considering this change. Currently, such firms are not eligible to submit proposals to the NASA SBIR, STTR, and SBIR Select solicitations.

1.5.6 Required Benchmark Transition Rate

The required benchmark Transition Rate (Number of Phase II awards/ Number of Phase I awards) is 0.25 over a five year period.

1.7 (1.5 in the Phase II instructions) Commercialization Technical Assistance

NASA will authorize the recipient of a Phase I SBIR award to purchase technical assistance services, such as access to a network of scientists and engineers engaged in a wide range of technologies, or access to technical and business literature available through on-line data bases, for the purpose of assisting such concerns in: 

1.            Making better technical decisions concerning such projects.

2.            Solving technical problems which arise during the conduct of such projects.

3.            Minimizing technical risks associated with such projects.

4.            Developing and commercializing new commercial products and processes resulting from such projects.

You must provide the vendor name and contact information, the proposed amount not to exceed $5,000, and a detailed explanation of the services to be provided. You must also upload a price quote from the vendor.  Approval of technical assistance is not guaranteed and is subject to review by the contracting officer.Please note that this commercialization assistance does not count toward the maximum award size in either Phase I or Phase II.

2.0 Definitions

Definitions that relate to NASA New Technology Reporting have been added (these definitions are labeled 2.16 through 2.19).

3.2.4 (2.2.4 in the Phase II instructions) Technical Content, Part 8: Facilities/Equipment

Failure to provide a written letter of availability from the Government official authorized to approve such use of the Federal laboratory and the letter of justification from the SBC shall invalidate any proposal selection.

5.12 Required Registrations and Submissions

5.12.1 (4.10.1 in the Phase II Instructions) Firm SBA Firm Registry

The SBA SBIR policy directive requires each small business concern (SBC) applying for a Phase I or Phase II award to register in the SBA Company Registry prior to submitting an application. Proof of registration is required to be submitted with each firm’s proposal.

5.12.2 (4.10.2 in the Phase II Instructions) Central Contractor Registration

Offerors should be aware of the requirement to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database prior to contract award. To avoid a potential delay in contract award, offerors are required to register prior to submitting a proposal. Additionally, firms must certify the NAICS code of 541712. 

5.12.3 (4.10.3 in the Phase II Instructions) 52.204-8 Annual Representations and Certifications

Offerors should be aware of the requirement that the Representation and Certifications required from Government contractors must be completed through SAM website (https://www.sam.gov/ [18]).

8.0 Submission Forms and Certifications

In an effort to reduce the length of this solicitation, all example forms and certifications have been removed from Section 8 of this solicitation.  Previews of all forms and certifications are available via the NASA SBIR/STTR Firm Library, located at: (https:/sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/sbir/firm_library/index.html [19]).

Specific Phase I Changes:

Phase I STTR Period of Performance

The period of performance for NASA STTR Phase I contracts is now 6 months. The period of performance had previously been 12 months.