Executive Summary
Changes for both Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR Solicitations:
Phase I and Phase II Instructions
The instructions for both Phase I and Phase II have been separated into two separate documents for a consolidated view of what is required for each phase.
1.2 Program Authority and Executive Order
Public Law 112-17, extending authorization of the SBIR/STTR Programs until September 30, 2011.
1.3 Program Management
The management function of the NASA SBIR/STTR programs has been transitioned to the newly established Office of the Chief Technologist.
1.5.3 Principal Investigator (PI)
The definition of the PI has been revised to further clarify what NASA considers to be fulltime employment of the PI with the firm (or research institution for those in the STTR Program).
1.6 NASA SBIR "TAV" Subtopics
A new initiative for SBCs to utilize NASA-owned/NASA IP, which are patented technologies that NASA is offering under a non-exclusive, royalty-free research license for use under specific SBIR subtopics for award. Further description can be found in Sections 2.12, Section 3.2.4 (Part 3), 5.7.6, and Form B).
2.5 Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs)
A definition on the new legislation that was passed to encourage the participation of EDWOSBs.
1.5.2 Place of Performance
The description on the place of performance has been expanded.
3.2.2 Format Requirements
Proposals that do not follow the formatting requirement are subject to rejection during administrative screening. Any page(s) going over the required page limited will be deleted and omitted from the proposal review.
3.2.3 Forms
Forms A, B, C will all be done electronically, with each form counting as 1 page towards the page limit and accounting for pages 1-3 of the proposal regardless of the length. So all submitted technical proposals should start on page 4 with the table of contents.
3.2.4 Technical Content
Part 3: Technical Objectives
As stated above, here there is further description of the TAV initiative.
Part 8: Facilities/Equipment
The description and requirements for facilities and equipment has been further clarified and defined.
Part 9: Subcontracts and Consultants
The description and requirements for Subcontracts and Consultants has been further clarified and defined.
Part 11: Essentially Equivalent and Duplicate Proposals and Awards
The title, definition(s), and what is required in this section has been expanded upon. There is now a Part 11a and Part 11b. Part 11b will not be included in the page count and is meant to capture related research and development work that is being proposed, and to protect the SBC by showing full disclosure.
3.2.9 (for Phase I) and 3.2.8 (for Phase II) Briefing Chart
The briefing chart will now be submitted through an online form during the submissions process rather than being uploaded.
Note: Companies with Prior NASA SBIR/STTR Awards
NASA has instituted a comprehensive commercialization survey/data that firms must fill out. The survey will be done electronically during the submission process.
4.1.2 Phase I and Phase II Evaluation Criteria
Some of the descriptions for the evaluation criteria have minor edits and Factor 5 (below) was added.
Factor 5. Price Reasonableness
During the negotiation process, the offeror's cost proposal will be evaluated for price reasonableness based on the information provided in Form C. NASA will comply with the FAR and NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) to evaluate the proposed price/cost to be fair and reasonable. After completion of evaluation for price reasonableness and determination of responsibility the contracting officer shall submit a recommendation for award to the Source Selection Official.
5.7.2 Proprietary Data
The description has been clarified further.
5.7.5 Invention Reporting, Election of Title and Patent Application Filing
The description has been clarified further.
5.10 (for Phase I) and 5.11 (for Phase II) Essentially Equivalent Awards and Prior Work
The description has been expanded to further clarify what is considered "Essentially Equivalent".
5.11.8 (for Phase I) and 5.12.13 (for Phase II) 52.225-1 Buy American Act-Supplies
The description has been expanded to further clarify what is considered "Buy American Act-Supplies".
Firm Certifications
As stated above, Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) has been added to the certifications.
Forms A, B, and C
Have all been revamped with significant changes and different requirements, so please look at each one carefully.
Specific Phase I Changes:
1.4 Three-Phase Program
The maximum value for a Phase I has increased from $100,000 to $125,000.
3.2.6 Prior Awards Addendum
An electronic form will now be provided during the submission process.
3.2.10 Contractor Responsibility Information
A new section on the contractor responsibilities and what is required no later than 10 days after the notification of the selection for negotiation.
5.3 Payment Schedule for Phase I
The exact payment terms for Phase I will be included in the contract.
Specific Phase II Changes:
1.1 Program Description
Note: The information in the Phase II instructions is subject to revision and if necessary, updated Phase II proposal instructions will be provided to the SBCs 6 weeks prior to the due date of the Phase II proposal.
1.4 Three-Phase Program
The maximum value for a Phase II-E has increased from $150,000 to $250,000. The total cumulative award for the Phase II contract plus the Phase II-E match is not expected to exceed $1,000,000.00 of SBIR/STTR funding. The description of brief policy for the Phase II-E initiative has changed as well.
3.2.4 Technical Proposal
Part 4: Work Plan
The Work Plan part has been elaborated further than previously before for clarification.
Part 6: Key Personnel and Bibliography of Directly Related Work
The Key Personnel and Bibliography of Directly Related Work part has been elaborated further than previously before for clarification. Note: If the Phase II PI is different than that proposed under the Phase I, please provide rational for the change.
3.2.6 Phase III Awards resulting from NASA SBIR/STTR Awards
An electronic form will now be provided during the submission process.
3.2.9 Contractor Responsibility Information
A new section on the contractor responsibilities and what is required no later than 10 days after the notification of the selection for negotiation.
5.3 Payment Schedule for Phase II
The exact payment terms for Phase II will be included in the contract. The progress payment method will not be authorized, but other forms of financing arrangements will be considered.
