NASA is looking to small businesses and research institutions for innovative technologies that could have significant potential for successful transition into NASA mission programs and other commercial markets. This year, through NASA’s Small Business and Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I solicitation, proposals for research, development and technology demonstrations can be submitted until March 9.
Phase I awards are valued at approximately $125,000 for up to six months for SBIR and 13 months for STTR to establish the scientific, technical and commercial merit and feasibility of the proposed innovation in fulfillment of NASA needs.
"In 2017, we asked small businesses through numerous means for feedback regarding our program," said Jenn Gustetic, SBIR/STTR program executive for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate in Washington. "In response to that feedback and through efforts to modernize our program, we made some programmatic and operational enhancements for the 2018 solicitation period which should help small businesses focus on submitting quality proposals."
Important changes to this year's solicitation include the following:
- The proposal submission system has been modernized for a more seamless, intuitive and user-friendly submission experience.
- STTR subtopics will appear in an integrated list with SBIR subtopics, but will be clearly marked since those proposals require a research institution partner.
- Subtopics have been enhanced based on feedback received through the 2017 request for information following the close of the 2017 solicitation.
- The period of performance for STTR Phase I contracts will be extended to 13 months this year.
- Technical proposal page limits are now consistent for SBIR and STTR – 19 pages for Phase I and 46 pages for Phase II.
- The technical proposal will have 10 parts instead of 11 parts in previous years.
- The briefing chart has been adjusted to be more informative.
Phase I awardees can then apply for Phase II awards, valued up to $750,000 for up to two additional years, that are focused on the development, demonstration, and delivery of the proposed innovation. Phase III is the commercialization of innovative technologies, products and services resulting from either a Phase I or Phase II contract. This includes further development of technologies for transition into NASA programs, other government agencies or the private sector.
"Over the last 35 years of this program, many small businesses who have worked with NASA SBIR/STTR have commercialized exciting products, grown to become successful large businesses, or have been acquired for their expertise by a larger business," said Gustetic.
NASA’s SBIR and STTR programs are highly competitive and are evaluated based on scientific and technical merit and feasibility; experience, qualifications and facilities; effectiveness of the proposed work plan; commercial potential and feasibility; and price reasonableness. NASA will select proposals offering the most advantageous technology to the government and the program.
"Small businesses are the source of so much innovation within the United States – these are the stories that inspire us," said Gustetic. "We strongly encourage small businesses that have a technology idea that aligns with NASA interests as outlined in the solicitation to apply."
NASA's Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley manages the SBIR/STTR program for NASA under NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). STMD is innovating, developing, testing and flying hardware for use in NASA's future missions. The solicitation period is January 11 through March 9, 2018.
No comments:
Write comments