The Small Business Administration administers two unique programs for small business to acquire federal government contracts, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Eleven federal departments participate in the SBIR program, and five departments participate in the STTR program, together awarding $2 billion to small high-tech businesses.

One of these departments is NASA.

Now NASA is seeking proposals for its SBIR and STTR programs to create the new technologies that will send the agency to Mars and beyond. The deadline for the two program solicitations is Nov. 29, and selections will be announced in late February 2013.

According to NASA, previous rounds of small business programs have resulted in components for air-traffic control systems, the International Space Station and the Curiosity rover now busy exploring the Red Planet.

The highly competitive SBIR and STTR programs are based on a three-phase award system:

Phase 1, a feasibility study to evaluate the scientific and technical merits of a proposal
Phase 2, which expands on the results of Phase 1
Phase 3, commercialization

For more information about SBIR and STTR solicitations, including how to apply, go to missouribusiness.net/fast/about_sbir.asp or contact your MO SBTDC technology development specialist (http://www.missouribusiness.net/sbtdc/centers.asp).

Below is some information about an exciting workshop taking place later this month at the Skandalaris Center at Washington University in St. Louis.  Please consider attending.  A full description of the event can be found here:

http://sc.wustl.edu/Events/Pages/diversity.aspx

SUMMARY:

Diversity as a Catalyst for Innovation in the Sciences: Connecting Women and Under-Represented Innovators to Regional Resources

On Monday, July 25, the Skandalaris Center, with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Partners for Innovation program, will host a day-long workshop entitled “Diversity as a Catalyst for Innovation in the Sciences: Connecting Women and Under-Represented Innovators to Regional Resources.”

The workshop is a follow-up to a grant from the NSF in 2008. The grant created a number of tools, concepts, and approaches that enhance regional innovation ecosystems. This workshop will broaden their impact by introducing the tools and approaches to under-represented groups. As part of the workshop we will publish and make available online a guidebook of resources available to innovators and entrepreneurs, to connect them to existing innovation support systems in the St. Louis region. The workshop will provide four learning tracks and include multiple opportunities to learn about and connect with resources in the region.

We recommend this workshop for the following groups:

• Women and other under-represented researchers who want to meet others and investigate how their ideas may move forward
• Service providers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who want to support underrepresented groups
• Students who want to learn more about St. Louis scientific startup ventures and regional entrepreneur support systems
• Community members who are part of, or wish to contribute to improving, the region’s innovation ecosystems
  Investors and funders who want to support early stage technology ventures
• Organizations and companies who support diversity
• Executives, mentors, advisors, and other people who might want to advise or join new technology ventures led by underrepresented groups

The MoFAST organization is undertaking an initiative to seek out suitable high tech businesses in MO to compete for SBIR / STTR grants.  Our research Universities have many faculty that can serve as collaborators.  While it is true, getting the faculty on board with phase I proposals is difficult due to the limited funds, phase II is certainly enough to get them excited.  During the remaining months of 2010 and Q1 of 2011 the MoFAST team will embark on a two-pronged approach to increase Missouri’s share of this funding source.

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Dear SBIR Insider,

We have a few quick pre-holiday items for you. This issue is mainly to make you aware of the short time lead to participate in the 2011 Tibbetts Awards.

RETURN OF THE SBIR TIBBETTS AWARDS – (Short Time Window Alert)

After a 3 year hiatus, the SBIR Tibbetts Awards Program have been restarted by the Small Business Administration (SBA).

These prestigious awards, named for Roland Tibbetts, (acknowledged as the father of the SBIR), are presented to small businesses and individuals who represent excellence in achieving the mission and goals of the SBIR and STTR programs.

Any individual who owns and operates, or who bears principal responsibility for operating a business that has received an SBIR Phase I and II or an STTR award may be nominated. Self nominations are encouraged.

There is a short time window for nominations. Nominations must be received by the SBA by December 15, 2010 at 5pm est. Complete information is available at: http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/tibbetts/index.html

“Unofficially”, the Tibbetts Awards Ceremony will take place in Washington, DC, with a potential date of mid-February, 2011. This is not confirmed, but is a target. (more…)