The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Phase I Solicitation FY-2009, inviting research proposals from qualified small businesses. Note that this NSF solicitation has 2 proposal deadlines and is limited only to SBIR projects. A separate Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program solicitation will be released by NSF at a later date.

NSF expects to award $25 million to successful competitors in this solicitation. NSF estimates it will make between 170 to 250 SBIR Phase I awards. Recipients of SBIR awards will have 6 months and up to $100,000 to complete their projects. NSF begins accepting electronic submission of proposals on May 10; the deadline is June 10, 2008 (by 5 p.m. proposer’s local time). The later deadline is December 4, 2008, with acceptance of submissions beginning on November 4.

This NSF solicitation describes three very broad topic categories. One of the main purposes of the NSF SBIR/STTR program is to stimulate technological innovation and increase private sector commercialization. Each proposal will require at least one letter of support (from potential customers, investors or strategic partners) for eventual commercialization of the proposed innovation.

The solicitation identifies specific areas under the three topics. Only proposals that address described subtopics will be eligible for consideration. If you have questions about the subtopic descriptions, please contact the NSF program director identified as responsible for the topic.

BC. Biotech and Chemical Technologies
A. Biotechnology
B. Chemical Technology

EL. Electronics, Components and Engineering Systems
A. Sensors
B. Wireless Technologies
C. Integrated Circuit Design
D. Innovative Uses of Light
E. Innovations in MEMS and NEMS Devices and Systems
F. Energy and Power Management
G. Geosciences Instrumentation
H. Astronomical instrumentation
I. Robotics
J. Semiconductor and Other Materials
K. Nanotechnology Enabled Components and Systems
L. Organic Electronics
M. Semiconductor Manufacturing
N. Nano-electronics Manufacturing
O. Micro-electronics Packaging and Systems Integration

SS. Software and Services
A. Organizations and Processes
B. Human Computer Interaction
C. Applications
D. Platforms
E. Education Applications

The complete solicitation can be accessed at www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/sbir. Arkansas entrepreneurs and researchers interested in learning more about this or other SBIR/STTR opportunities are encouraged to contact Mildred Holley at mxholley@ualr.edu, 501.683.7700 or 800.862.2040 (AR only).

Arkansas entrepreneurs have been especially successful in winning awards from this agency. NSF is a significant participant in the SBIR program and we encourage all research-capable small businesses to consider this opportunity for early R&D funding.

EVENTS OF INTEREST TO TECHNOLOGY ENTREPRENEURS
 

2008 NIH Regional Seminar
March 25-27, 2008
San Antonio, TX
www.uthscsa.edu/ogm/nih_seminar.htm

June 18-20, 2008
Chicago, IL
http://tigger.uic.edu/depts/ovcr/research/seminar/NIH

The program will provide information about National Institutes of Health program funding and grants. Topics covered include the application and review process, Federal regulations and policies, and current areas of special interest or concern. The seminars offer the chance to meet NIH staff to get your specific questions answered.

Quality Systems Regulation Educational Forum on Design Controls
April 4, 2008
Dallas, TX
www.fmdic.org

This public educational forum will present information intended to help manufacturers and regulated industry better comply with the Medical Device Quality System Regulation. The Food and Drug Administration revised the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, affecting practices associated with the design of medical devices.

Drug Educational Forum
April 29, 2008
Dallas, TX
www.fda.gov/cder/workshop.htm

Details to be available later through the above website page. See www.fda.gov/cder/meeting/de-forum-2007.htm for details on last year’s workshop.
This public forum is ideal for start-ups, entrepreneurs, pharmacies and very small businesses venturing into the manufacture of drugs. The program will provide information at a novice level.

2008 SBIR/STTR National Spring Conference
May 27-30, 2008
Orlando, FL
www.sbirflorida.org

Research-capable small businesses – and their research institution partners – can access over $2 billion annually available from 11 participating federal agencies. Phase I offers funding recipients up to $100,000 to conduct a feasibility analysis of their research idea. Success in Phase I offers the chance to compete for up to $750,000 to continue R&D on the idea.


DEADLINE REMINDER FOR SBIR/STTR PROPOSALS

Listed below are the upcoming deadlines for entrepreneurs planning to compete for Phase I awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

For details about SBIR/STTR and advice on proposals, please contact Mildred Holley at mxholley@ualr.edu, 501.683.7700 or 800.862.2040 (AR only).

Agency: U.S. Department of Defense, STTR 2008
Proposal Deadline: March 19, 2008 [6:00 a.m. EST]
Web Link: www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/solicitations/index.htm

Agency: U.S. Health & Human Services -- National Institutes of Health, Food & Drug Administration & Centers for Disease Control
Proposal Deadlines (standard): April 5, August 5, December 5, 2008
Proposal Deadlines (AIDS related): May 7, September 7, January 7, 2009
On-time submission requires submittal by 5:00 p.m. proposer’s local time
Web Link: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm

Agency: National Science Foundation (SBIR solicitation only)
Proposal Deadline: June 10, 2008 [5:00 p.m. proposer’s/submitter’s time]
Web Link: www.nsf.gov/eng/iip/sbir

Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
Note: Proposal release expected on March 12, 2008
Expected Proposal Deadline: May 14, 2008
Web Link: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir

Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation
Note: Proposal release expected on or about March 14, 2008
Expected Proposal Deadline: unknown
Web Link: www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir