Research

§ Federal Technology Funding Programs

SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) are considered federal technology funding programs... [truncated for brevity]

SBIR Vs. STTR

• For STTR, a research institution partner is mandatory. For SBIR, a partner is not needed but can be subtracted as a subward if needed.
• For SBIR, the employment of a research institution can not be justified unless the director of research can feasibly outline...

RFA Compliance & Obligations.

At the time of the award the business will need to certify it meets SBA eligibility at the time of award.

• The applicant business must be listed as a for-profit business concern that is U.S.-based
• U.S.-owned and controlled: At least 51% by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
• No more than 500 employees (including full-time, part-time, leased) at time of award.

1. The principal investigator (PI) must be primarily employed by the small business applicant...
• Without a university partner, reviewers will look closely at your team’s expertise and facilities.
2. Even if you subcontract some parts, your company must drive the project and direct the research.
3. Establish accounting and financial systems suited for federal grants...
4. You personally can be: the owner, the 100% shareholder/member...

§ Proposal Discussion: 8.6 ~ Rural and Community Development

• National Program Leader: Carlos Ortiz, PhD

Topic Goal: Improve the quality of life in rural America through commercialization of technologies that address economic and social challenges.

• The applicant business must be listed as a for-profit business concern that is U.S.-based
• Explicitly discuss the specific rural problem or opportunity that will be examined and how the proposed science‑based technology will successfully address the problem or opportunity.
• Include an objective to assess the impacts of the proposed project on protecting or enhancing the environment, on climate mitigation or adaptation, or the socio‑economic development of rural areas.
• Can focus on any area that has the potential to provide significant benefit to rural Americans.
• USDA seeks a balanced portfolio that appropriately mixes high‑risk, high‑reward innovations with new applications of existing technologies.

Community Well‑being: Emphasize the project's contribution to the well‑being of rural communities and institutions. Dissemination: Explain how results will be disseminated and directly benefit the small farm community. Abstract Hint: Emphasis on issues specific to small/mid‑size farms.

Project Abstract & Narrative Requirements

• Problem/Opportunity (Abstract & Narrative): Define the need and quantify the impact the technology solves.
• Phase I Objectives: Summarize technical feasibility goals for eight months (clear, testable).
• Innovation: Explain novelty vs. existing solutions.
• Scope of Effort/Work Plan: Outline Phase I activities, tasks, methods, timelines, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
• Anticipated Results & Commercial Impact: State expected outcomes (e.g., prototype) and potential market/community benefits (avoid proprietary details).
• Program Priorities: State connection to USDA SBIR/STTR priorities (e.g., climate‑smart agriculture).
• Background & Rationale: Summarize existing tech, market needs, and why current solutions fail.
• Relationship to Research & Phase II: Describe how Phase I builds the foundation for Phase II benefits.
• Related Research & Competition: Discuss prior work, competing technologies, and uniqueness.
• Market Opportunity & Commercialization: Estimate addressable market, identify customers, go‑to‑market strategy, and discuss barriers.
• Resources & Team: Describe facilities, equipment, personnel, and subcontracts.