DoD SBIR or STTR Assistance Program-Phase II Proposals: TechLink’s DoD SBIR/STTR assistance program is designed to help companies in TechLink’s support region (AK, AZ, CO, ID, MN, MT, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, and WY) develop high-quality Phase II proposals to DoD SBIR/STTR programs, and prepare to effectively transition needed Defense technologies to serve the needs of the U.S. Warfighter.

Application Procedure: To be eligible for assistance with Phase II proposals to the DoD SBIR or STTR programs, companies should submit applications to TechLink at least 30 days prior to their anticipated Phase II proposal deadline. Applications for this assistance are preferred as early as Phase I award notification. Applicants should submit a short (not to exceed two-page) application letter on company letterhead, signed by the company owner, president or CEO. The application should include the DoD SBIR/STTR Phase I topic, abstract and anticipated benefits (from the Phase I proposal cover), Phase II submission deadline, if known, and any current plans or known potential for Phase III (commercialization and DoD program transition). STTR proposals also should indicate the university or research institution that will participate. Applications may be faxed to TechLink at 406-994-7701.

Companies whose applications are received no later than 30 days prior to the proposal deadline and accepted may be eligible for up to $1,500 in reimbursement for pre-approved travel and related expenses to meet with TPOCs, other relevant DoD personnel, or appropriate Prime Contractors, where such travel is related to development of the proposal and/or technology transition, and not covered under Phase I budget.*

Personal contact and meetings with TPOCs and other DoD laboratory personnel and Program Managers (who may eventually review these proposals) is often a deciding factor in preparing a proposal that effectively addresses the specific DoD needs, while providing potential reviewers with a better perspective of the company. In addition, meetings and discussions with other DoD managers who may be potential future customers for Phase III technology applications, and who can provide letters of support to that effect, can greatly strengthen the chances of Phase II funding.

In addition to the noted travel support, assistance in commercialization planning may be provided through professional consultants with extensive commercialization planning experience.  In cases where planning for product manufacture and production is appropriate, assistance may be provided through the state MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership, a NIST-sponsored manufacturing assistance center). Because DoD SBIR/STTR is focused on new technology acquisition, it is essential that the Phase II proposal Commercialization Strategy convinces DoD reviewers that that they will be able to procure the resulting technology in the quantities needed after completion of Phase II - in other words, that you have a clearly planned and achievable pathway to Phase III.  The MEPs have extensive experience in planning for manufacture, supplier sourcing, and other commercialization assistance.

In addition to travel reimbursement, companies whose applications are accepted and that subsequently submit a complete draft proposal to TechLink for outside professional review at least 3 weeks prior to the proposal deadline will be eligible for an award of up to $500. To receive this award, they must provide proof of submission and receipt of the final proposal to DoD by the proposal deadline.*

*Note: for companies with a total of 20 or more SBIR/STTR awards, no such direct payments to the company (including travel reimbursement and proposal submission payment) will be included as part of the assistance package.  Other support services will still apply.

Early application is strongly preferred, as planning for the Phase II proposal should begin as soon as Phase I award notification is received. Commercialization assistance and travel approval cannot be guaranteed, even for approved applicants, but are much more likely for applicants providing several months lead time before deadline.

For more information, please contact TechLink's SBIR & Technology Transition Manager, Ray Friesenhahn, at (406) 994-7726, or rayf {at-sign} montana.edu. Complete information on the DoD SBIR/STTR program is available at: http://www.acq.osd.mil/osbp/sbir/.

You should also check the appropriate DoD Component SBIR/STTR website for specific Phase II instructions.

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