Program Detail
The SBIR/STTR “Phase 0” Pilot Program is being implemented through a partnership between Enterprise Florida, Inc., and participating Technology Incubators, University Technology Transfer Offices, Economic Development Organizations, and Small Business Development Centers. It is intended to help Florida companies increase their chances of submitting a successful Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposal.
Eligibility Criteria (in addition to SBIR/STTR criteria)
A company which:
Is a client of a participating Florida Technology Incubator, University Technology Transfer Office, Economic Development Organization, or Small Business Development Center, or
Is recommended by a partner serving as the point of contact for a Florida county, and
Intends to submit a proposal for a specific SBIR or STTR solicitation,
- Has not submitted more than 1 other application for this program in the last 12 months.
Duration of Pilot Program: The pilot project will continue until available funds are depleted – it is anticipated that funding will be available at least through September 2010. Applications are accepted on a first-come-first served basis.
Maximum Award Amount: Up to $3,000.00, dependent upon initial award amount and documentation of eligible expenses.
Participation Fee: A non-refundable application fee of $250.00 is required from participating companies. Participants will receive results of the Technology Fit/Innovativeness Assessment (see below) even if they do not receive a grant.
Allowable Expenses:
Consulting fees supporting technology development, commercialization strategies or proposal review.
Other professional fees (e.g. legal, accounting) directly related to the proposal.
Services of a professional for writing, word processing, proof-reading and/or editing.
Travel expenses incurred to visit the federal agency or laboratory potentially sponsoring the technology, or to attend regional or national SBIR/STTR conferences.
Reproduction of the proposal and preparation materials.
Other out-of-pocket costs directly related to preparing the proposal, including fees for market studies or technical database research.
NOTE: The following are not allowable expenses: employee salaries, expenses incurred prior to execution of a contract with Enterprise Florida, Inc., and expenses incurred following the submission of the SBIR or STTR proposal.
Technology Fit/Innovativeness Assessment: The Lytmos Group, LLC, as contractor for this program, provides independent evaluations of SBIR and STTR proposal concepts. Evaluations include analyses of the fit of the project to the solicitation, its scope, and an assessment of the technical innovation. The reviews are very similar to what happens in the proposal application process at the federal level.
Payment: Two Installments. One-half of the award will be paid upon execution of a contract with Enterprise Florida. The remainder of the award will be paid upon documentation of proposal delivery prior to the federal due date, along with documentation of sufficient allowable expenses.
NOTE: A company which receives an installment payment but fails to submit a proposal will be barred from participation in any continuation or successor Phase 0 program for a period of five (5) years. If there are extenuating circumstances, the Steering Committee will have sole discretion to waive this provision.
Pilot Program Steering Committee: The pilot program is guided by a Steering Committee which determines program policy and serves as the Proposal Review Committee.
NOTE: Since this program is a pilot program, the Steering Committee may amend program guidelines at any point during the course of the program.
Phase 0 Grant Process
1. Application
Applicant company submits an application, accompanied by the participation fee and the participating partner organization submits a recommendation at least five (5) weeks prior to the solicitation’s closing date.
2. Assessment
Intake information for the Technology Fit/Innovativeness Assessment performed by Lytmos Group LLC must be completed at least four (4) weeks prior to the solicitation’s closing date. Lytmos will complete the evaluation within an average of five (5) working days.
3. Award Vote
Steering Committee votes on awarding Phase 0 grant within an average of five (5) working days of completion of the Lytmos Assessment.
4. Contract
An approved company submits a budget, budget narrative, and timetable, and executes a grant contract with Enterprise Florida, Inc.
5. First Award Installment
Upon execution of the contract, Enterprise Florida will issue a check for the first grant installment.
6. Final Award Installment
Company submits documentation of proposal submission and allowable expenses to Enterprise Florida and receives final grant installment.
Program Manager
Jay Robinson
Manager Capital Programs
Enterprise Florida, Inc.
PH: 407.956.5607
E-mail: Click Here
Resource Links
SBIR-STTR Newsletter
SBA's SBIR page
SBIR Resource Center
Lytmos Group, LLC