Tips for Developing SBIR/STTR Applications

Step One: Understand the SBIR/STTR Funding Programs

• What are the SBIR and STTR programs? 
• Frequently asked questions about SBIR/STTR funding from NIH 
• Understanding the (general) NIH grant application process 
• What do the reviewers of your SBIR/STTR research application look for? 
  Note: Reviewers also assess the commercial potential of the proposed technology

Step Two: Clear Administrative Requirements Before Applying

• Be sure to register your Small Business with Grants.gov, SAM.gov , and the NIH eRA Commons system as soon as possible!
• Register your organization with Grants.gov. 
• Register your organization with the NIH eRA Commons and designate a Signing Official. 
  Note: Principal Investigators must also individually register with NIH eRA Commons
• Register your organization with the SBA Company Registry  prior to submitting an application.
• For more information on Small Business Size Regulations, go to SBA.gov .
• Overview of the registration process (and application submission process) 

Step Three: Identify an SBIR/STTR Research Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA)

• Search for NIMH SBIR/SBIR FOAs at NIMH Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) and also the NIMH topics list  (see pp. 98-105).
• NIMH developed these FOAs to highlight our priority technology areas. Companies that do not fit within these priorities are strongly encouraged to contact program staff to ensure the technology is relevant and of priority to NIMH.
• For those technologies of high interest to NIMH, but that do not fit NIMH’s FOAs, companies may submit their application in response to the SBIR/STTR parent announcements:
  • General (“parent”) call for SBIR applications 
  • General (“parent”) call for STTR applications 

Step Four: Build and Submit a Strong Application

• SF424 SBIR/STTR Application Guide (the formal instructions for grant application content and format) 
• SBIR/STTR Policy and Grantsmanship Information (includes grants writing tips) 
  Note: Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIMH program staff prior to submitting their application, with any SBIR-specific questions
• Application Due Dates 
  Note: HIV/AIDS-related projects have unique due dates (Jan 7, May 7, and Sept 7)