The NASA SBIR Program Solicitation topics are developed in coordination with the established NASA management structure of the Strategic Enterprises (www.hq.nasa.gov/hq/enterprise.htm). There are seven Enterprises fulfilling either Mission Direct or operational functions.

The Enterprises identify, at the most fundamental level, what NASA does and for whom. Each Strategic Enterprise is analogous to a strategic business unit employed by private-sector companies to focus on and respond to their customers' needs. Each Strategic Enterprise has a unique set of goals, objectives, and strategies. SBIR research topics and subtopics are organized under the five research and technology Enterprises: Aeronautics, Biological and Physical Research, Earth Science, Exploration Systems, and Space Science.

Exploration Systems was created in 2004 to reflect the new vision for NASA encompassing a broad range of human and robotic missions, including the Moon, Mars, and destinations beyond.

Exploration Systems assumed the innovative research activities conducted by the Space Flight Enterprise in prior SBIR Solicitations. The Space Flight Enterprise still exists as an operations organization.Many of the research topic areas found in the 2003 Solicitation under Space Flight are now found in Exploration Systems.

In addition, the Education Enterprise is a crosscutting organization: It works to coordinate with the other Enterprises' in outreach activities for K-12 and universities and colleges. There are subtopics in this SBIR Solicitation that have an outreach and Education focus, matching the needs of one of the five technical Enterprise's missions.In addition, the required involvement of research institutions in the STTR Solicitation, which is announced concurrently with the SBIR Solicitation, adds an additional potential linkage to the Education Enterprise.

STTR: Each NASA STTR Program Solicitation Topic corresponds to a specific NASA Center. One or two subtopics per Topic (rotating from year to year) reflect the current highest priority technology thrusts of that Center. The centers participating are: Ames Research Center, Dryden Flight Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Langley Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Stennis Space Center.

All NASA 2004 SBIR and STTR topics are included in the Zyn SBIR Gateway Search Engine. The complete NASA solicitation, and their very popular electronic submissions Handbook (EHB) are available at: http://sbir.gsfc.nasa.gov/SBIR/

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DoD FY2004.3 SBIR Opens: (07/02/04) - The DoD's 04.3 SBIR has opened with a few minor changes since it was released on May 1, 2004. Most notable is the cancellation of Army topic Topic # A04-137 (Network Scalability and Performance Analysis) as of June 30, 2004. Note: If you downloaded the DoD SBIR solicitation prior to May 4, 2004, the Army added topic # A04-053 Controllable Direct Electrical Conversion of Isotopic Radiation. DoD solicitations downloaded from May 4, 2004 on did not have this omission (see Zyn Article).

Other changes are merely housekeeping corrections i.e.: Added an 8th reference to topic # A04-179 in the Army's solicitation and The 2nd reference of topic # N04-228 in the Navy's solicitation has been removed.

The solicitation closes August 12, 2004 6:00 a.m. EST. All details are available from the DoD SBIR site at www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir043/

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HHS/ACF SBIR Opens: (07/02/04) - The HHS's Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has opened their SBIR Solicitation Number 04Y005016. The closing date is August 11, 2004. The topics for this offering are:

1. ACYF-01-04 - Identification and Development of Effective Models and Implementation Strategies for Same-Race or Cross-Race Mentoring Programs for African-American Youth

2. ACYF-02-04 - Developing Innovative Analytical Tools, Methods and Materials for use by Head Start Grantee Agencies in Conducting Wage Comparability and Related Studies

3. ADD-01-04 - Identification and Development of Effective Program Models and Implementation Strategies to Enhance the Effectiveness and Efficiency of State and Local Projects Supported by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), under its Three Major Programs ? State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy Systems, and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

4. ANA-01-04 - Enhancing the Potential Impact of Federally Designated Special Initiatives Designed to Foster Economic Development in Native American Communities: Effective Models and Policy Implications

The HHS/ACF SBIR program is a contracts form of award. General questions regarding policy and procedures should be addressed to Dr. Hossein Faris at (202) 205-4922. The contracting portion of this program is handled by the HHS Division of Acquisition Management, Program Support Center (PSC).

The solicitation is available on the FedBizOpps web site at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/PSC/DAM/04Y005016/listing.html.

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USDA Releases FY-2005 SBIR Offering: (07/01/04) - After a delay of almost 3 weeks, the USDA has released their FY-2005 SBIR Solicitation. The closing date is August 31, 2004.

Note: As of 8:00pm July 1, 2004, the official USDA SBIR site (www.reeusda.gov/sbir) still had last year's (FY-2004) solicitation posted instead of their new FY-2005 offering. The new offering is available on the USDA site at: www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sbir_rfa.html.

The topics for this USDA offering are:

Congress has directed the National Research Council to undertake a review of the SBIR programs of the DoD, NIH, DOE, NASA and the NSF. This is your chance to hear the status of the review and provide direct feedback regarding your concerns and suggestions with members of the review team.

Topics to be discussed include restrictions on venture capital, benefits of the program to government and private sector, program execution issues, and potential changes for consideration by Congress.

The session will be moderated by Dr.Charles W. Wessner of the National Academies and include the Honorable Jacques Gansler, Ph.D., Former Under Secretary of Defense (AT&L), OSD, as a Candidate Speaker.

The overall goal of the NDIA National Small Business Conference is to increase small business access to government contracts. Targeted primarily at an audience of small businesses already established in the federal marketplace, the conference will feature plenary session speakers focusing on the important role of small business in the defense industrial base, concurrent breakouts on a variety of specific related topics and one-on- one "matchmaking" sessions.

Details are available from the NDIA web site at:
http://register.ndia.org/interview/register.ndia? PID=Brochure&SID=_19T16MEQ6&MID=4140

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HHS/ACF SBIR Presolicitation Notice: (06/17/04) - The HHS's Administration for Children and Families (ACF), has issued a presolicitation notice of their upcoming SBIR solicitation. The solicitation opening date is not set but is expected to open by July 5, 2004. The topics for this offering are:

1. ACYF-01-04 - Identification and Development of Effective Models and Implementation Strategies for Same-Race or Cross-Race Mentoring Programs for African-American Youth

2. ACYF-02-04 - Developing Innovative Analytical Tools, Methods and Materials for use by Head Start Grantee Agencies in Conducting Wage Comparability and Related Studies

3. ADD-01-04 - Identification and Development of Effective Program Models and Implementation Strategies to Enhance the Effectiveness and Efficiency of State and Local Projects Supported by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), under its Three Major Programs ? State Councils on Developmental Disabilities, Protection and Advocacy Systems, and University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service

4. ANA-01-04 - Enhancing the Potential Impact of Federally Designated Special Initiatives Designed to Foster Economic Development in Native American Communities: Effective Models and Policy Implications

The HHS/ACF SBIR program is a contracts form of award. General questions regarding policy and procedures should be addressed to Dr. Hossein Faris at (202) 205-4922. The contracting portion of this program is handled by the HHS Division of Acquisition Management, Program Support Center (PSC).

The presolicitation notice is available of the FedBizOpps web site at: www1.eps.gov/spg/HHS/PSC/DAM/04Y005016/listing.html.

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USDA Delays SBIR Offering: (06/11/04) - The USDA has delayed the release of their 2005 SBIR Solicitation till the end of June. The Solicitation was originally to be released on June 7 with a closing date of August 31. Informed sources tell the SBIR Gateway that the new opening date will most likely be July 1, 2004 and the closing date will remain the same, August 31, 2004.

USDA states that this solicitation will be similar to last years with the addition of an Animal Waste Management Program, and an increased interest across the board in agriculturally related manufacturing technology. The latter is most likely a response to the President's Executive Order Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing (see SBIR Gateway Article ). You can view the details directly from the USDA SBIR site at: www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1128.

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NASA Issues SBIR/STTR Presolicitation Notice: (06/08/04) - NASA has issued a presolicitation notice for their 2004 SBIR/STTR offering which will open July 7, 2004 and close September 9, 2004 at 5:00pm EDT. Although there will be only one solicitation which will combine both the SBIR and STTR components, the review, selection and award processes will be conducted separately for each program. Although NASA's SBIR and STTR have different topics, there can be some technical overlap. Proposals must be submitted as either an SBIR or an STTR and will only be considered for award under one program.

To participate in the NASA SBIR program, firms must have Internet access and an e-mail address. All proposals will be required to be submitted electronically as described in the solicitation instructions.

The NASA SBIR/STTR solicitation will be available July 7 on the NASA web site at: http://sbir.nasa.gov/  The presolicitation notice is available from FedBizOpps at: www1.eps.gov/spg/NASA/GRC/OPDC20220/SBIR2004/listing.html . The NASA SBIR/STTR topics will be available on the Zyn SBIR Gateway Search Engine by July 8, 2004.

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Army Adds Topic to 04.3 SBIR: (05/24/04) - On May 4, 2004, one day after the official release of the DoD 2004.3 SBIR solicitation, the Army added the topic A04-053 Controllable Direct Electrical Conversion of Isotopic Radiation to their offering. Those who downloaded the Army solicitation on the first day (May 3) are not only missing the new topic, but are also subject to wrong topic numbers from A04-054 to A04-259.

If you downloaded the topics on Monday May 3, please revisit the DoD SBIR site at www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir043/ and download the latest version.

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DHS HSARPA SBIR FY04.2 Released: (05/13/04) - The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) HSARPA has released their FY04.2 solicitation which officially opens on June 14, 2004 and closes on July 14, 2004. There are 6 topics for this offering. They are:

  Topic Number       Click on Topic for Description
H-SB04.2-001   Cross-Domain Attack Correlation Technologies
H-SB04.2-002   Real-Time Malicious Code Identification
H-SB04.2-003   Alternatives To CL2 In Municipal Water Purification
H-SB04.2-004   Wide-Area TIC Neutralization
H-SB04.2-005   Innovative Techniques For Concealed Weapons Or Explosive Detection At A Distance
H-SB04.2-006   Improved And Innovative Cooling Garments For Emergency Responders

HSARPA Help Desk: All questions about this solicitation, the proposal preparation and electronic submission should be submitted via the website: www.hsarpasbir.com Or, call the Help Desk toll free number: 1-800-754-3043.

HSARPA SBIR website: www.hsarpasbir.com offers electronic access to the SBIR solicitation, submission of frequently asked questions (FAQs), answers to FAQs, and hyperlinks to other useful information. All Phase I and Phase II proposals must be submitted via the electronic submission website at www.hsarpasbir.com.

General questions about HSARPA SBIR Program: General questions pertaining to the HSARPA SBIR program should be submitted to [email protected] or call the HSARPA SBIR Program Contact: Mr. Tim Sharp, SBIR Program Manager, 703-797-4527.

Technical Questions about Solicitation Topics: This solicitation is issued for pre-release on the HSARPA Website from 14 May, 2004 through 14 June, 2004,. During this time, you may email topic questions to [email protected], before you prepare a proposal for the FY04.2 solicitation. Technical questions will be researched and answers provided in a timely manner. Contact with HSARPA after the 14 June, 2004, pre-solicitation closing date, is restricted for reasons of competitive fairness, and therefore, all written questions submitted to [email protected] will be answered and posted electronically for general viewing to the HSARPA website, www.hsarpasbir.com.

All proposers are advised to monitor the www.hsarpasbir.com website during the solicitation period for questions and answers, and other information relevant to the topic under which they are proposing.

The HSARPA presolicitation is available from FedBizOpps at: www1.eps.gov/spg/DHS-DR/OCPO/DHS-OCPO/HSSCHQ%2D04%2DRSAR00016/listing.html

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DoD Releases 2004.3 SBIR Solicitation: (05/03/04) - The DoD has released its FY 2004.3 SBIR solicitation with an opening date of July 1, 2004 and a closing date of August 12, 2004 (at 6:00AM EDT).

The DoD Agency Components participating in this solicitation are: Army, Navy, DARPA, SOCOM, and OSD.

The entire solicitation and all forms are available from the DoD SBIR web site at: www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir043/index.htm . The DoD 2004.3 topics will be included in the Zyn SBIR Gateway Search Engine by COB Wednesday, May 5, 2004.

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3 Navy Topics Added to DoD 2004.2 SBIR: (04/22/04) - The DoD has added the Navy's special 3 Rapid Response Topics to the DoD's SBIR 04.2 solicitation. The 3 topics originally appeared in a Navy presolicitation notice for a Rapid Response SBIR solicitation. This presolicitation notice has now been cancelled and the topics are now a special part of the DoD SBIR 04.2 solicitation.

The Navy and DoD state: These are special Navy topics recently added to the DoD SBIR 04.2 solicitation. The three topics below need a quick response to assist Operation Iraqi Freedom and the research and development is expected to be accelerated to provide results quickly. The topics are:

• Technologies to Defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED's)
• Anti-Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Technologies
• Anti-Mortar, Anti-Rockets, Anti-Missile Technologies

The DoD also notes: While the submission requirements generally follow those for the Navy 04.2 topics, there are a couple of significant differences: Small businesses shall apply first for a three to six-month phase I award of up to $100,000 (with no option) to test the scientific, technical, and commercial merit of a particular concept. If phase I proves successful, the firm may be invited to apply for a phase II award of up to $1,000,000 to further develop the concept.

The solicitation opens May 1, 2004 and closes June 17, 2004 at 6:00am EDT. You can download the solicitation from the DoD SBIR web site at
www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir042/

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Dept. of Education (OSERS) Opens SBIR Grants Solicitation: (04/06/04) - The Department of Education (ED), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) has issued a program announcement for the opening of its CFDA: 84.133S-1SBIR SBIR Grants solicitation.

Although the closing date for this solicitation is June 1, 2004, this offering requires a letter of intent (LOI) which must be submitted by April 30, 2004.

For fiscal year 2004, there is one priority (with four invitational priorities) proposed by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) under CFDA Number 84.133S with awards up to $75,000.

The following four invitational priorities relate to innovative research utilizing new technologies (including nanotechnologies and biotechnologies) to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and their families. Ed is particularly interested in applications that meet one of the following priorities.

Invitational Priority 1. - Development of Technology to Support Access, Promote Integration or Foster Independence of Individuals with Disabilities in the Community, Workplace, or Educational Setting.

Invitational Priority 2. - Development of Technology to Enhance Sensory or Motor Function of Individuals with Disabilities.

Invitational Priority 3. - Development of Technology to Support Transition into Post-secondary Educational or Employment Settings for Individuals with Disabilities.

Invitational Priority 4. - Development of technology that incorporates universal design principles and promotes access to information in educational, employment and community settings.

It is anticipated that ED will fund 15 awards under this program. The complete Dept. of Education solicitation can be found at www.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/grantapps/2004/84133s-1.html

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SBA Releases ROP Program Announcement: (04/05/04) - The SBA has released their Rural Outreach Program (ROP) solicitation SBIRROP-04-R-0003. Although the due date on the current PDF file is April 30, 2004, the SBA has confirmed to the SBIR Gateway that the new closing date is May 12, 2004.

Here are a few important points on the ROP solicitation:

Only eligible states may submit applications under this Announcement and not more than one proposal may be submitted by any eligible state. Eligible states include 1) Alaska 2) Arkansas 3) Delaware 4) the District of Columbia 5) Hawaii 6) Idaho 7) Indiana 8) Iowa 9) Kentucky 10) Louisiana 11) Maine 12) Mississippi 13) Missouri 14) Montana, 15) Nebraska 16) Nevada 17) North Dakota, 18) Oklahoma 19) Puerto Rico 20) Rhode Island 21) South Carolina 22) South Dakota 23) Vermont 24) West Virginia and 25) Wyoming. Each proposal must provide for statewide assistance to small technology businesses, and must bear the endorsement of the Governor of the state for which the effort is proposed. Please see the Glossary of Terms for a more explicit definition of eligible state.

SBA anticipates that funding per project will range up to $49,470. The number of awards may vary, based upon number and the quality of eligible applications received; the evaluations; and the amount of available funds. Awards will be made on a matching funds basis. Awards will be made in a ratio of Federal dollars to non-Federal dollars of 2:1, to a maximum Federal contribution of $24,735.

The solicitation can be downloaded directly from the SBA's SBIR page at www.sbaonline.sba.gov/SBIR/

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EPA Opens 4 SBIR Solicitations: (03/25/04) - The EPA has issued 4 separate SBIR solicitations all of which open March 25, 2004 and close May 25, 2004. Similar to last year, the EPA has issued their regular SBIR solicitation which runs concurrently with 3 special EPA SBIR solicitations. Complete details are available directly from the EPA SBIR web site at: http://es.epa.gov/ncer/sbir/

The EPA SBIR Soliciations are:

Special Phase I for Hazardous Waste Minimization [PR-NC-04-10311]
(approximately 10 awards)
Topics for this solicitation are: A) new products and technologies that reduce or eliminate generation of hazardous waste containing any of 30 Hazardous Waste Priority Chemicals and B) Clean Waste-to-Energy Gasification Technologies and Systems.
This solicitation can be viewed at:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_sbir_phase1_haz-waste.html

Special Phase I for Pollution Prevention [PR-NC-04-10309]
(approximately 10 awards)
Topics for this solicitation are: A) Automobile and Other Green Supplier Networks; B) Hospitals for a Healthy Environment; C) Flame Retardants; D) Diisocyanates; E) Fragrances; F) Industrial Design; and G) Printed Wiring Boards.
This solicitation can be viewed at:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_sbir_phase1_poll-prev.html

Special Phase I for Technology Solutions for Pacific Southwest Environmental Problems [PR-NC-04-10310]
(approximately 10 awards)
Topics for this solicitation are: A) Air Pollution in Arid Climates; B) Drinking Water in Arid Climates; C) Wastewater in Arid Climates; D) Solid Waste in Arid Climates; E) Stormwater from Construction and Industry; F) Dairies and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations(CAFOs); G) Chronic Wasting Disease; and H) Green Buildings.
This solicitation can be viewed at:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_sbir_phase1_pac-swest.html

The Regular EPA SBIR solicitation: [PR-NC-04-10308]
(approximately 15 awards)
Topics for this solicitation include: A) Nanomaterials; B) Control and Monitoring of Air Pollution; C) Drinking Water Treatment and Monitoring; D) Water and Wastewater; E) Hazardous Waste Management and Site Remediation; F) Hazardous Waste Monitoring; G) Solid Waste Recycling; H) Safe Buildings; and I) Drinking Water and Wastewater Security.
This solicitation can be viewed at:
http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/2004/2004_sbir_phase1.html

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Important NIH Submission Tips: (03/11/04) - Jo Anne Goodnight, NIH SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator offers some important and useful NIH SBIR/STTR submission tips:

I know that many of you are working hard to prepare an application for the upcoming April 1 submission date, so I thought I would pass along some guidance and advice to help you get through the next few weeks. Specifically, I wanted to focus on what I believe to be the essential ingredient to a successful application: Communication.   [More...]

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SBA Issues FAST Program Announcement: (03/11/04) - The SBA has released its FY-2004 Federal & State Partnership (FAST) Program Announcement stating a release date of March 8, 2004 and a closing date of May 5, 2004. FAST is a competitive grants program that allows each state to receive funding in the form of a matching grant to provide an array of services to small businesses in support of the SBIR program.

Although Congress enacted the FAST program under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001, the funding was zeroed out for FY-2003. Many states mobilized to fight for the survival of the FAST program. Long time SBIR proponent Jere Glover, of the Small Business Technology Coalition (SBTC), led a successful effort to persuade congress to restore FAST funding, although it was at a reduced amount. This effort is primarily responsible for the current FAST Program Announcement by SBA.

With the recent change in the SBA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Technology, the status of FAST for FY-2004 was unclear and several members of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee requested a progress report (see SBA Questioned on FAST and ROP).

Eligibility for FAST Funding:

Organizations and individuals in every state (including state economic development agencies, Small Business Development Centers, or any other entity involved in the development of small technology firms) are eligible to apply for a cooperative agreement award.

Proposals may be submitted on behalf of an individual state or on behalf of multiple states. Not more than one proposal may be submitted for inclusion in the FAST program to provide services in any one state in any one fiscal year. Applications must be accompanied by a Letter of Endorsement signed by the appropriate state governor or his/her authorized designee.

The SBA FAST Program Announcement can be found on the SBA SBIR web site at www.sbaonline.sba.gov/SBIR

The companion program to FAST is the smaller Rural Outreach Program (ROP). ROP was created under the same legislation as FAST and is administered by the SBA. No date has been disclosed by SBA as to the release of the FY-2004 ROP Program Announcement.

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DoD adds Fourth SBIR Solicitation for FY 2004: (03/02/04) - The DoD has announced that it will add a fourth SBIR solicitation to its FY-2004 schedule. The DoD schedule for the remainder of FY 2004 is:

Solicitation	Release	Opens	Closes
SBIR 2004.2 small	March 1, 2004	May 3, 2004	June 17, 2004
SBIR 2004.3 large	May 1, 2004	July 1, 2004	August 12, 2004
SBIR 2004.4 small	August 2, 2004	September 15, 2004	October 15, 2004

The current SBIR 2004.2 offering is rather small in that there are 30 topics from the Navy and 3 topics from DARPA. It is expected that the 2004.3 SBIR will be a major release with hundreds of topics and the 2004.4 SBIR will be a smaller offering similar to the 2004.2.

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NSF Releases FY2004 SBIR/STTR Solicitation: (03/01/04) - The NSF has released its FY 2004 SBIR/STTR solicitation NSF 04-551. NSF will start accepting proposals May 9, 2004 and must receive proposals by June 09, 2004 at 5 p.m. proposer's local time.

There are two major topic categories:
Information-Based Technologies (IT) - The IT topic solicits proposals to develop the innovations necessary to support the Nation�s information, knowledge, and computational needs in the first decade of the 21st century. The emphasis of the IT topic is on the support of high-risk innovation in products, services, or processes that have the potential for a large payoff to industry, business, or society.

Security Technologies (ST) - The NSF SBIR/STTR program solicits cross-disciplinary proposals to address specific opportunities that enhance America�s security. Under this solicitation, NSF will support priority areas that are addressed by the convergence of at least two of the following three technologies: nanotechnology, biotechnology and information technology (both hardware and software).

The solicitation and all forms can be found on the NSF SBIR web site at: www.eng.nsf.gov/sbir/

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DoD Releases 2004.2 SBIR Solicitation: (03/01/04) [Updated 3/2/04] - The DoD has released its 2004.2 SBIR Solicitation which opens on May 3, 2004 and closes June 17, 2004 at at 6:00 a.m. EST   In previous years the DoD issued two large SBIR solicitations during a fiscal year, but for FY 2004, a total of four solicitations (two large and two small) are offered (see SBIR Gateway Article: DoD adds Fourth SBIR Solicitation for FY 2004).

The DoD 2004.2 SBIR is a small solicitation and contains offerings from two DoD agency components, Navy and DARPA. The 2004.2 topics are included in the SBIR Gateway Search Engine or you can browse the topics below.

Navy SBIR Topics

DARPA SBIR Topics

The complete solicitation and all forms are available directly from the DoD SBIR web site at: www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sbir042 .

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SBA Questioned on FAST and ROP - 8 Senators Question Program Status and Support: (02/26/04) - In an effort led by Senator John Kerry (D-MA), eight senators from the Senate Small Business Committee are expressing concerns about the SBA's proposed elimination of the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) program and the Rural Outreach Program (ROP) for FY-2005. [More..]

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Executive Order to Change SBIR? - DOC and OSTP Supported Changes: (02/24/04) - On February 24, 2004 President Bush issued an Executive Order Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing. Utilizing a plan mapped out by the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the Department of Commerce (DOC) the White House issued the executive order that instructs SBIR agency program managers: to the extent permitted by law and in a manner consistent with the mission of that department or agency, give high priority within such programs to manufacturing-related research and development to advance the policy set forth in section 1 of this order; and

submit reports annually to the Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy concerning the efforts of such department or agency to implement subsection 2(a) of this order.

This order comes shortly after the White House zeroed out NIST's Advanced Technology Program (ATP) for FY-2005, and after decimating the NIST Manufacturing Extension Project (MEP) from $160 million to $39 million.

This has raised quite a controversy in the SBIR community. You can read the President's Executive Order at www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/02/20040224-6.html

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Compatibility Problems with PDF Forms: (02/19/04) - In the past couple of years, SBIR Agencies have migrated from paper based "hard copy" solicitations to electronic versions in various formats such as Word, HTML, and PDF. PDF, (Portable Document Format) requires the use of Adobe Acrobat or the free Adobe Reader.

As is customary in the computer software field, program upgrades often render old programs obsolete. Such is the case for the latest Adobe Acrobat version 6. If you are using an old version 4 or 5 Acrobat Reader to read PDF files that were made in version 6, you will receive an error message and not be able to read the file. This is very frustrating to users who resist upgrading even for free programs.

If you are having trouble reading a PDF, the chances are that you need to upgrade. A free Adobe version 6 Reader is available at: www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

We have received many calls as to why the upgrade is necessary. Acrobat 6 has many new features that make it attractive to government and ultimately to the end users. The upgrade is necessary if you want to read new SBIR agency offerings.

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DOT Releases 2004 SBIR Solicitation: (02/17/04) - The Department of Transportation's SBIR Program Office has released their 2004 SBIR Solicitation consisting of 12 Topics with a closing date of May 3, 2004.

The DOT allows hard copy and electronic submissions (select one or the other but not both). Electronic submissions must be in PDF format and sent via email rather than uploading to a web site. Note: If you intend to submit your proposal electronically you must register with DOT no later April 15, 2004. You can register at www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir/sol04/04e-submit.html .

Due Dates: Electronic proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 3, 2004. Email delivery times vary greatly and unlike other forms of transmission, there are no reliable methods to prove that you sent a timely email transmission. Hard copy proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 3, 2004 unless sent by U.S. mail. U.S. Mail submissions (not other carriers) with a postmark no later than May 3, 2004 will be accepted by DOT.

The entire DOT solicitation can be downloaded from the DOT SBIR web site at www.volpe.dot.gov/sbir/sol04/   The DOT topics are included in the Zyn SBIR Gateway Search Engine at www.zynsys.com/sbir/sbres/sbcss.htm

Display DOT Topics

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SBA Reassigns Maurice Swinton - Action Will Impact SBIR: - Without formal announcement or explanation, the SBA has moved Maurice Swinton from Assistant Administrator for the Office of Technology (in charge of SBIR/STTR oversite) to Assistant Administrator for the Office of Management and Technical Assistance (7a and other loan programs). The SBA has appointed Edsel Brown (from the 7a program) to Mr. Swinton's position of SBIR/STTR management and oversite. This managerial swap is causing great concern within all facets of the SBIR/STTR arena. [More..]

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NIH, CDC, and FDA Omnibus SBIR/STTR Grants Solicitation Opens: (01/09/04) - The NIH has announced the release of the PHS 2004-2 SBIR/STTR Grants Solicitation. This omnibus solicitation combines the offerings of the NIH SBIR/STTR, the CDC SBIR and the FDA SBIR programs.

Zyn Correction/Update: 01/10/04 - Their ARE different receipt dates for AIDS/AIDS Related Applications. The Receipt Dates for non-AIDS related applications are April 1, August 1, and December 1, 2004. AIDS related applications receipt dates are May 1, 2004, September 1, 2004 and January 2, 2005. The PHS 2004-2 schedule is:

SBIR & STTR* Submission Dates Phase I + II	AIDS & AIDS- Related Applications	National Technical Merit Review	Advisory Council Board Review	Estimated Award Date
April 1, 2004	May 1, 2004	June/July	Sept/Oct	November
August 1, 2004	September 1, 2004	Oct/Nov	Jan/Feb	March
December 1, 2004	January 2, 2005	Feb/March	May/June	July
* NIH, CDC and FDA now use the same three standard submission dates. CDC and FDA do not participate in the STTR program.

The NIH/CDC/FDA grant solicitation is one of the largest in the entire SBIR/STTR arena. It is also the most complex and difficult to define. It is in your best interest to study the rules and forms carefully. All of the necessary information is available from the NIH SBIR/STTR web site at: grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm#sol

All of the PHS 2004-2 SBIR/STTR solicitation topics are available for searching on the Zyn SBIR Gateway Search Engine.

Note: Due to the size and complexity of the NIH SBIR/STTR program, the NIH sponsors an annual conference specific to their program's needs. This is an invaluable asset for those interested in competing for NIH SBIR/STTR awards. This conference has limited seating capacity and is always a sell out. The 6th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR Conference will be held in Bethesda, MD June 23-24, 2004. NIH will make additional details available. You can periodically check the NIH web site at grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbir.htm.

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NIST Issues Solicitation Amendment: (01/09/04) - NIST issued Amendment01 to their current SBIR solicitation. The amendment is:

AMENDMENT 1 - NIST-04-SBIR
CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION (CCR)

As of October 1, 2003, Federal Acquisition Regulations now require contractor registration in the CCR database prior to an award of any contract, basic ordering agreement or blanket purchase agreement. Offerors can register in the CCR database by going to www.ccr.gov.

This registration is not required by the due date for proposals to the SBIR 04 Solicitation. However, a vendor must be in the CCR database before an award can be made.

The amendment can be found at www.eps.gov/spg/DOC/NIST/AcAsD/Reference%2DNumber%2DNIST%2D04%2DSBIR/listing.html

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DoD Releases STTR FY04 Solicitation: (01/02/04) - The DoD has released their FY04 STTR solicitation which will open on March 1, 2004 and will close on April 15, 2004 at 6am EST. The DoD agency components participating in this solicitation are: Air Force (27 topics), Army (28 topics), Navy (34 topics), DARPA (5 topics), MDA (24 topics).

The complete solicitation and all forms are available directly from the DoD STTR web site site at www.acq.osd.mil/sadbu/sbir/solicitations/sttr04/index.htm

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New Business & Technology Insider Internet Radio Program: Paladin International Inc. of Alexandria, VA, has launched a free 1 hour daily internet radio show for small businesses. The show is designed to help you find business opportunities and give you up-to-date information on the impact of new legislation (federal and state) along with other important business topics.

Each day focuses on a different topic. Monday: Policy, Tuseday: Technology, Wednesday: Health & Science, Thursday: Small Business, Friday: Federal Contracting. Recent guests on SBIR topics have included Maurice Swinton of SBA and Rick Shindell of Zyn Systems. The show features other topics of importance to small high tech businesses such as e-government and electronic filing of patent applications featuring Nick Godici, the Commissioner for Patents USPTO.