|
Back
Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
FACTS ABOUT STTR
The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program was
established by Title II of the Small Business Research and
Development Enhancement Act of 1992, Public Law 102-564, to
foster innovation necessary to meet the nation's scientific
and technological challenges of the future. This three-phased
program provides the opportunity for qualified small businesses
to collaboratively work with non-profit research institutions
on research or research and development (R&D) projects.
Federal agencies with more than $1 billion of extramural R&D
must reserve 0.3% of their budgets for R&D small businesses
and their partners. This set-aside currently results in the
availability of approximately $65 million for fiscal year
2001. STTR was recently reauthorized through 2009.
STTR is much like that of the Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR) program. Its unique feature is its requirement that
the small business work jointly with a non-profit research
institution. A minimum of 40% of the work must be performed
by the small business and a minimum of 30% by the non-profit
research institution. Such institutions include Federally-funded
research and development centers (FFRDCs), universities, university
affiliated hospitals, and other non-profits. (For information
regarding other differences between STTR and SBIR, click
here.)
Objectives of STTR
- Stimulate technological innovation
- Strengthen the role of small businesses in meeting Federal
Research and development needs
- Increase private sector commercialization of innovations
derived from Federal research and development.
Participating
Federal Agencies
Small Business Eligibility
- 500 or less employees
- American-owned and independently operated
- For profit
Research Institution Eligibility
- Located in US
- Must be one of the following non-profit organizations:
- University/college
- Domestic research organization
- University-affiliated hospital
- FFRDC (Federally Funded Research and Development Centers)
Three Phases
STTR is a three-phase program of which two are Federally
funded. Phase I is a feasibility study to evaluate the proposed
project's technical merit for which an awardee may receive
a maximum of $100,000 for approximately one year. Phase II
is the principal R&D effort which expands on the Phase
I results. This two-year project may receive up to $500,000
in funding. Only Phase I awardees are eligible to compete
for Phase II funds. Phase III is the commercialization of
the Phase II results and moves the innovation from the laboratory
to the marketplace. This requires use of private sector or
other non-SBIR funding.
Evaluation Criteria
- Scientific and technical quality and innovativeness of
the idea and the significance of the scientific or technical
challenge
- Ability to carry out the project, i.e. qualifications
of the principal investigator and other key personnel, adequacy
of facilities and equipment, soundness of work plan
- The impact as evidenced by technical and/or economic benefits,
the likelihood that the work would lead to a marketable
product, or the likelihood the project could attract further
funding.
Submission
Each year the five participating agencies issue program solicitations
describing the technical areas for which they are interested.
The solicitations, their release and due dates, and submission
instructions are available at each agency
website.
Assistance
Operating procedures vary between the agencies, so it is wise
to become familiar with the agencies by viewing
their websites and/or contacting them as appropriate.
|
