National Institutes of Health SBIR/STTR

NIH offers more funding opportunities than you may realize!

by Megan Varnum | Oct 28, 2020 | NIH, NIH Contracts, technology development, SBIR Grants, STTR related, SBIR related

All SBIR/STTR-eligible companies interested in NIH should be aware that the agency offers additional funding and assistance programs to small businesses aside from the standard Phase I, Phase II, and FastTrack opportunities. We recommend that you first discuss any of...

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Visit our live training calendar for NIH-specific training events. We also offer a library of pre-recorded webinars specific to the National Institutes of Health SBIR/STTR programs which you can access at any time.

Fast Facts

NIH is both a “granting” and a “contracting” agency (but 95% of funding goes toward grants)
– See the current dates here.
– The NIH releases a Contract solicitation once per year. See more information here.

Peer reviewers evaluate proposals
Offers both SBIR and STTR programs
Three standard deadlines per year for the Omnibus solicitation: September 5, January 5, April 5; Off-cycle deadlines for targeted Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs); One deadline for contract solicitations, typically in October/November
Phase I: 6 months – 2 years $306,872 Phase II: 1-3 years $2,045,816
Offers Phase I, Phase II, FastTrack, Direct to Phase II, and Phase IIB, and Commercialization Readiness Pilot program funding
Allows for budget waivers to exceed budget caps for special topics
Typical success rates: Phase I: ~11-19% Phase II: ~25-42%
Note that different Institutes/Centers may have different requirements

Step 1: Determine target Institute(s) and Communicate with a Program Director (Not required, but recommended)

Determine a target Institute(s) at NIH where your project may have the best fit. BBCetc’s team of NIH consultants can advise regarding best fit for your project and how to approach the Program Director.

Step 2: Full Proposal

A full proposal includes a Research Plan and other components, such as Biosketches, Facilities and Other Resources, Vertebrate Animals Section, PHS Human Subjects and Clinical Trials Information, and detailed budgets. You must submit all required components and follow the instructions in the solicitation as well as rules regarding page limits and format.

Step 3: Prepare and submit application

NIH proposals are prepared and submitted through their online portal, ASSIST.

Step 4: Proposal Review and Decision

Proposals are reviewed by members of a Study Section, who will score your proposal in five categories: Significance, Innovation, Investigators, Approach, and Environment. You will receive feedback in a Summary Statement 2-3 months after submission and be notified 6-9 months after submission whether your proposal will be funded.

Proposal Assistance

BBCetc’s team has first-hand experience preparing, submitting, and being awarded NIH SBIR/STTR grants. Our experts offer one-on-one assistance with proposal development on Phase I, Phase II, FastTrack, Direct to Phase II, and Phase IIB grants and contracts. To work with BBCetc, please complete and submit our Assessment Form. We will set up a free call to talk about your project, answer questions and decide on next steps.