Twenty Dot Three | SBIR Insights
Whether you’re writing your first proposal or are refining your approach, this episode will give you insights not found anywhere else. We learn about common pitfalls to avoid and tips to shape our SBIR proposal from Zaheer Ali. Zaheer’s background includes writing SBIR solicitations on the government side, responding them as an entrepreneur, and evaluating them on SBIR review boards.
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of innovator >< operator, Zaheer Ali joins the show to talk about his experience on both the issuing and application sides of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) opportunities. Zaheer shares his tips for applying and avoiding common pitfalls with host Julie Willis and Twenty Dot Three season guest Katheryn Basso.
BACKGROUND
After the September 11th attack, the world woke up to asymmetric threats. SBIR became critical to supporting the Homeland Security initiatives of the time. When they started writing SBIR solicitations, they were directed towards getting the types of technologies we needed into our hands very quickly, and in some ways using them to bypass standard methods.
SBIR is looking for directed solutions. Most SBIR solicitations are looking for high Technical Readiness Level (TRL) technologies. SBIR is typically released in two parts, the pre-release and the formal release. During the pre-release, there's usually a point of contact who you can speak with. Talking to them is extremely critical. This conversation will give you a sense of what TRL they're looking for, so you know if your technology is a good fit for what they want.
SBIR is at times used as a direct procurement tool and wired, or written, for specific companies. But others are very open. AFWERX and the National Science Foundation do open topic SBIR. This process starts with a pitch and mini proposal, much like a start-up pitch. After the pitch they tell you whether or not you are invited to propose. On most procurements, even if you're not invited to the proposal phase you're still allowed to propose. But if you're invited, you know you're in the top quarter of applicants.
TIPS FOR SHAPING SBIR PROPOSALS
The SBIR board varies dramatically by agency, but there's going to be a very simple set of things they're looking for.
Are you credible?
Is what you're proposing going to achieve the outcomes that they seek?
It’s important to find a way to speak with that point of contact and ask questions during the pre-release phase so you are aware of the outcomes they want. If you can address that, then you're really putting yourself in a position to win.
Look for documents that these agencies or branches are putting out and see how you can tie what you're proposing to things that they may refer to as: critical needs, critical problems, or their roadmap for the future.
If you are applying for SBIR, you want to do some research to see who your competitors might be. Keep in mind, you can use SBIR as a vehicle for awareness of your technology and your company within your general consumer set.
AVOID THESE PITFALLS
Be compliant and fill out the forms right.
Focus on the mapping exercise. Show how your technology is addressing the problem statement.
Achieve the outcomes that are desired to solve the problem.
CORRECTION
An incorrect reference was made to DoorDash. The correct product is DinerDash.
CONNECT
Zaheer Ali
Zaheer is an award winning research physicist with patents and over 40 authored or co-authored publications to his name. Over the years he has worked for the US Department of Energy’s Nevada Test Site, he co-founded the National Center for Nuclear Security…was the Principal Investigator and Shot Director at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics of the University of Rochester, and today he’s the senior manager for the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Science and Mission Operations, NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).
Katheryn Basso
If you want to learn more about KADRI Clothing, Katheryn’s designs, and her company, head over to their website at https://www.kadriclothing.com.
