National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep Workshop

The National Science Foundation (NSF) invests more than $230 million annually in their SBIR/STTR Program to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. NSF-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new discoveries that help people live longer, healthier and more productive lives, and builds a research foundation that drives further discovery.

If you are pursuing a National Science Foundation SBIR/STTR grant, you don’t want to miss this workshop. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, our expert we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful proposal.

You’ll learn:

· Program’s goals and eligibility

· How to navigate the NSF website and use web tools

· The importance of Program Managers

· Application components and proposal scoring

· How to avoid common pitfalls and more!

Agenda (EST)

· 8:00 am -- VIPC Intro and Program Overview

· 8:30 am -- SBIR/STTR ABCs and Overview of NSF program -- An overview of the SBIR/STTR program and review of NSF Program Essentials, including what kinds of technologies and companies NSF prefers to fund, strategies for targeting your proposal to meet the reviewers’ expectations, different funding opportunities at NSF, and more.

· 10:00 am 10-15-minute break

· 10:15 am Pitch & Project Description Elements -- Review of the key elements of this critical component of your NSF proposal. Discussion of how to approach each section of the Project Description and how to present your Technical Objectives so reviewers understand your research plan to prove feasibility. Learn about the importance of the commercialization plan and how to prepare a compelling Commercial Opportunity section.

· 12:15 pm 30-minute lunch break

·12:45 pm Project Description Elements continued -- Reviewing Biographical sketches, Facilities, Budgets, and other proposal elements.

· 2:15 pm 10-15-minute break

· 2:30 pm Submission at Research.gov and budgeting -- Reviewing registrations necessary for submission and tips on navigating the submission process.

· 4:00 pm Final Q&A

Funded in Part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration

Event Location Host:

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) headquarters

First Floor Lobby Conference Center
8300 Boone Boulevard

Tysons Corner, VA 22182

Cost:

· Virginia Based Small Tech Firms: $25 per person (Lunch Provided)

· Virginia Based University Personnel: $25 per person (Lunch Provided)

· All Others: $75 per person (Lunch Provided)

** IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION **

Parking at the FCEDA Headquarters is FREE for all visitors.

You MUST park in any unrestricted spot inside the 8300 building, on any level of the parking garage. To enter the garage, use the garage entrance located on Boone Boulevard.

There is a direct entrance from the parking garage to the first floor lobby of the 8300 building. Once inside the 8300 building, you will see directional signs for the workshop. Please do not park in the 2-hour parking spaces outside of the building. The workshop will exceed the maximum 2-hour time limit for parking and you run the risk of having your car towed, if you park outside.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) headquarters, 8300 Boone Boulevard, Vienna, United States