Below is a checklist we have compiled for clients who are going after a NIH Phase I SBIR/STTR Grant. Feel free to use this list to help you prepare, but also we advise you go to the NIH SBIR website for further information. We also have a comprehensive questionnaire on this page. Feel free to submit our questionnaire if you would like some consult from us and/or grant writing services. To have a look at some of our SBIR writer staff, please visit this page.
Eligibility requirements
Small business legal entity formed (s-corp, c-corp, LLC)
Establish bank account for small business
Apply for Tax ID number (EIN/TIN) at irs.gov
Dun & Bradstreet registration
Sam.gov registration
Sbir.gov registration
eRA Commons account registrations (principle investigator and signing official)
Choosing which NIH institute / solicitation to target
Identify health application field(s) of product developed during project
Identify institutes with funding objectives in health application field(s)
Search SBIR/STTR opportunities within those institutes
Evaluate funding opportunity announcements (FOA) with goals that align with your project
Prepare project executive summary (usually draft Specific Aims)
Identify Program Official within relevant FOA and email to request phone call to discuss project (include Specific Aims in email)
Individual documents to prepare for submission to NIH
Narrative (1-2 paragraphs)
Abstract (200-500 words)
Specific Aims (1 page limit)
Research Plan (6 page limit)
Bibliography (no limit)
Budget Justification (~1-3 pages)
Facilities (~1-2 pages)
Equipment (~1-2 pages)
Biosketches (1 for each Sr./key personnel using most recent template)
Letters of support (2-5 letters from customers, partners, consultants, etc)
SBC Proof of Registration
(if necessary) Authentication of biological and chemical material (< 1 page)
(if necessary) Sub-award budget for academic partner (variable)
(If necessary) Vertebrate animals (1-2 pages)
If human subjects are involved (usually not a Phase I activity)
Protection of human subjects
Data safety monitoring plan
Inclusion of women and minorities
Inclusion of children
