June 18, 2004
Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) Newsletter
No. 17-04
This biweekly newsletter is published by the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI). Please visit our website at www.uwyo.edu/sbir for complete program information (including links to participating federal agencies, support agencies, conferences, archives of this newsletter, etc.) Contact jillkline@vcn.com to be added to or removed from the Distribution List for this newsletter.
SOLICITATION COUNTDOWN
Wyoming Phase 0: due 5:00 p.m., 7/1/04; 13 days
HSARPA: due 7/14/04; 26 days
NIH SBIR/STTR (Grants) (including CDC, FDA): due 8/1/04; 43 days
DOD SBIR 2004.3: due 8/12/04; 55 days
NIH AIDS Related Topics: due 9/1/04; 74 days
Other NIH Deadlines
CONTENTS
1.0 CHA Corporation Of Laramie Wins DOD Phase I
2.0 June Phase 0 Award Winners
3.0 Charles Cleland, USDA SBIR Program Manager Comes To Wyoming August 16
4.0 USDA Delays SBIR Solicitation Release
5.0 NASA Issues SBIR/STTR Pre-solicitation Notice
6.0 AG Technology Show Seeks AG Inventors
7.0 Upcoming Conferences/Trainings/Seminars/Workshops
8.0 Competition Tip: Demonstrate Feasibility!!!
9.0 Acknowledgements And Publication Information
1.0 CHA CORPORATION OF LARAMIE WINS DOD PHASE I
Congratulations to CHA Corporation of Laramie on their recent Phase I award!
Principal Investigator: Dr. Chang Yul Cha
Title: Low-Temperature Microwave Catalysis to Destroy Chemical Warfare Agents from Air Streams
Awarding Agency: Department of Defense
Award: $70,000
Abstract: Ventilation systems are extremely venerable to incidental and malicious attacks by terrorists and saboteurs. During attacks by chemical and biological weapons, personnel in temporary and permanent shelters are dependent on a constant supply of clean air. Consequently, the main objective of the proposed work is to develop a microwave low-temperature catalytic oxidation system that will effectively decontaminate air containing aerosolized or gaseous chemical agents (CWAs). In order to protect personnel in shelters, the catalytic oxidation systems should (1) destroy CWAs in air at low temperatures to avoid NOx formation, (2) remove sulfur dioxide produced from the oxidation of CWAs containing sulfur atoms, (3) operate for an indefinite period of time, and (4) destroy biological agents at low temperatures. The experimental results obtained during the Phase I work will clearly demonstrate that the microwave decontamination process is capable of destroying greater than 90% of organics containing 3% or more of phosphorous and separately, of sulfur from flowing air at a residence time one second or less for at least 30 minutes. A prototype microwave air decontamination system will be constructed and tested during the Phase II work to demonstrate the effectiveness of the microwave air decontamination system.
Anticipated Benefits: The primary benefit is a microwave air decontamination system, capable of providing clean air to personnel in the shelter(s) during attacks by chemical and biological warfare agents. The secondary benefit is microwave air decontamination systems that can be installed in the ventilation systems of the permanent military structures to protect military personnel against incidental or malicious attacks by terrorist and saboteurs. The microwave catalytic oxidation system can also be used to destroy toxic materials at the point of generation.
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2.0 JUNE PHASE 0 AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the June Phase 0 award winners!
RoLyn Acres, Inc., Huntley
Principal Investigator: Ron and Lynne Pulley
Phone: (307) 532-8152
Email: rolynacres@actcom.net
Phase 0 Title: Providing an important niche market; analysis of Yak meat to validate nutritional benefits for gourmet and special diets.
Phase 1 Target: USDA/Rural and Community Development
Square One Systems Design, Jackson
Principal Investigator: Robert Viola
Phone: (307) 739-0946
Email: viola@sqr-1.com
Phase 0 Title: Compound Robotic Weapons Assembly System
Phase 1 Target: DoD-Navy, N04-19: Automated Weapons Assembly
Wickman Spacecraft & Propulsion Company, Casper
Principal Investigator: John Wickman
Phone: (307) 265-5895
Email: jwckman@space-rockets.com
Phase 0 Title: A Pintle Nozzle With Integrated Thrust Vector Control
Phase 1 Target: DOD-Army/A04-173 An Integrated Thrust Control Solution
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3.0 CHARLES CLELAND, USDA SBIR PROGRAM DIRECTOR COMES TO WYOMING AUGUST 16
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Monday, August 16, US Department of Agriculture SBIR Progam Director Charles Cleland will be in Laramie, Wyoming to present an in-depth session on the USDA SBIR program. Cleland will also be available to visit one-on-one with participants.
Watch the WSSI newsletter for details as they develop.
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4.0 USDA DELAYS SBIR SOLICITATION RELEASE
courtesy of the SBIR Gateway
The USDA has delayed the release of their 2005 SBIR Solicitation till the end of June. The Solicitation was originally to be released on June 7 with a closing date of August 31. Informed sources tell the SBIR Gateway that the new opening date will most likely be July 1, 2004 and the closing date will remain the same, August 31, 2004.
USDA states that this solicitation will be similar to last years with the addition of an Animal Waste Management Program, and an increased interest across the board in agriculturally related manufacturing technology. The latter is most likely a response to the President's Executive Order Encouraging Innovation in Manufacturing. You can view the details directly from the USDA SBIR site at: www.csrees.usda.gov/fo/fundview.cfm?fonum=1128.
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5.0 NASA ISSUES SBIR/STTR PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE
NASA has issued a pre-solicitation notice for their 2004 SBIR/STTR offering that will open July 7, 2004 and close September 9, 2004 at 5:00pm EDT. Although NASA's SBIR and STTR have different topics and there may be some technical overlap, there will only be one solicitation combining the two programs and the review selection and award processes will be conducted separately. Proposals must be submitted as either an SBIR or an STTR and will only be considered for award under one program.
To participate in the NASA SBIR program, concerns must have Internet access and an e-mail address. All proposals will be required to be submitted electronically as described in the solicitation instructions.
The pre-solicitation notice is available from FedBizOpps at: www1.eps.gov/spg/NASA/GRC/OPDC20220/SBIR2004/listing.html.
The NASA SBIR/STTR solicitation will be available July 7 on the NASA web site at: http://sbir.nasa.gov/
The NASA SBIR/STTR topics will be available on the SBIR Gateway Search Engine by July 8, 2004.
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6.0 AG TECHNOLOGY SHOW SEEKS AG INVENTORS
BILLINGS, MT -- Ag Inventors can now sign up for the 3rd Annual Ag Inventors Contest to be held during the Ag Technology Show January 13 - 15, 2005 in Billings, Montana at the Holiday Inn Trade Center. The contest is open to inventors who have an idea, an innovation or an invention that has a farm and or ranch application, and is commercially viable and original.
There is no cost to enter and the deadline for entry to the contest is December 3, 2004. "A jury committee will select 7 finalists out of all of the entries submitted to the show organizers. The inventor finalists will be invited to display their idea or invention at the three day tradeshow free of charge," said Cynthia Berst, tradeshow producer. "A panel of 5 judges will select the $1,000 Top Inventor Award and show attendees can vote for their favorite inventor for the People's Choice Award."
Berst is hosting the Ag Inventors Contest during the Ag Technology Show, a regional farm & ranch tradeshow, because of the valuable exposure for the inventors. "The contest finalists gain tremendous access to manufacturing and marketing companies and to the various government agencies that assist them how to turn their innovation into a viable business." said Berst.
The winners of the Ag Inventors Contest 2004 were Fred Davison of Highwood, MT who won the $1,000 Top Inventor Award for his E-Z Reach Gate Winch. The People's Choice Award was given to Kent Granmoe of Glendive, MT for his Hydraulic Pressure Relief Tool. "The contestants came from all over Montana and Wyoming and all of them received great exposure with an article about the Ag Inventors Contest and their idea in their hometown newspapers," explained Berst about the benefits of contestants entering the contest.
A complete set of inventor rules and entry forms can be obtained by interested inventors by writing to Cynthia Berst, Bright Cat Productions, PO Box 20044, Billings, MT 59104-0044 or by calling (406) 855-5765 or by email brightcatproductions@yahoo.com.
"This is going to be another fantastic tradeshow and inventor's contest," said Berst. "Farmers, ranchers, exhibitors, attendees - everyone will have an opportunity to see the newest, latest and greatest innovations that are up and coming or already in the marketplace today at the tradeshow."
The Ag Technology Show 2005 is the place to be if you're in the farming and ranching community for both Ag buyer and seller. The show will be opening at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2005 and closing at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2005. Exhibitors and attendees come from a large regional area and both admission and parking are free.
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7.0 UPCOMING CONFERENCES/TRAININGS/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
7.1 6TH ANNUAL NIH SBIR/STTR CONFERENCE IS JUNE 23 & 24 IN BETHESDA MARYLAND
This two day meeting, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will focus on Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding opportunities available explicitly to small businesses that have innovative biomedical or behavioral research ideas with commercial potential. A particularly unique and valuable aspect of this conference is the opportunity for you to interact one-on-one with NIH Program Directors, Grants Management Specialists, and Scientific Review Administrators. This conference will benefit those who are new to SBIR/STTR as well as those who are more experienced. We have some great sessions planned this year!
Phase II awardees: This year we're offering a great opportunity to showcase through a poster session some of your successful results derived from NIH-supported projects. I hope some of you will take advantage of this opportunity. See below for more information.
6th Annual NIH SBIR/STTR Conference
June 23 - 24, 2004
The Natcher Conference Center
NIH Campus, Bethesda, Maryland
Registration is FREE but MANDATORY
Space is limited, so register early!
New this year:
* SBIR/STTR Phase II Awardee Poster Session
* In-depth Look Into the FDA Regulatory Process
* "Reality Show" -- From Idea, to Application, to Review, to Award, to Post-Award, to Market
Conference Web Site: grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/sbirconf2004/index.htm
ATTENTION PHASE II AWARDEES!!!
NIH SBIR/STTR Phase II Awardees are invited to showcase their successful results derived from their SBIR and/or STTR projects at the conference Poster Session. This is an opportunity to share information about your project using a poster-discussion format. The session is aimed at highlighting successful outcomes, building strategic alliances, and promoting collaborative activities for future SBIR/STTR opportunities. THIS IS NOT AN EXHIBIT OR A TRADESHOW. Instructions for submitting an abstract for consideration are available from the conference website mentioned above.
Abstract Deadline: April 19, 2004
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7.2 Department of Homeland Security Conference & NDIA Exhibition
July 12 - 15, 2004
San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, California
Objectives:
* Gain an understanding of DHS S&T's objectives, requirements and processes.
* Meet senior management from DHS S&T, including Program Managers from the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA), and learn how to participate in the challenge to bring innovative homeland security solutions to reality.
* See and discuss innovative technologies from Industry, National and Federal Labs, and Academia as they pertain to the new challenges in the world of homeland security.
There is NO on-site registration for this conference. All conference registration, "Attendee Information" forms, and Foreign Visitor Request Form/Justification information must be submitted & received by NDIA NLT 5:00 p.m. EST, Thursday, July 1st, 2004
Complete details are available at: www.dhstech.com/index.html
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7.3 NATIONAL FALL SBIR/STTR CONFERENCE IN BOISE, IDAHO, NOV 1-4
Monday, November 1 through Thursday, November 4!
Description: The National Science Foundation, in association with the Department of Defense and the Small Business Administration, and all 11 SBIR agencies is sponsoring this 2004 National Fall SBIR/STTR Conference.
Program Managers and representatives from all participating agencies will provide insight into how to work with their respective agencies and answer your own special questions during the one-on- one opportunities.
Who Should Attend: Sales and Marketing Professionals, Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, University Researchers with a business/entrepreneurial streak, Scientist seeking commercialization strategies, all small businesses in need of securing federal funding resources.
Extra Bonus: Conference participationguarantees enty into the co-located Small Business Tech Expo (SBTE) sponsored in part by NASA. The expo will showcase new technologies, support services avialable to small business and technology development, and commercialization opportunities.
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8.0 COMPETITION TIP: DEMOSTRATE FEASIBILITY!!!
The goal in SBIR Phase 1 projects generally is to "demonstrate feasibility" of proposed innovations. For example, the NIH SBIR/STTR solicitation says "The objective of Phase 1 is to establish the technical merit and feasibility of the proposed R/R&D efforts…" The USDA solicitation states "Phase 1 is to determine the scientific or technical feasibility of ideas submitted…" The other agency solicitations make similar statements.
Therefore, SBIR proposal objectives and work plans must be structured to clearly "establish," "determine," or "demonstrate" the feasibility of the proposed innovation. Metrics for making the feasibility determination should be spelled out in the work plan as well. In other words, HOW will it be established that the innovation is feasible or not feasible???
Proposals we review frequently present objectives that, even if achieved, will not answer the feasibility question. For example, suppose the innovation is a sensor that must operate in a high temperature environment.
An objective that states simply "obtain sensor performance data" and is achieved may well not answer the question of whether or not it will be feasible to use the sensor at high temperature, even if the objective as stated is achieved. On the other hand, an objective that states "Establish that sensor data acquisition is satisfactory at (the specified) temperature conditions," if achieved, will enable more definitive conclusions about the feasibility of the concept for the targeted measurements.
Similarly, the work (or research) plan must define tasks to achieve the objectives, and provide the information necessary to make an unambiguous feasibility determination. As noted above, the work plan should include the decision making process for HOW it will be determined whether or not the innovation is feasible.
So, focus on structuring the Phase 1 proposal to achieve the most definitive feasibility demonstration possible. That is the primary objective in Phase 1!!!
This competition tip first appeared in the April 21, 2000 issue of the Wyoming SBIR Newsletter. Follow this link to a complete set of Competition Tips.
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9.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND PUBLICATION INFORMATION
TO BE ADDED TO OR REMOVED FROM THE DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR THIS NEWSLETTER, SEND NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS TO jillkline@vcn.com.
Prepared by: Jill Kline, WSSI Outreach Coordinator, 307.682.2660 or toll free in Wyoming, 866.703.3280, jillkline@vcn.com, and Gene Watson, WSSI Program Manager, 307.742.7162, ewatson@wyoming.com.
This newsletter is published every other week as part of the Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI). The mission of the Initiative is to increase the number of federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program awards to Wyoming. The Wyoming Business Council (WBC) funds the initiative which is administered by the University of Wyoming Research Office. Please contact Jill Kline (see contact information above) with your comments.
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