December 16, 2005
Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI) Newsletter
No. 25-05
(Past Newsletter Issues)
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 ewatson@wyoming.com to be added to or removed from the Distribution List for this newsletter.
SOLICITATION COUNTDOWN
Wyoming Phase 0: due 5:00 p.m., 1/1/06; 15 days
DoEd: due 1/6/06; 21 days
DoD: due 1/13/06; 28 days
NOAA: due 1/18/06; 33 days
NIST: due 1/26/06; 41 days
NIH SBIR/STTR (Grants) (including CDC, FDA): due 4/1/06; 119 days
Other NIH Deadlines
CONTENTS
1.0 Jill Kline Is Moving On Up!!!
2.0 December Phase 0 Award Winners
3.0 First Company Signs With New UW Business Incubator
4.0 DOD SBIR 06.1 Solicitation Is Open For Proposal Submission
5.0 Check Out Our New Look - And Other WSSI Updates!
6.0 Other Funding Opportunities Posted In The SSTI Weekly Digest Funding Supplement
7.0 Upcoming Conferences/Trainings/Seminars/Workshops
7.1 Multi-Billion Dollar Federal Market Procurement Opportunity For Small Businesses
7.2 SBIR Colorado's 5th Annual SBIR Conference Scheduled For March, 2006
7.3 World's Best Technologies Showcase
7.4 WSSI State Conference Scheduled For April 19 In Cheyenne
7.5 Senator Enzi's Inventor's Conference April 20 & 21 In Cheyenne
7.6 Spring 2006 SBIR/STTR Conference
8.0 Competition Tip: Understand Indirect Cost Groups!!!
9.0 Acknowledgements And Publication Information
1.0 JILL KLINE IS MOVING ON UP!!!
As is often said, 'all good things must come to an end' and so it is with abject regret (mixed with some pleasure) that we greet the news that Jill has accepted a promotion to the position of Director of Region V of the Wyoming Small Business Development Center. She will be succeeding Judith Semple who is retiring. Congratulations to both Judith and Jill. This is a great opportunity for Jill, who has certainly earned it and we know she will enjoy great success in her new position.
Our abject regret arises from the growing awareness that Jill will leave a huge void in the WSSI organization, she having been the Wyoming Outreach Coordinator since the beginning. All of you who have worked with Jill, and there are many, know what I mean and I know you share my sense of loss. She has interacted with most of you as proposing participants, reviewers and Phase I mentors, so you know well her dedicated leadership in administering the WSSI Phase 0 program. All of you will attest to the cheerful professionalism that she has never failed to exhibit. Our misery is soothed to some extent by the knowledge that Jill will be available to us as needed since she will maintain her office in the Gillette WYSBDC facility. Good luck and best wishes, Jill - you will be missed.
So what now? Well, Jill will assist in processing the January 2006 Phase 0 submissions along with Kelly Haigler Cornish. Kelly will be assuming many of Jill's responsibilities on a temporary basis, including administration of the Phase 0 program beginning with the February 1, 2006 submissions. Kelly is the very capable Project Coordinator of the Research Products Center located in the Educational Annex on the UW campus and she will continue to assist Tony Nevshemal in that capacity. A longer term solution to replacing Jill is in the planning stage with the intention of establishing an office in the Wyoming Technology Business Center in the summer of 2006. I encourage all of you to give your congratulations to Jill (682-2660 jillkline@vcn.com) and to introduce yourselves to Kelly (766-2520 haigler@uwyo.edu). Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these events or any other WSSI issues.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Best wishes, Gene
Eugene (Gene) Watson
Program Manager
Wyoming SBIR/STTR Initiative (WSSI)
742-7162 T
760-0456 C
ewatson@wyoming.com
2.0 DECEMBER PHASE 0 AWARD WINNERS
Congratulations to the following Phase 0 award winners!
Crile Carvey Consulting, Inc., Wheatland
Principal Investigator: Crile Carvey
Email: crile@crile.com
Phase 0 Title: Graphical User Interface for Fire Modeling Codes
Phase 1 Target: DOD AF
CF Electronics, Laramie
Principal Investigator: Frank Cylvick
Email: ecylvick@aol.com
Phase 0 Title: Personnel Lowering Device
Phase 1 Target: DOD AF
Wyoming Silicon, LLC, Sheridan
Principal Investigator: Zachary Gray
Email: zg@WyomingSilicon.com
Phase 0 Title: Commercial ESB
Phase 1 Target: DOC NIST
3.0 FIRST COMPANY SIGNS WITH NEW UW BUSINESS INCUBATOR
John Shuster, left, Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) board chairman, and Jon Benson, right, WTBC director, visit with Kent Henry of ADA-Wyoming, the WTBC’s first client. The WTBC is a technology-related business incubator that assists Wyoming entrepreneurs. ADA-Wyoming helps inventors and scientists pursue federal research grants to turn new technologies into products. (UW photo)
Dec. 14, 2005 UW News -- A company that helps inventors and scientists pursue federal research grants to turn new technologies into profitable products is the first client selected for the University of Wyoming’s new business incubator.
ADA-Wyoming, an offshoot of ADA Technologies of Littleton, Colo., is the first client for the Wyoming Technology Business Center, a technology-related business incubator that assists Wyoming entrepreneurs.
The WTBC will provide educational and mentoring programs, business services and appropriate tenant space and infrastructure. A state-of-the art information technology center will be installed to support companies with very specific high-capacity information technology needs.
Founded in 1985, ADA Technologies has 35 employees and about $5 million in revenues, says Jon Benson, WTBC director. The company is growing at about 30 percent per year and recently was named by Colorado Biz Magazine as the 2005 Top Company of the Year in the technology/media/telecommunications category. The company has developed technology for controlling mercury, measuring environmental contaminants and treating water.
Kent Henry will head ADA-Wyoming’s Laramie operation. He was director of research and development for In-Situ, an environmental monitoring company that moved from Laramie to Fort Collins, Colo. Henry joined ADA Technologies when In-Situ relocated.
He already has started working with UW researchers seeking to bring their technology projects to the commercial market, and this month submitted two grant proposals based on these technologies, Henry says.
“I have really been impressed with ADA and with Kent Henry,” says Benson, “and I am excited about their plans for ADA-Wyoming. They are a great first client for the center. In the coming years they will really have an impact in creating new companies and high-paying jobs here in Wyoming.”
ADA-Wyoming’s offices will be temporarily located in the Bureau of Mines building at 9th and Lewis streets until construction of the WTBC is completed. The new center, located south of Harney Street between 19th and 22nd streets, is scheduled to be completed next June.
Benson hopes to announce more clients in the coming months.
The WTBC will provide an incubator that uses the university’s research capabilities to promote the success of new and growing businesses throughout the state, Benson says. In addition to offices and workshops, the WTBC will include conference rooms, a business support staff and educational and mentoring programs. The center is designed to hold about 12 companies although the actual space within the facility is flexible.
The Wyoming State Legislature in 2003 appropriated $5.3 million for development and construction of the WTBC contingent upon the university securing a non-state match of $3.18 million. With assistance from Wyoming’s Washington delegation, UW secured seed funding from the federal government through a $1 million appropriation from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a $1.6 million competitive grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority. A $1.6 million private donation last spring from UW alumni and Casper philanthropists Mick and Susie McMurry completed the funding.
4.0 DOD SBIR 06.1 SOLICITATION IS OPEN FOR PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
The Department of Defense SBIR 2006.1 solicitation is open for proposal submission from December 13, 2005 through 6 a.m. January 13, 2006. Six DoD components -- the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Air Force, the Chemical Biological Defense (CBD), the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), and the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) -- have R&D topics in this solicitation under which Phase I proposals are sought. The Solicitation, which contains detailed information on the parameters of the SBIR program and how to submit a proposal, and Topics are available at http://www.dodsbir.net/solicitation. You may also search the topics by going to www.dodsbir.com/Topics.
5.0 CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOOK - AND OTHER WSSI UPDATES!
- After you're finished reading the WSSI newsletter, wander around the rest of WSSI web site and check out the new look.
- Watch for the next issue of the WSSI Newsletter on January 6. After that, the WSSI newsletter will be published on the fourth Friday of every month.
- A revision of the Phase 0 Solicitation will be published January 3. Changes will be highlighted in the next newsletter and go into effect immediately thereafter.
6.0 OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES POSTED IN THE SSTI WEEKLY DIGEST FUNDING SUPPLEMENT
The SSTI Weekly Digest Funding Supplement is a listing of funding opportunities (OTHER THAN SBIR) offered by the federal government, foundations, and other agencies. Although the Supplement is not exhaustive, the opportunities listed in each week's issue do provide application information, eligibility criteria, and submission deadlines and collectively offer a glance at what is available.
The latest issue of the Funding Supplement is available at: www.ssti.org/Digest/supplement and includes additional opportunities from the US Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Defense, Department of Interior, National Institutes of Health , Department of Treasury, Environmental Protection Agency, the National Science Foundation, as well as Foundation Funding Opportunities.
7.0 UPCOMING CONFERENCES/TRAININGS/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS
- 7.1 MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR FEDERAL MARKET PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
- The perfect opportunity to meet one-on-one with federal and state contracting officers.
- Networking with professionals, contractors, and small businesses in one place saves time and money.
- Increase your knowledge about the government contracting process.
- A chance to market your business to the US Government and Prime Contractors.
Sheridan Holiday Inn
U. S. Senator Mike Enzi and GRO-Biz invite small businesses in Wyoming and regional states to a once-a-year event marketing your business to federal and state government agencies and prime contractors. More than 60 federal and state contracting officials will be available to talk about products they buy and special requirements.
Why Should You Attend?
Conference registration is $110 and $90 for each additional person from the same business
Register toll free in Wyoming 877-733-3618, ext. 1
or register online: www.gro-biz.com
For exhibitor information, call 307-362-2110
Conference Hotels:
Sheridan Holiday Inn
307-672-8931 or 888-HOLIDAY
Mill Inn
307-672-6401 or 888-FLR-MILL
Ask for the special GRO-Biz conference hotel rate.
GRO-Biz Partners: Defense Logistics Agency, Small Business Development Center, University of Wyoming, Wyoming Business Council, U.S. Small Business Administration
- 7.2 SBIR COLORADO'S 5th ANNUAL SBIR CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR MARCH, 2006
March 8th & 9th 2006 at the Arvada Center
The SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs represent the largest source of early-stage funding for high-tech start-up companies in the US . These congressionally mandated federal programs provide more than $2.2 billion every year to small, for-profit companies to carry out leading-edge, high-risk research and to grow their businesses.
Details can be found at SBIRColorado.org or contact Cody at 303-427-1312 x202
- 7.3 WORLD'S BEST TECHNOLOGIES SHOWCASE SEEKS INNOVATIONS
The World's Best Technologies Showcase is the nation's premier event showcasing the largest collection of undiscovered technologies emanating from top universities, labs, and research institutions from across the country and around the globe. Participating technologies are selected by - and presented to - over 100 seasoned venture investors and Fortune 500 licensing scouts representing a variety of industries, each supported by private funding or numerous federal R&D grants such as DoD, DOE, NIH, NSF, NASA, NIST, and many others. Most are presenting for the very first time.
The World's Best Technologies Showcase, now in its fourth year, is currently seeking breakthrough technologies and spinout companies emanating from universities, federal labs, federal agencies and research institutions. Presenting technologies are selected by - and presented to - seasoned venture investors and Fortune 500 licensing pros representing a variety of industries. Selections are based on the merits of the innovation and the specific investment or licensing opportunity. Most are presenting for the very first time.
World's Best Technologies 2006
March 27-29, 2006
Arlington, TX
www.wbtshowcase.com
Contact: Paul Huleatt, 602-795-8825
Each year's Showcase represents the collaborative effort of investors, licensees, and tech commercialization experts. Exhibit space is limited to 75 presenting technologies.
There Is No Cost To Apply. Visit www.wbtshowcase.com for more details.
The WBT is produced in cooperation with the Federal Lab Consortium - representing over 700 federally funded research centers and laboratories throughout the United States - and the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds - a network of public agencies, private investors and public/private partnerships fostering innovation capital for America's entrepreneurs.
- 7.4 WSSI STATE CONFERENCE SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 19 IN CHEYENNE
The next WSSI State Conference will be held April 19 in Cheyenne. Mark your calendar now and watch the WSSI newsletter for updates!
- 7.5 SENATOR ENZI'S INVENTOR'S CONFERENCE APRIL 20 & 21 IN CHEYENNE
The next WSSI State Conference will be held April 19 in Cheyenne in conjunction with Senator Enzi's Inventor's Conference which will follow on the 20 and 21. Mark your calendar now and watch the WSSI newsletter for updates!
- 7.6 2006 SPRING NATIONAL SBIR/STTR CONFERENCE
Mark your calendars for the 2006 Spring National SBIR/STTR Conference
Louisville, Kentucky
Monday, May 15, 2006 to Thursday, May 18, 2006
8.0 COMPETITION TIP: UNDERSTAND INDIRECT COST RATES!!!
Last newsletter, we discussed two indirect cost groups: overhead (OH) and General and Administrative (G&A). This week, we focus on corresponding "rates" called "overhead rate" and "G&A rate." These rates generally are defined as follows:
- OH rate (%) = (OH costs)/(direct labor costs)*100
G&A rate (%) = (G&A costs)/(direct + OH costs)*100
The OH rate definition above ratios the overhead costs to direct labor. The overhead costs are those accumulated for the total operation over a prescribed period of time. Similarly, the direct labor costs are those for all direct projects in the operation over the same prescribed period of time. The OH rate definition is based on the model that overhead costs scale with direct labor (i.e., the higher the direct labor costs, the higher the overhead costs will be).
The G&A rate definition above ratios the G&A costs of the business to the total costs of business operations (direct and overhead) over a prescribed period of time. As with the OH rate, the G&A rate definition is based on the model that G&A costs scale with the total costs of the business operations.
Ongoing businesses develop overhead and G&A rate "histories" that can be used as a guide for "projections" for future overhead and G&A costs. Appropriate government approval for overhead and G&A costs must be obtained before indirect costs can be recovered on funded government grants and contracts.
New businesses must establish projected overhead and G&A rates for use in proposals and for other planning purposes. These projected rates should reflect an intelligent and careful planning process. Too often, we find projected rates "pulled from thin air," a practice that frequently leads to downstream cost management problems as "real" costs are accumulated. What are typical overhead and G&A rates for small businesses with SBIR funded projects??? Actual rates cover a significant range, and are influenced by characteristics of the business. For example, laboratory intensive businesses generally have higher rates than those that involve only "office" operations.
So, give serious consideration to the indirect costs required to nurture and grow your business, and how to recover these costs through the SBIR grant/contract funding process. Next week we will talk more about indirect cost recovery.
We have observed funded SBIR projects with zero overhead and zero G&A costs (i.e., none claimed). At the other end of the spectrum, SBIR projects have been awarded with rates that exceed 300% for overhead rate and over 25% G&A rate. We suggest "typical" values for overhead and G&A rates are 100% and 20%, respectively.
We encourage small businesses to give serious consideration to proposed overhead and G&A costs in SBIR proposals. Aim to recover realistic and allowable "actual" indirect costs through the proposed indirect cost structure. These "realistic" costs should include those necessary to grow the business as we have discussed earlier.
This competition tip first appeared in the November 26, 1999 issue of the Wyoming SBIR Newsletter. Follow this link to a complete set of Competition Tips.
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 ewatson@wyoming.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 Gene Watson (see contact information above) with your comments.
END