Read and Follow the Instructions in the SBIR/STTR Solicitations
- Important information on the first page of the Solicitation: Clarifications and Changes
- Bold-Face Type Instructions
- "Type Size" Specifications
- Page Limitations
- Budget Section: Justification
- Human Subjects/Vertebrate Animals: Definitions, Assurances, Exemptions
- Other Grant and Contract Support
- Revisions and Resubmission of Grant Applications
- Receipt Deadlines: SBIR-Apr. 5, Aug. 5, Dec. 5; STTR-Apr. 5, Aug. 5, Dec. 5
Use the Fewest Words to Communicate a Well-Designed Research Procedure
- Write clearly
- Organize your ideas and experiments
- Never assume reviewers will "Know what you mean!"
- Support your ideas using references to literature or similar work done by the P.I. or others
Have Someone Read the Abstract Aloud So You Can Evaluate Its Content
- State the problem or hypothesis
- Describe its solution
Focus on Achievable Goals
- Do not become overambitious
- State specific aims explicitly
- Present specific aims in a logical order and discuss why each aim is important
Include Well-Designed, Readable Tables and Figures
- Check to be sure all figures photocopy well
Select Collaborators Who Are Leaders in the Field of Your Research
Focus on the Product
- Cost benefits, Commercialization plan: Provide a framework for bringing products to the market in a certain time-frame
- Be a Salesman: Provide convincing arguments that your innovative idea is worth funding
Ask a Colleague to Read/Edit the Final Draft
- Typographical Errors?
- Missing figures?
- Missing biographical sketches, letters from consultants and budget justification?
Write a Definitive Phase I Progress Report for Phase II Applications
- Demonstrate to the reviewers that the Phase I goals were complete
Contact Program Staff for Pre-Application Guidance
- (Optional, but feel free to call for clarification of any issues).
Specifically Identify in the Abstract or in a Cover Note the Institute You Would Like Your Application Assigned to
- e.g., NIDA
Material adapted from materials created by the National Cancer Institute
10 Steps To Improve Your Funding Potential
- Develop an innovative idea and document how it differs from other products.
- Select experienced investigators in the cited field of endeavor.
- Document secured technical support.
- Base the significance of your proposal on a complementary literature review and market evaluation and indicate how it meets a NIDA research need.
- Establish a subject-matter review board with appropriate credentials.
- Outline a detailed, well-designed procedure for research.
- Conduct focus group testing that addresses ethnic and socioeconomic diversity issues.
- Outline a detailed evaluation plan.
- Use statistically valid measures to evaluate effectiveness.
- Compare cost benefits of your product with existing products (include a commercialization plan and secure a letter(s)) of collaborative interest).
ABOVE ALL....P E R S I S T !
Most Common Reasons For Not Recommending Further Consideration
- Lack of Innovative Ideas
- Lack of Sufficient Experimental Data
- Lack of Knowledge of Published Relevant Work
- Lack of Experience in Essential Methodology
- Uncertainty Concerning Future Directions
- Questionable Reasoning in Experimental Approach
- Unfocused, Diffuse or Superficial Research Plan
- Absence of Acceptable Scientific Rationale
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Discusses the importance of quality mentorship in drug abuse research and offers suggestions for creating a successful mentor and mentee relationship.