Housekeeping

2

• If you have any questions during the presentation, please enter them into the Q&A Box. 

• NOTE: If possible, include the speaker whom your question is directed if multiple 

speakers are presenting.

• Other comments, like technical difficulties, please input them in the Chat Box.

• We will have a formal Q&A after the final presenter concludes, using questions from the 

Q&A Box.

• Please keep your computers on mute when not speaking. 

• The presentation WILL be recorded. Attendees will receive an email once those materials 

are made available online.

• Please fill out the survey that will be available in the Q&A box during the presentation. 
3
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Select CC to 

enable

Select ... to 

turn on the 

Captions 

panel to see 

speakers in 

sequence
Polling Questions

1. How did you learn about this webinar? 

a. OSBP Website

b. Constant Contact

c. Social Media 

d. Eventbrite email

e. Other

2. Is this the first webinar hosted by the NASA Office of Small Business Programs that you 

have attended?

a. YES 

b. NO

5
Polling Questions Cont.

3. Which of the following classifications applies to your institution/organization/company? 

a. Small Business (SB)

b. Large Business (LB)/Other than Small Business (OTS)

c. Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

d. Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB)

e. Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)

f. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

g. Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone)

h. 8(a) Business Development Program Participant (8a)

i. Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCU)

j. Minority-Serving Institution (MSI)

k. Nonprofit or Community-based Organization

l. Federal Government Agency/Department

m. State or Local Government Agency/Department

n. Small Disadvantage Business (SDB)

o. Other

6
Polling Questions Cont.

4. Have you done business with NASA? (More than one answer can be applicable)

a. Prime Contractor

b. Subcontractor

c. NASA Mentor-Protégé Program 

d. Space Act Agreement

e. Grant or Cooperative Agreement Recipient 

f. I have not done business with or received funding from NASA

7
Our Mission

The mission of the NASA Office of Small Business Programs is to promote 

and integrate small businesses into the industrial base of contractors and 

subcontractors that support the future of space exploration, scientific 

discovery, and aeronautics research.
About the NASA 

Office of Small Business Programs

9

• NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) primary mission since its inception has been to 

increase the representation of small businesses in NASA’s contracting efforts. 

• Headquartered in Washington, D.C., OSBP is under the leadership of Associate Administrator Glenn A. 

Delgado.

• INCLUSION - OSBP efforts encompass all federally recognized socio-economic small business categories and we 

work hard to make sure each type of business gets a fair chance to work with NASA. 

• GROWTH - Since 1979, OSBP has grown from only 4 civil servants and 3 contractors, to over 21 civil servants 

and over 6 support contractors -- all of which are small businesses. 

• ADVOCACY - OSBP continues to advocate for small businesses and amplify the important role they play in 

supporting NASA’s mission to explore the universe. 

• EDUCATION - The NASA OSBP webinar series offers in-depth training relevant to small businesses; and provide 

the opportunity to ask questions directly to key points of contacts at the Agency.
Meet Our Speaker

Dr. Quenton Bonds, Entrepreneurial Engagement, NASA 

SBIR/STTR Program

Dr. Quenton Bonds supports the NASA SBIR/STTR Program 

Management Office (PMO) and brings both engineering and 

entrepreneurship skills to bear helping small businesses and 

NASA get the most out of their partnership.

He has started for- and non-profit businesses and won

competitive research awards for technology development

across various sectors, including automotive, biomedical, and

earth science.

Before joining NASA’s SBIR program he supported the

Microwave Instrument and Technology Branch at Goddard,

where Quenton held several engineering, project management,

and project lead roles supporting microwave instrument

development for CubeSats, aircraft instruments, and more.

10
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov 11

NASA SBIR/STTR Program

sbir.nasa.gov

Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business 

Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program Update

Dr. Quenton Bonds, Entrepreneurial Engagement, NASA SBIR/STTR Program
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

We are pioneers, and so are you.

12
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

AGENDA

• We are all Pioneers!

• What is the SBIR/STTR 

Program?

• What is the difference 

between SBIR and STTR?

• NASA’s Structure

• What exactly do I get?

• What do we provide small 

businesses?

• What do we provide 

research institutions?

• Benefits to Earth?

• Success Stories

• Who can join?

• How does it work?

• NASA SBIR IGNITE

• Where do I start?

• What other resources do I 

have?

13
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

This webinar is intended to provide you with an 

overview of the most recent NASA SBIR/STTR 

Programs. It is not official procurement 

guidance/instructions.

It is your responsibility to read and understand the 

solicitations in their entirety, and to develop and 

submit your proposal in accordance with the 

requirements and instructions contained therein.

Webinar Ground Rules

14
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What is the SBIR/STTR Program?

• Highly competitive program that encourages 

domestic small businesses to engage in 

Federal Research/Research and Development 

(R/R&D) with the potential for 

commercialization

• Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) 

– Established in the 1990s; created to facilitate 

cooperative R&D between small businesses and 

U.S. research institutions (RIs) 

– NASA is 1 of 6 participating agencies

• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 

– Has been around since 1980s 

– NASA is 1 of 11 participating agencies

Approximately $3 billion invested per year 

by participating agencies

SBIR + STTR Programs

Department 

of Defense 

(DOD)

Department 

of Health and 

Human Services 

(HHS)

Department 

of Energy 

(DOE)

National Aeronautics 

and Space 

Administration 

(NASA)

National Science 

Foundation (NSF)

Department 

of Agriculture 

(USDA)

SBIR Program Only

Department 

of Education 

(ED)

Department 

of Transportation 

(DOT)

Environmental 

Protection 

Agency (EPA)

Department 

of Homeland 

Security (DHS)

Department 

of Commerce 

(DOC)
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What is the difference between SBIR and STTR? 

• The STTR program exists to unlock the power and innovative thinking of the country’s 

research institutions

• The primary difference is that for STTR, the small business must formally partner with a 

research institution (RI)

• Topics in SBIR support NASA’s mission directorates, whereas the STTR topics are 

derived from the specific needs of NASA’s ten centers

• The period of performance for a Phase I is longer for STTR due to the nature of the 

academic calendar for universities

• SBIR: Principal Investigator (PI) must be more than 50% employed by the small business

• STTR: Principal Investigator (PI) can be employed by either the small business or the 

research institution

16
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What exactly do you get?

Up to $1 million for Phase I and II and nearly $3 million or more for Post Phase II opportunities!

17
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What do we provide small businesses?

Early-stage funding for research & 

development (R&D)

Up to $1 million during your first three years, 

plus up to nearly $3 million or more through 

Post Phase II opportunities

We take zero equity, and you keep your 

intellectual property

The experience of working with NASA experts 

on your technology

The opportunity to join us on one of our many 

ambitious missions

A network of diverse entrepreneurs and 

innovators

A door into potential work with NASA programs 

and other government agencies

A way to hone your business skills to 

complement your technical skills

A way to de-risk your technology as you work 

to mature it

A reputation that comes with working with an 

agency known for expanding the physical and 

mental boundaries of humanity

18
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What do we provide research institutions?

For RIs:

• A path to turn cutting-edge research from the lab to life-changing technology in the market

• The credibility that comes from working alongside NASA’s researchers and experts

• A federal funding mechanism to advance research in your area of interest

For Professors:

• Research data for potential publication in the future 

• A way to expose students to exciting projects that could lead to employment

• An approach to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in students

• A differentiator when marketing your institution to potential students

For Students:

• The opportunity to work on pioneering research projects 

• Experience that could lead to employment 

19
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

From Low-Earth Orbit to Benefits on Earth

How small businesses use the International Space Station to improve life on our planet

From health care to climate change and emergency response, here are a few SBIR/STTR-derived 

technologies tested on the space station:

A lidar (light detecting and ranging) system for monitoring the effects 

of climate change by studying cloud and aerosol properties in 

Earth’s atmosphere

Fibertek, Inc. (VA) | fibertek.com

Michigan Aerospace Corp. (MI) | michiganaerospace.com

A system to manufacture multilayered artificial retinas to treat retinal 

degenerative diseases; the conditions of space improve the quality 

of the manufacturing process

LambdaVision (CT) | lambdavision.com

Woman-led small business

A fine water mist fire extinguisher that is a non-toxic substitute for CO2 

fire extinguishers, making it a safer alternative for spacecraft, aviation, 

and general commercial use

ADA Technologies, Inc. (CO) | adatech.com

An ultraviolet sensor for improved detection of ocean-based oil spills 

and fires in remote areas; the technology’s integrity can be validated in 

the harsh conditions of space

Ozark Integrated Circuits, Inc. (AR) | ozarkic.com

A 3D bioprinter that uses the microgravity conditions of space to print 

human tissue, which could be used for skin grafts and transplants

Techshot, Inc. (IN) | techshot.space

The NASA SBIR/STTR program provides more than just early-stage funding –

we open doors to a community that awaits you. Learn more at sbir.nasa.gov
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Infusion into NASA’s missions

21
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Success Story: 

Bringing 3D Electronics Printing to the Marketplace 

Dr. Glenn working on the eForge

Morningbird Media

Huntsville, Alabama

• Dr. Chance Glenn served as the Dean of 

Engineering at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) 

when he founded Morningbird Media Corporation

• Partnered with AAMU on the development of the 

Electronic Alchemy eForge, a 3D printer to help 

NASA support long-duration missions

• The work of the AAMU team led to the development 

of six new materials with electronic properties—all 

of which have been submitted for patents

• Launched a Kickstarter campaign and achieved 

funding goal within three hours

• Campaign secured commercial customers who 

could develop new applications for the 3D printer 

here on Earth

22
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Success Story: 

Bringing 3D Electronics Printing to the Marketplace

We took our company from almost 

like vapor to a product that we’re 

about to sell to the market. We’ve got 

intellectual property patents that have 

been filed, we’ve interacted with 

investors, we’ve had a Kickstarter 

campaign and raised a record amount 

of money—all because of STTR.

– Dr. Chance Glenn

Morningbird Media Corporation

Founder, President, and CEO eForge prototype built with the assistance of STTR 

funding

23
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Who can join?

• The SBIR/STTR program’s focus is on R&D, funding ideas that have the potential 

to solve some of NASA’s most pressing challenges

• You must be a Small Business Concern (SBC) with 500 employees or less and 

legally established in the U.S. (visit our website for the full criteria)

• For STTR, the partnering research institution must be in the U.S. and be a nonprofit 

college or university, domestic nonprofit research organization, or a federally funded 

R&D Center (FFRDC)

• If NASA is not the right fit, there are 10 other government agencies that have 

SBIR/STTR programs that you may want to explore: https://www.sbir.gov/agencieslanding

Approximately 80% of the small businesses we 

fund have less than 50 employees

24
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

How does it work?

Note: Dates are subject to change. For the latest dates, 

please visit our website’s “Schedule & Awards” page.

25

January 2023

January – March 2023

March – June 2023 June – August 2023

June 2023 Due by Phase I Contract 

End Date
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Do you have a commercially-viable tech idea?

GOAL

Fund early-stage tech to help make companies 

and their tech more attractive to private sector 

investors, customers, and partners.

2022 SUBMISSION PERIOD

Closed September 1, 2022

2022 AWARD AMOUNT

Phase I: $150,000

Phase II: $850,000

2022 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE 

Phase I: 6 months

Phase II: 24 months

LEARN MORE

sbir.nasa.gov/ignite

26
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

• NASA SBIR Ignite: 

– Encourages participation from productdriven companies not looking at NASA as 

their primary customer

– Places a heavy emphasis on commercial 

viability during review and scoring

– Streamlines the application process by 

shortening the solicitation and the proposal 

requirements

– Features the same three phases and 

funding levels as the main NASA 

SBIR/STTR solicitations

• Read last year’s solicitation to learn more: 

https://sbir.nasa.gov/solicit-detail/80089

• Key Differences

– Commercialization: Seeks tech that will 

stimulate the market and for which NASA is not 

the primary customer.

– Engagement: Includes direct engagement with 

a panel of experts for down-selected companies.

– Topics: Features a select few topics relevant to 

emerging commercial markets in aerospace.

– Less Prescriptive Solicitation: Encourages 

companies to maintain their go-to-market 

strategies

– Shorter Proposal: Requires a short proposal 

and a slide deck in response to the solicitation

– Accelerated Award Schedule: Phase II 

proposal due earlier in the Phase I period, 

allowing Phase II awards to be made faster

27

NASA SBIR/STTR vs. NASA SBIR Ignite
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Tips and Resources
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Where do you start?

• Visit our website and read the recent 

solicitations to understand NASA’s 

technology focus areas. Get a feel for the 

types of challenges NASA is looking to 

solve and if you think you have a solution, 

NASA could be a fit for you! 

• Determine your topic(s) of interest. If 

STTR, find a research institution partner.

• Sign up for our newsletter and other 

communications: sbir.nasa.gov/info

• Keep an eye out for opportunities to meet 

with NASA experts: 

https://sbir.nasa.gov/programevents

• Contact a Center Technology Transition 

Lead (CTTL): sbir.nasa.gov/contacts 

• Find additional sources of assistance: 

sbir.nasa.gov/content/additional-sourcesassistance

29
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

2023 NASA SBIR/STTR Solicitations

January 10, 2023 – March 13, 2023

• Join Our Community

– Explore our Focus Areas and tell us how your technology 

can address NASA’s goals in space and on Earth. 

• $1M in funding during your first 3 years

– Phase I SBIR and STTR awards: up to $150,000 

– Phase II SBIR and STTR awards: up to $850,000

• Notable Changes 

– Human Exploration and Operations focus area is now 

Exploration Systems Development & Space Operations 

(ESDMD-SOMD); does not impact submission process

• Next Steps

– Watch the 1/17 “Dissecting the 2023 Phase I Solicitations” 

webinar recording: https://sbir.nasa.gov/programevents. 

Read the 

Solicitations

https://sbir.nasa.gov/solicitations

30
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

NASA Mission Directorates

31

Space 

Technology

STMD

Science

SMD

Aeronautics 

Research

ARMD

Exploration 

Systems 

Development

ESDMD

Space 

Operations

SOMD

SBIR/STTR Program

NASA explores 

technologies that reduce 

aircraft noise and fuel use, 

get you gate-to-gate safely 

and on time, and 

transform aviation into an 

economic engine at all 

altitudes. 

Lunar missions 

outlined in the 

Artemis program are 

a proving ground for 

new technologies, 

maturing capabilities 

and reducing risk for 

exploration of Mars 

and beyond.

NASA and the nation’s 

science community use 

space observatories to 

conduct scientific studies 

of the Earth from space to 

visit and return samples 

from other bodies in the 

solar system, and to peer 

out into our galaxy and 

beyond

NASA leads human space exploration 

in low-Earth orbit with commercial and 

international partners to enable 

missions to the Moon and Mars, 

including the Artemis and International 

Space Station programs.
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

What resources do you have?

• Resource Library: sbir.nasa.gov/resourcelibrary

– Access video and print guidance for Phase 0, 

Phase 1, Phase 2, and beyond.

• Success Stories: sbir.nasa.gov/success-stories

– Read how others have found success with NASA 

SBIR/STTR.

• Blog: sbir.nasa.gov/blog 

– Check out even more insights from the NASA 

SBIR/STTR community.

• And of course, don’t hesitate to Contact Us: 

sbir.nasa.gov/contacts

• Local Assistance: https://www.sbir.gov/localassistance

– Find small business support in your state through 

the SBA’s website. 

• NASA Office of Small Business Programs:

nasa.gov/osbp

– Explore another path for working with NASA; ideal 

for small businesses without an R&D focus. 

• NASA Mentor Protégé Program (MPP): 

nasa.gov/osbp/mentor-protege-program

– Learn how eligible small businesses and research 

institutions can pair with NASA prime contractors to 

develop long-term business relationships. 

32
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

• Submitting a Phase I proposal requires the offeror to complete several registrations.

• Read more about these requirements in this year’s solicitations: 

– SBIR: Chapter 2

– STTR: Chapter 2

• These registrations take time to complete. If you have not already, start the registration 

processes immediately.

• Do not assume past registrations are up to date. Please confirm and/or update required 

registrations immediately.

• The Submissions EHB also requires registration or update to a prior registration. EHB is the 

system that NASA uses for proposal submission. 

Registrations

33
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

• NASA patented technologies can be used in parallel with SBIR/STTR projects.

• Our Patent Portfolio holds over 1,400 different technologies!

– Patent Portfolio: https://technology.nasa.gov/patents

• NASA offers 900 FREE software codes in our Software Catalog!

– Software Catalog: https://software.nasa.gov/

• Read more about NASA Technology Avalable (TAV) in this year’s solicitations: 

– SBIR: Chapter 1.6.1

– STTR: Chapter 1.6.2

NASA Technology Transfer Program

34
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

• A complete proposal package for Phase I shall be received via the Electronic Handbook (EHB) no 

later than 5:00pm ET on Monday, March 13, 2023.

• Read more about these requirements in this year’s solicitations:

– SBIR: Chapter 6

– STTR: Chapter 6

• All files constituting the complete proposal package must be uploaded prior to the deadline. 

– After upload, we recommend you download your proposal package to make sure you have uploaded 

the correct documents and they are readable. 

• An Offeror that waits to submit a proposal package near the deadline is at risk of not completing the 

required uploads and endorsements of their completed proposal package by the deadline. 

• If a complete proposal package is not received by the 5:00 p.m. ET deadline, the proposal package will be 

determined to be incomplete and will not be evaluated. 

Deadline

35

NASA will not accept late proposals.
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Over 78% of firms submit 

their Phase I proposals on 

the day they are due!

We strongly encourage firms 

to submit several days before 

the deadline to avoid last 

minute issues. 

NASA will not accept late 

proposals.

36

Plan ahead to submit early!
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Questions?

Visit our website:

www.sbir.nasa.gov

Quenton Bonds

quenton.bonds@nasa.gov

Kate Kvaternik

Program Support 

Manager

Damian Taylor

Deputy Program Executive for 

Integration

Carlos Torrez

Program Manager
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Program Website | sbir.nasa.gov

39

Contact the Program 

SBIR/STTR Helpdesk and 

Program Points of Contact

Looking to Join the Program?

• Program Basics

• Forms Library

• Model Contract

• In-Depth Training Resources 

and FAQs

Research NASA’s Needs

Annual Solicitations, including 

past years
NASA SBIR/STTR Program | sbir.nasa.gov

Focus Areas

NASA’s research subtopics are 

organized by “Focus Areas” that group 

interests and related technologies. 

• Identify the Area(s) closest to your 

innovation/idea

• Go to our website to research

• Prepare to write a proposal 

tailored to NASA’s needs

https://sbir.nasa.gov/solicitations

2023 Focus Areas (FA)

FA 1: In-Space Propulsion Technologies FA 13: Information Technologies for Science Data

FA 2: Power, Energy and Storage FA 14: On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and 

Manufacturing (OSAM)

FA 3: Autonomous Systems for Space 

Exploration

FA 15: Materials Research, Advanced 

Manufacturing, Structures, and Assembly

FA 4: Robotic Systems for Space Exploration FA 16: Ground and Launch Processing

FA 5: Communications and Navigation FA 17: Thermal Management Systems

FA 6: Life Support and Habitation Systems FA 18: Air Vehicle Technology

FA 7: Human Research and Health Maintenance FA 19: Integrated Flight Systems

FA 8: In-Situ Resource Utilization FA 20: Airspace Operations and Safety

FA 9: Sensors, Detectors and Instruments FA 21: Small Spacecraft Technologies

FA 10: Advanced Telescope Technologies FA 22: Low Earth Orbit Platform Utilization and 

Microgravity Research

FA 11: Spacecraft and Platform Subsystems FA 23: Digital Transformation for Aerospace

FA 12: Entry, Descent and Landing Systems FA 24: Dust Mitigation and Extreme Lunar 

Environment Mitigation Technologies

Learning About NASA’s Needs
41

Q&A Session
42

OSBP Updates
The NASA Vendor Database (NVDB) is open to all vendors, 

both large and small, who wish to do business with the 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration. 

Build a company profile

Conduct vendor search

Increase company visibility at NASA!

For more information, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/osbp/nasavendor-database

43

NASA Vendor Database
OSBP Mobile App

44

Are you a small business looking to make a big difference? 

Whether you own an engineering company, develop new 

telemetry software algorithms, or provide Information Technology 

services, the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) 

can help you make that difference at the Agency by providing the 

necessary tools right at your fingertips.

• OSBP Mobile is designed to help:

• Provide active contract listings and requests for 

proposals

• Network with Small Business Specialists at each NASA 

Center

• Explore the latest Agency prime metrics data

• Inform you of the latest small business news and events

Come make a BIG difference at NASA!

Download at:

https://play.google.com/

https://apps.apple.com/
OSBP provides many resourceful publications to 

the small business community.

The Small Business Guide to NASA

Small Business Industry Awards

NASA Industry Forum Success Stories

NASA OSBP Spotlight

Other Publications

To view/download, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/osbp/osbp-publications

45

OSBP Publications
Upcoming OSBP Learning Series

Online: https://www.nasa.gov/osbp/regional-outreach

Online: https://www.nasa.gov/osbp/learning-series

46

OSBP Learning Series

February 15, 2023

NASA Opportunities featuring

Agency Research Centers

March 15, 2023

Resources and Best Practices from NASA 

Federal Partners and Trade Associations

April 19, 2023

Update from the NASA Office of 

Procurement: Opportunities & Product 

Service Lines

Outreach Events

January 26, 2023

Research and Develop Your Small 

Business Opportunities 

(Virtual Event)

April 27, 2023

NASA Small Business and HBCU Summit

New Orleans, Louisiana
47

Register Today!
OSBP Learning Series: 

CALL FOR NEW TOPICS!!

NASA’s Office of Small Business Programs is NOW 

ACCEPTING new topics ideas for our monthly OSBP 

Learning Series Webinars!

We would LOVE to hear from you!! 

Please submit your topic ideas to smallbusiness@nasa.gov!

48
www.nasa.gov/osbp

49

Learn more about 

NASA OSBP!
Contact 

Information

50

Truphelia M. Parker

Program Specialist

NASA Office of Small 

Business Programs

(202) 358-2088

smallbusiness@nasa.gov 
Thank You for Joining!

51