SBIR/STTR Readiness Checklist

Complete these registrations and requirements before agencies reopen solicitations. Most take 2–6 weeks — start now.

Have a deadline? Get a start-by date for each registration →

Your Progress 0 of 14 steps complete
Estimated time remaining: 8–12 weeks
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Business Registrations
Required for all SBIR/STTR applications
Required
Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
Required for all federal funding. Request through SAM.gov. This replaces the former DUNS number.
⏱ 1–2 business days Go to SAM.gov →
Register on SAM.gov (System for Award Management)
Entity registration must be active before you can receive any federal award. Registration requires UEI, EIN/TIN, banking information, and CAGE code (assigned automatically). Must be renewed annually.
⏱ 2–4 weeks (can take up to 8 weeks) Register on SAM.gov →
Register on SBA Company Registry
All SBIR/STTR applicants must register their company and certify small business status at the SBA SBIR company registry. Required before submitting any proposal.
⏱ 1–3 business days SBA SBIR Registry →
Create Grants.gov Account
Required for NIH and some other agencies. Create an organizational account (not just individual) and designate an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR). The AOR must complete the registration process.
⏱ 1–2 weeks Grants.gov →
Confirm EIN / Tax Identification Number
Your Employer Identification Number is required for SAM.gov registration and all federal award processes. If you don’t have one, apply through the IRS.
⏱ Immediate (online) or 4 weeks (by mail) IRS EIN Application →
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NIH-Specific Requirements
Required for all NIH SBIR/STTR submissions
Required
Create eRA Commons Account
The PI and all Senior/Key Personnel need eRA Commons accounts. The organization must first register, then create individual accounts. The PI’s eRA Commons username goes in the application.
⏱ 2–4 weeks for organizational registration eRA Commons →
Prepare NIH Biosketch (SciENcv format)
NIH requires the standardized SciENcv biosketch format for the PI and all Senior/Key Personnel. Must follow the current NIH biosketch format (5-page limit).
⏱ 2–5 days per person SciENcv →
Identify Target Institute and Study Section
Review the NIH SBIR/STTR funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) and identify which institute(s) align with your technology. Contact program officers to discuss fit before submitting. Review the NIH Reporter for funded projects in your area.
⏱ 1–2 weeks of research NIH Reporter →
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NSF-Specific Requirements
Required for NSF SBIR/STTR submissions
Required
Create Research.gov Account
NSF proposals are submitted through Research.gov (replaces FastLane). The organization and PI must both have active accounts. Organization registration requires the UEI and SAM.gov registration.
⏱ 1–2 weeks Research.gov →
Prepare Project Pitch (4 Questions)
NSF requires a Project Pitch before you can submit a full Phase I application. The pitch consists of four questions that NSF uses to screen your concept. Your pitch must be accepted before you can proceed to the full proposal. See our NSF Project Pitch Guide.
⏱ 1–2 weeks to prepare; 3 weeks for review
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DoD / AFWERX-Specific Requirements
Required for Department of Defense SBIR/STTR
Required
Register on DSIP (Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal)
All DoD SBIR/STTR proposals are submitted through DSIP. You must register your company and create a PI account. Requires SAM.gov registration to be complete first.
⏱ 3–5 business days DSIP Portal →
Review Foreign Affiliation & Security Requirements
Under S. 3971, all SBIR applicants face enhanced security screening. DoD scrutiny is the most rigorous. Review ownership structures, personnel foreign ties, and affiliations against the eight watchlists referenced in the legislation before submitting.
⏱ 1–2 weeks for internal review See Security Requirements →
Monitor Topic Pre-Release & Identify Target Topics
DoD topics typically have a pre-release period before the solicitation officially opens. Use this time to research topics, contact Topic Authors (TPOCs), and begin drafting. When topics drop, response windows may be shortened post-reauthorization.
⏱ Ongoing — check DSIP weekly
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Proposal Preparation
Get these ready before solicitations open
Recommended
Draft Company Overview / Capabilities Statement
A reusable 1–2 page company overview describing your team, technology, prior work, and facilities. Used in nearly every SBIR proposal regardless of agency.
⏱ 2–3 days
Prepare Budget Template & Rate Structure
Establish your labor rates, fringe benefit rate, and indirect cost rate (overhead/G&A). If you have a NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement), ensure it is current. If not, prepare a rate justification.
⏱ 1–2 weeks (longer if establishing NICRA)
Update PI & Key Personnel Biosketches
Ensure all biosketches are current with recent publications, grants, and relevant experience. Format varies by agency (NIH uses SciENcv; NSF has its own format; DoD typically requires a more flexible CV).
⏱ 1–3 days per person
Draft Commercialization Plan
Most agencies require a commercialization plan or narrative. Document your target market, competitive landscape, go-to-market strategy, and revenue model. Gather letters of support from potential customers or partners.
⏱ 1–2 weeks

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