Preparing to write a Phase I SBIR or STTR proposal can be a daunting task for a small business, especially if this is the first attempt. As discussed in previous tutorials, there are many steps involved with preparing a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) application to submit to the Department of Energy (DOE). Here’s a partial list of recurring hurdles:

• Starting the preparation of the application package early enough.
• Navigating the numerous registrations such as PAMS, SAM, grants.gov, etc.
• Translating your innovative solution into a compelling work plan
• Properly assessing the market need and developing an appropriate commercialization strategy.
• Assembling a winning team that will strengthen both the technical and commercial aspects of the proposal.
• Building relationships with potential strategic partners, customers, or investors, and
• Understanding how to develop a budget

To overcome these hurdles, small business often need assistance to help develop a responsive and compelling Phase I SBIR or STTR application. This early assistance at the proposal preparation stage is referred to as Phase 0. The DOE Phase 0 program is a unique agency funded initiative. Assistance is available twice a year and coincides with the release of the DOE Topics in July and again in November. If you register for the DOE Phase 0 program as soon as the topics are released, you receive the benefit of 10 full weeks of support which will provide you, the applicant with sufficient time to do a good job.

The goal of the DOE SBIR/STTR Phase 0 program is to increase the number of responsive, high quality proposals submitted to the DOE within targeted states with historically low SBIR/STTR submissions to the DOE, and amongst women- and minority-owned businesses nationally. However, any small business which has not participated in the DOE Phase 0 program in the past and has never submitted a proposal to the DOE SBIR/STTR program may register for the Phase 0 program when it is offered. Participants in the DOE Phase 0 program receive a set of core services, as well as one or more optional services. Both the Core and Optional services are listed here. During the initial discussion with the DOE Phase 0 Project Director, the specific needs of the Phase 0 registrant will be assessed and both will jointly decide on the services that best meet the registrants needs.