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Check every answer, fill what is missing, then submit it yourself.
USDA NIFA SBIR: your application
- Demo fixture generated 2026-10-08 by src/scripts/_co-gs-fixtures.mts with the built-in drafter.
SF-424 R&R and NIFA forms: program and type
Program to which you are applying (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 2)
Enter the topic code name and number exactly as listed; a mismatch can delay or stop review. One topic area per application. Topics 8.6 and 8.12 are capped at $125,000; the others at $175,000.
Missing: choose one — 8.1 Forests and Related Resources | 8.2 Plant Production and Protection (Biology) | 8.3 Animal Production and Protection | 8.4 Conservation of Natural Resources | 8.5 Food Science and Nutrition | 8.6 Rural and Community Development | 8.7 Aquaculture | 8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products | 8.12 Small and Mid-size Farms | 8.13 Plant Production and Protection (Engineering)
Program Type
Both is allowed in one submission only if the project meets both programs' rules (PD/PI more than 51% with the small business and a single research institution doing 30% to 33%).
Missing: choose one — SBIR | STTR | Both (SBIR and STTR)
SBC Control ID
Small Business Concern number from the SBA Company Registry at sbir.gov/registration.
Missing: SBC Control ID
Duration Exceeds Normal Project Period
Only if longer than 8 months (SBIR) or 12 months (STTR): specify and justify the length; the maximum request is 20 months SBIR or 24 months STTR.
Missing: Duration Exceeds Normal Project Period
R&R Other Project Information, Field 7: Project Summary
Project Summary (PS)/Abstract (R&R Other Project Information, Field 7)
Must show how the project goals align with the SBIR/STTR Phase I program. Include a description of the problem or opportunity, project objectives, and a description of the effort; discuss anticipated results and potential commercial applications. NIFA may publish it, so no proprietary information.
14 / 250 words
A buried soil-moisture probe and phone dashboard that tell irrigators which fields to water.
Based on: one liner
R&R Other Project Information, Field 8: Project Narrative (17 pages)
Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions
Only for resubmissions.
Missing: Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions
Responsiveness to USDA SBIR/STTR Program Priorities
Indicate whether the application connects to agriculturally related manufacturing technology, energy efficiency, or alternative and renewable energy, and briefly explain the link.
Missing: Responsiveness to USDA SBIR/STTR Program Priorities
Identification and Significance of the Problem or Opportunity
Clearly state the specific technical problem or opportunity addressed and its importance.
Many Kansas row-crop growers schedule center-pivot irrigation by habit or calendar, which over-waters some fields, stresses others, and burns pumping energy in a region drawing down the Ogallala aquifer.
Based on: problem
Background and Rationale
Indicate the overall background, technical approach and market needs, including a statement of end-user needs. Describe how the research plays a part in providing needed results. Cite relevant scientific literature; every citation goes in the separate Bibliography & References Cited attachment. NIFA may decline applications with plagiarism.
One growing season of field data from two cooperating farms; no paying customers yet.
Based on: traction
Relationship with Research or Research and Development
Discuss how the Phase I effort provides a foundation for Phase II. State the anticipated results if successful: (a) technical, economic, social and other benefits to the Nation and users, (b) the estimated total cost relative to benefits, and (c) any policy issues or decisions the results might affect.
Missing: Relationship with Research or Research and Development
Technical Objectives
Clearly state the technical objectives, including the technical questions needed to establish feasibility.
Missing: Technical Objectives
Work Plan
An explicit, detailed description of the approach: tasks, methodology for each task (including statistical analysis where relevant), and how and where the work will be carried out, linked to the technical objectives. This should be a substantial portion of the narrative; graphics and tables are fine.
Missing: Work Plan
The Market Opportunity
Describe the market and addressable market; business economics and market drivers; how the opportunity was validated; customers and go-to-market strategy; competition and how it may change; key risks; commercialization approach; potential economic benefits with revenue estimates and assumptions; and resources needed.
Missing: The Market Opportunity
R&R Other Project Information, Fields 9 to 12: references, facilities, equipment and other attachments
Bibliography & Cited References (Field 9)
Complete list: all authors in order, year, full title, journal or book, volume and pages.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Bibliography & Cited References (Field 9)
Facilities & Other Resources (Field 10)
Types, location and availability of instrumentation and physical facilities. If the work is done at a facility not owned by the applicant, see Field 12.
Missing: Facilities & Other Resources (Field 10)
Equipment Documentation (Field 11)
Types, location and availability of equipment; fully justify any equipment to be purchased (buy American-made where possible).
Missing: Equipment Documentation (Field 11)
Use of Facilities or Equipment
If university, private or government laboratory facilities are used, a letter from the authorized organizational representative describing the arrangement and confirming exclusive use and control by the applicant.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Use of Facilities or Equipment
Outside Services
Describe consultants, subcontractors or CRADA partners in detail, with letters of willingness to serve. For STTR, the research institution does 30% to 60%, the small business at least 40%, with a formal cooperative agreement on IP rights.
Missing: Outside Services
Letters of Support
Recommended 2 pages each, from potential customers, end users, strategic partners or investors, with affiliation and contact details. Letters from state, local or Congressional representatives do not count. If letters are not appropriate, give a 2-page justification instead.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Letters of Support
Applicant is a Subsidiary
Only if a subsidiary: show the parent companies are small U.S. businesses (not nonprofit) with supporting documentation, and the subsidiary's independent financial viability.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Applicant is a Subsidiary
Statement as to Delinquency on Federal Debts by Applicants for Federal Assistance
Only if delinquent on federal debt: explain the particulars.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Statement as to Delinquency on Federal Debts by Applicants for Federal Assistance
Non-Domestic Travel and Performance Explanation
In the budget justification, give purpose, destination, method, travelers, days and cost for each trip; foreign travel needs prior written NIFA approval.
Missing: Non-Domestic Travel and Performance Explanation
Key people, SBIR/STTR information and budget
R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded): biographical sketch and Current and Pending support for the PD/PI
A biographical sketch and current and pending form are required for all PD/PI and Co-PD/Co-PI. If no other funding is active, list this application as pending.
Attach on the programme’s official site: R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded): biographical sketch and Current and Pending support for the PD/PI
Conflict of Interest List (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 8)
Required for all senior and key persons; combine into one PDF.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Conflict of Interest List (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 8)
Question 9. Documentation of Prior SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards
SBIR or Both only. Attachment 1: Phase I to Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark. Attachment 2: Commercialization Rate Benchmark. A company under the thresholds states: 'Fewer than 20 Phase I awards have been granted to [Company Name] during the preceding five fiscal years.'
Attach on the programme’s official site: Question 9. Documentation of Prior SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards
Disclosure of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries
Required; missing or incomplete forms can lead NIFA to return the application without review.
Attach on the programme’s official site: Disclosure of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries
R&R Budget and Budget Justification (Section L)
One R&R Budget form per project year. Ceiling $175,000 ($181,500 with outside TABA), or $125,000 ($131,500) for topics 8.6 and 8.12. Fee up to 7% of total federal funds, inside the ceiling. Indirect costs at the negotiated rate, or the de minimis rate (15% of modified total direct costs from 1 Oct 2024). Over-ceiling applications are returned without review.
Missing: fill the R&R Budget and Budget Justification (Section L) table (Budget category, Amount (USD), Justification)
Request for use of Technical and Business Assistance (TABA)
TABA sits on top of the award ceiling; unspent own-provider TABA funds must be returned.
Missing: choose one — Use the USDA vendor (Larta Institute) at no cost to the business | Use my own TABA provider (up to $6,500 as Other Direct Costs, with a detailed justification and a signed provider letter of commitment)
For you to add, in order 26
- Program to which you are applying (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 2): choose one — 8.1 Forests and Related Resources | 8.2 Plant Production and Protection (Biology) | 8.3 Animal Production and Protection | 8.4 Conservation of Natural Resources | 8.5 Food Science and Nutrition | 8.6 Rural and Community Development | 8.7 Aquaculture | 8.8 Biofuels and Biobased Products | 8.12 Small and Mid-size Farms | 8.13 Plant Production and Protection (Engineering)
- Program Type: choose one — SBIR | STTR | Both (SBIR and STTR)
- SBC Control ID: SBC Control ID
- Duration Exceeds Normal Project Period: Duration Exceeds Normal Project Period
- Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions: Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions
- Responsiveness to USDA SBIR/STTR Program Priorities: Responsiveness to USDA SBIR/STTR Program Priorities
- Relationship with Research or Research and Development: Relationship with Research or Research and Development
- Technical Objectives: Technical Objectives
- Work Plan: Work Plan
- Related Research or Research and Development: Related Research or Research and Development
- The Market Opportunity: The Market Opportunity
- Bibliography & Cited References (Field 9): attach Bibliography & Cited References (Field 9)
- Facilities & Other Resources (Field 10): Facilities & Other Resources (Field 10)
- Equipment Documentation (Field 11): Equipment Documentation (Field 11)
- Use of Facilities or Equipment: attach Use of Facilities or Equipment
- Outside Services: Outside Services
- Letters of Support: attach Letters of Support
- Applicant is a Subsidiary: attach Applicant is a Subsidiary
- Statement as to Delinquency on Federal Debts by Applicants for Federal Assistance: attach Statement as to Delinquency on Federal Debts by Applicants for Federal Assistance
- Non-Domestic Travel and Performance Explanation: Non-Domestic Travel and Performance Explanation
- R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded): biographical sketch and Current and Pending support for the PD/PI: attach R&R Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded): biographical sketch and Current and Pending support for the PD/PI
- Conflict of Interest List (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 8): attach Conflict of Interest List (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 8)
- Question 9. Documentation of Prior SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards: attach Question 9. Documentation of Prior SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards
- Disclosure of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries: attach Disclosure of Foreign Affiliations or Relationships to Foreign Countries
- R&R Budget and Budget Justification (Section L): fill the R&R Budget and Budget Justification (Section L) table (Budget category, Amount (USD), Justification)
- Request for use of Technical and Business Assistance (TABA): choose one — Use the USDA vendor (Larta Institute) at no cost to the business | Use my own TABA provider (up to $6,500 as Other Direct Costs, with a detailed justification and a signed provider letter of commitment)
How this was drafted
The follow-up questions it asked the founder
Program to which you are applying (NIFA Supplemental Information Form, Field 2) — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Program Type — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Duration Exceeds Normal Project Period — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Response to Previous Review for Resubmissions — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Responsiveness to USDA SBIR/STTR Program Priorities (limit: Project Narrative: 17 pages maximum for items b to i (1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman; tables and figures 11-point)) — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Relationship with Research or Research and Development (limit: Project Narrative: 17 pages maximum for items b to i (1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman; tables and figures 11-point)) — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Technical Objectives (limit: Project Narrative: 17 pages maximum for items b to i (1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman; tables and figures 11-point)) — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
Work Plan (limit: Project Narrative: 17 pages maximum for items b to i (1.5 spacing, 1-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman; tables and figures 11-point)) — what should the application say here?
Not answered, so the draft leaves a highlighted gap.
How it reads against the published criteria
An estimate to help the founder improve the draft, not a prediction of selection.
| Criterion | Estimate | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Phase I Scientific and Technical Feasibility | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
| 2. Market Potential | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
| 3. Importance of the Problem | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
| 4. Investigator and Resource Qualifications | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
| 5. Budget | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
| 6. Duplication | — / — | Estimate from completeness only: 3 of 29 answers have no open input. No model has read the substance yet — your reviewer will when the drafting model is connected. |
Where the questions come from
Read 2026-10-08. Structure, field names, page limits and evaluation criteria come from the most recent Phase I Request for Applications on Grants.gov, FY2025 USDA-NIFA-SBIR-010774 (posted 2 Jul 2024, closed 17 Sep 2024). No FY2026 Phase I RFA has been posted. The only SBIR/STTR notice open now is Phase II (USDA-NIFA-SBIR-012221, posted 1 Oct 2026, closes 17 Nov 2026, $600,000 to $650,000 awards, 50 awards, about $24.75 million) and it is for prior Phase I winners only. Sections prescribed by the NIFA RFA.
- There is no open Phase I. NIFA posts SBIR/STTR RFAs once a year on Grants.gov; the next Phase I date is unannounced. The Phase II NOFO now open cannot be used by a company without a prior Phase I award.
- The FY25 RFA is the Phase I template. The open Phase II NOFO uses a 20-page Project Narrative and a different section list (it adds Prior USDA Support and Potential Post Application); do not assume a future Phase I keeps 17 pages.
- Questions 1 to 7 and 10 of the SBIR/STTR Information form are described in the NIFA Grants Application Guide (Part V.210), which was not read; they are NOT modelled.
- The SF-424 field-level labels (project title, dates, amount requested, authorized representative) live in the Grants.gov package and were not read.
- A Data Management Plan is not required for this program.
- The ten topic areas listed are those in the FY25 RFA; a later RFA may change them.
- No account was created and nothing was submitted.