WORKSHOP  
Accessing Government Funding for Research

January 28, 2010
7:45 am - 5:30 pm

Presentations

 

Numerous U.S. government agencies provide funds, such as SBIR and STTR grants, to small biotech and medical device firms in support of their R&D and commercialization activities. Such grants offer non-dilutive funding, confer validation from peers, and provide invaluable feedback from experts. In the current financial environment, these government grants are becoming more important as traditional sources of funding early-stage life science companies dry up. 

Attend this SoCalBio Workshop to sharpen your grant-writing skills and learn how to tap various government funding opportunities from the NIH and DoD.

Speakers

Gregory Milman, Ph.D.
Director, Office for Innovation and Special Programs
Division of Extramural Activities
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, DHHS

Dave D. Hood MS, MBA, PMP
President, DH3 & Associates
Former Senior Advisor for the Principal Assistant for Acquisitions
US Army MRMC

Agenda:

7:45   Registration and breakfast
8:00   Introductions
8:30   Presentations
10:00 Break
10:15 Presentations
12:00 Lunch
1:15   Presentations
3:30   Instruction ends
4:00   Networking reception at the Faculty Club
5:30   Workshop adjourns

What will be covered:

  • The Fundamenals:
    • SBIR/STTR basics
    • Differences between grants and contracts
    • Grant and contract eligibility rules
    • Targeting the right agency
    • When to apply
    • How proposals get scored
    • How long it takes to get a notice of award
  • Understanding Proposals
    • Identifying a problem and a solution
    • Understanding the heart of the proposal.
    • Identifying research questions
    • Documenting the state of the art
    • Choosing Phase I technical objectives
    • Understanding the relationship between Phase I and Phase II
    • Proving significance of the work
    • Assuring the agency wants what you’ve got
    • Assuring your approach is correct
    • Assuring the work is innovative
  • Understanding Reviewers and the Review Process Regarding:
    • Work plan & budget
    • Research team, equipment and facilities
    • Determining whether you need a partner 
    • How to find a partner
    • Convincing reviewers that commercialization is likely
    • Follow-on funding for commercialization
  • Tips on Technical Writing.
    • What it means to write well
    • Putting the proposal in formats required by different agencies

 

Testimonials from Past Attendees

“The workshop provided an opportunity to learn how government agencies actually conduct funding reviews from people who have been directly involved in the process”

“It was informative and professional without seeming stuffy”

“It was interactive and the presenters were articulate and accessible”

“The whole atmosphere of the workshop was very pleasant”