Hot Links To The Questions
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Q: Are SBIR-SoftTM programs hard to install?
A: No, there is NO INSTALLATION REQUIRED because they are just pre-developed
templates/files designed to work with (be accessed from) your already installed
word processor and/or spread sheet and/or graphics programs.
Q: Are SBIR-SoftTM programs difficult to
use? Is there a training/tutorial program for them?
A: NO, THERE IS NOTHING TECHNICAL TO LEARN (assuming you know how
to use your own software). The user simply pops the disk into the computer,
opens his/her own software program and then uses that to open, manipulate
and print the files on the distribution diskette.
Q: Which Word Processors will SBIR-SoftTM
programs work with?
A: Virtually any MS DOS(R) or Windows(R) (3.1, 95 or 98) program purchased in the past ten
years such as WORD, Word Perfect, AmiPro, MacWrite, ClarisWorks, etc..
We know of none that cannot use these products/files.
Q: Which Spreadsheet Programs will they work with?
A: Virtually any spreadsheet program purchased in the past ten
years such as Excel, Lotus 123, QuattroPro, Claris Works, etc. We know
of none that cannot use these files.
Q: Which Graphics Programs will the forms work with?
A: GOOD NEWS -- the forms now work directly with your word processor; no need for graphics programs. Or, if you still prefer to work with graphic formats ( PCX, BMP, GIF, TIFF, etc.), we can easily
make these available for most graphic/paint/photo edit programs.
Q: What is SBIR-ToolKitTM? (NOTE: SBIR-Advisor is now included in EVERY ToolKit)
A: A set of pre-formatted proposal files specifically designed for
use with your already installed word processor and spreadsheet software.
This software, which has a TurboTax(R)-like concept, is custom designed
specifically to make you/your firm comply with each individual agency's
SBIR/STTR proposal preparation requirements (this is NOT a general "how-to"
product but a tool for easy, rapid and fully compliant proposal development
responsive to a specific solicitation). It features:
-
completely pre-formatted word processor template with internal paragraph
by paragraph guidance for planning, creating, packaging and delivering
the technical proposal/grant request for a given agency/procurement (must
specify agency and procurement number when ordering -- each is different).
-
pre-formatted spread sheet templates for properly planning the project,
estimating the project costs and creating the cost proposal/project budget
data required (for some agencies, the completed cost/budget proposal submission
can even be directly printed out from the spreadsheet when the cost estimating
is done).
The ToolKit saves many hours of procurement package study and all of that "going-back
to the package" to find and re-read the requirements which has been necessary
for publishing compliant proposals/grant requests (minimum
of 8-12 hours savings estimated by our experts). It also allows the easy,
seamless hand-off of writing tasks to other team members and final publication
tasks to administrative staff. But, most importantly it allows the writer
to focus his time and energy on presenting the technology/idea in its best
light without having to worry about the administrative details.
Q: What is SBIR-AdvisorTM? (NOTE: SBIR-Advisor is now included in EVERY ToolKit)
A: An "add-on" option for SBIR-ToolKitTM
that integrates (on a paragraph by paragraph basis) powerful consulting
advice from the professionals to help you create more compelling proposals
and grant requests. Also included is important bid information gathered
from recent SBIR winners, SBIR conferences and from government personnel
that is NOT in the solicitation package. As an example: on one procurement
our customers were able to compliantly submit 26 pages (vs. 25) because
of such information uncovered by JADE Research -- after subtracting the
forms and boilerplate that's a nearly 5% technical proposal space advantage
over the competition).
Q: What is SBIR-FormsTM?
A: An "add-on" option for SBIR-ToolKitTM
that supports on-screen forms completion and printout via computer
rather than the old fashioned, time consuming way (by typewriter). Electronic
versions of the required forms are included in separate files on the distribution
disk. SBIR-FormsTM is only available for
those procurements with "heavy" forms requirements (PHS/NIH, NSF, USDA
and DOE) and is sometimes a required element of SBIR-ToolKitTM
for those procurements with "special" electronic submission requirements
like NASA.
This feature requires the user to have printer capable of 300 dpi, or better.
Q: Why does the license expire the day my application is due?
A: Each agency changes its rules/forms/formats with every cycle.
Thus, if we let you use this year's software next year, your application would
most likely be judged as "non-compliant" and not be reviewed by the
government. This measure protects us both from this potential problem.
Q: What is SBIR-LegalTM?
A: Word processor files for use with your word processor software.
These files include a DC Patent Law firm's guidance for maximizing your
intellectual property rights and for minimizing the government's (especially
important if the government will likely be a major customer of your Phase
III products/services). Included on this disk are the full texts of all
the FARS referenced in the main program. As a bonus, a very useful discussion
of how to avoid patent, copyright and trademark problems is now included
as well.
Q: What is SBIR-AccountantTM?
A: Word processor files for use with your word processor software.
These files include the best tutorial we've ever seen for helping the manager
to understand what will happen to the way he will have to conduct his business
when he wins any government contract (not just an SBIR/STTR) for services.
Developed by the Government Practice of KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP, it also
includes, in separate files on disk, the full text of all FARS and CAS
provisions referenced in the tutorial.
Q: What is SBIR-GuideTM?
A: Word processed files that are easily accessed with your own word
processor software. These files make up a digitally searchable data base
of information about the most important aspects of the SBIR and STTR Programs.
This product focuses on three primary areas:
-
An orientation featuring published papers and talk/presentation slides
thoroughly explaining the basics of the SBIR and STTR programs, why they
are so important to the small business' long term strategy and generally
how to "play".
-
Detailed marketing information about:
-
all of the agencies including their missions as well as the names, addresses
and resumes of the primary contact points at each one,
-
PLUS local SBIR support resources available to you free, listed on a state
by state basis,
-
PLUS important data developed from extensive on-line searches,
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PLUS numerous government/Internet and bulletin board sources of technical
data,
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PLUS advice on marketing to the program, picking proposal/grant request
targets, and generic direction for preparing SBIR proposals,
-
PLUS etc., etc., etc. -- all you ever wanted to know about the SBIR
and STTR programs.
-
Current updates on major program changes at all agencies, includes agendas
of, and news reports on, the important events and information gathered
from the most recent SBIR Conferences.
SBIR-GuideTM is UPDATED THREE TIMES A YEAR (after each
National SBIR Conference).
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