Solicitation_Questions__Responses_(SBIR_2019)_final.pdf

U.S. Department of Education Solicitation #91990019R0011 2019 Small Business Innovation Research Program (Phase I) Vendor Questions & Department Responses Deadline for Questions: February 21, 2019 @ 11:00 am EST

Question No. Question/Statement Department Response

Does the education technology project as described in the solicitation have to be developed from scratch once the grant is awarded, or can it already exist in a complete or partial format and then be developed further to meet the requirements of the program?

Projects are required to focus on the new development. Projects can be to develop an education technology product from scratch or to extend an existing prototype or product. Review the solicitation section titled Related R/R&D on page 17 for further guidance.

The grant allows 1/3 of the funds to be allocated for subcontracted work. We're considering hiring an educational researcher to test the technology with students at MIT facilities, but the Institute charges significant overhead for the use of those facilities. Would renting the facilities fall under the 1/3 that is available for subcontractors, or would renting facilities be permitted under the remaining 2/3 of the budget?

In this case, the funds for the facilities would fall within the 1/3 of the budget for the subcontract.

3 What date is the proposal deadline, there is conflicting dates. Per the solicitation, the deadline for proposals is 11:00 AM EST, March 20, 2019

4 Can I hire a freelancer (1099 contract) as an employee to develop the software and would that count as "in house" for the 2/3 of the work since he'd be a contract employee? Any work performed by an employee of the business counts as in house.

There is a software program I could get a license for that would fit perfectly with my proposed idea for about 1/3 the price of developing it myself. I will still be doing the research and I will still have in house employees building the animated videos and VR app associated with my project. Is that acceptable?

So long as the offeror proposes a budget to spend 2/3 of the funds in Phase I, the budget would be acceptable.

6 As a small business, do I need to contact an IRB to survey students and teachers?

See Appendix F in the solicitation for the requirements in the area of Human Subjects. It is likely any research involving students through an ED/IES SBIR award will require IRB clearance after the award is made.

7 How should the Co-PI be addressed in the proposal? There is no requirement for a co-PI under this solicitation. An offeror may provide the title of co-PI if desired.

Are there any special rules or regulations we should follow when working with a Co-PI, especially where financial matters are concerned?

There is no requirement for a co-PI under this solicitation and there are no-rules that pertain to a co-PI that is named.

9 Are we required to provide any extra contractual paperwork for a Co-PI? There is no requirement for a co-PI under this solicitation and there are no-rules that pertain to a co-PI that is named.

10 Can nonprofits apply or does the organization have to be for profit? Unfortunately, a non-profit cannot directly receive an SBIR award. Non-profits may be a minority investor or subcontractor.

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