1. T EN T IPS TO A S UCCESSFUL G RANT A PPLICATION Dr. Jon P. Anderson

2. F OLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS The proposal may not be successfully submitted if the instructions are not followed Page limits Page margins Font selection Helps you organize the proposal in a consistent way Application Guide SF424 2

3. D ON ’ T MAKE THE REVIEWERS WORK HARD Provide a logical outline Highlight main points and objectives Address the review criteria Significance Investigator Innovation Approach Environment 3

4. D ON ’ T BE AFRAID TO PROVIDE A BASIC OVERVIEW You are an expert in the field – don’t assume the reviewer is also an expert Provide a brief overview of the current state of affairs How does your proposed research fit Generates a better story than just diving into a detailed research plan If you can get the reviewers excited about the research, then you have an advocate in the review process 4

5. DIAGRAM THE MAIN IDEA OF THE RESEARCH A picture is worth a thousand words Reviewers can get a quick overview of the research Remember to describe the diagram – get the reviewer to see what you want them to see A simple timeline or summary Gantt chart can easily display how the work will proceed 5

6. L IST POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS If you can think of potential problems with the proposed research, so can the reviewers Reviewers like to see that you have thoroughly thought about the research Listing possible problems is not the same thing as saying this project will fail 6

7. P ROPOSE A REASONABLE TIMELINE AND BUDGET Not all research projects require the same resources $100,000 and 6-months If you require more time and money, then make a request. Remember to justify your request for more time and/or money. NOTE – Mean Phase I award (FY 2006-2008) for SBIR and STTR was $170,000 7

8. I NCLUDE A C OVER L ETTER List specific areas of expertise that are appropriate for the review of your grant List individuals or organizations who would have a conflict as a reviewer Suggest relevant granting institutes or centers to fund the research 8

9. H AVE AN OUTSIDE EXPERT REVIEW THE GRANT Scientific and technical quality of the proposed research Are the objectives reasonable? How do you measure feasibility? Identify potential problems with the research Are the relevant papers cited? Will this research solve a specific problem? SBIR STTR 9

10. H AVE A NON - EXPERT REVIEW THE GRANT Provides a different perspective on the writing Readability Logical flow of ideas Grammar Use of graphics Is there a clear understanding of the underlying problem and the solution that this research provides? 10

11. G ET IT DONE EARLY Last minute submissions can fall short Computer problems Connection problems Incomplete/incorrect forms You can no longer hand-deliver the application to the NIH 11

12. LI-COR SBIR S UCCESS S TORIES LI-7500 Open Path CO2/H2O Gas Analyzer 12 Odyssey Infrared Imaging System IR-Labeled Phosphoramidites LI-7700 Open Path Methane Analyzer