How to apply for TABA Funding

The processes governing TABA applications, decisions, and funding vary by agency. At NASA, applications for TABA are part of the Phase I and Phase II proposal processes and must be included in your proposal submission package. For information on requesting a TABA supplement, reference the Request for Use of Technical and Business Assistance Funds section in the Phase I or Phase II solicitation. NASA does not guarantee approval of requests for a TABA supplement, and requesting TABA has no bearing on the proposal selection process. 

TABA funding can be used for…

If your project is selected for award and the TABA supplement is approved, you must use the TABA supplement to contract with one or more vendors to assist in: 

• Making better technical decisions on SBIR/STTR projects;

• Solving technical problems that arise during SBIR/STTR projects;

• Minimizing technical risks associated with SBIR/STTR projects; and/or 

• Commercializing the SBIR/STTR product or process, including intellectual property protections. 

Examples of services include but are not limited to: 

• Assistance with product sales  

• Preparation of technology marketing material 

• Market research and/or validation  

• Market assessment – reviewing competitive technologies, market size, and dynamics 

• Market entry launch strategy development/opportunity  

• Business-related services aimed at improving the commercialization success 

• Expert/End-User interviews for insights  

• Identifying and outreaching to potential commercialization partners 

• Development of regulatory plans/strategy consulting, 

• Development of manufacturing plans/strategy consulting 

• Product development consultation 

• Financial plan review 

• Fundraising strategy development 

• Intellectual property protections and patent costs 

• IP landscape review and strategy consulting 

• Licensing advisory/deal terms 

• Access to technical and business literature available through on-line databases 

• Development of a Phase II TABA needs assessment 

• Development, review, and edit of your Phase II Commercialization and Business Plan  

TABA funding CANNOT be used for…

• Activities that the recipient can provide internally 

• General maintenance of or investment in your business, an affiliate/investor of your business, or a subcontractor/consultant required as part of the awarded Phase I or Phase II 

• Contributions to the SBIR/STTR fee 

• Audit services 

• Bookkeeping services, including payroll management or general accounting services 

• Contingency costs or costs associated with the research and development activities of the award 

TABA Vendor Requirements 

While there is no Federally approved list of TABA vendors, you may find helpful resources on SBIR.gov or other online sources. Requirements include that:

• All TABA vendors must be legal businesses in the United States; 

• The TABA vendor may not be your business, employee, or affiliate or investor of your business; and

• The TABA vendor must demonstrate that they are qualified to provide the requested services. 

Proposal Submission Guidelines 

Refer to the specific requirements in the solicitation you are proposing to. You must provide a vendor quote that includes the following: 

• Contact information of the vendor (name, address, phone number, email address, and website) 

• Description of vendor’s expertise and knowledge of providing the desired technical and business assistance services 

• Itemized list of services and associated cost for each service the TABA vendor will provide; this includes the number of hours and hourly cost for each service, when appropriate. 

• Description of the deliverable(s) the TABA vendor will provide for each service summarizing the outcome of the TABA services

The TABA supplement is in addition to your Phase I or Phase II contract award value. The TABA budget must not include any profit or fee and cannot be used in the calculation of indirect costs or general and administrative expenses (G&A). TABA services must be received, and costs invoiced during the original Phase I or Phase II period of performance.  

NASA will consider TABA requests that are missing any required information as incomplete and will not review the TABA request or provide TABA approval under the award. NASA will not consider TABA requests that come in after proposal submission or where activity occurs outside the contract period of performance. 

Awardee Deliverable and Reporting Requirements 

If you receive TABA funding, you must submit a report(s) as a deliverable requirement summarizing the outcome, description of the itemized technical and/or business services provided with the actual cost for each service. This report can be developed by the TABA vendor(s) with your input. 

TABA Deliverable Reports for Phase I Contracts Will Generally Require:  

• Deliverable report due at the end of your period of performance 

• Final TABA Invoice and Invoice Certification 

TABA for Phase II Contracts Will Generally Require: 

• Deliverable report due at the end of your first year of performance (up to $25K can be invoiced for services rendered) 

• Interim TABA Invoice and Invoice Certification 

• Deliverable report due at the end of your period of performance (the remaining allowable TABA services can be invoiced for services rendered) 

• Final TABA Invoice and Invoice Certification 

Payment Schedule & Terms 

You must submit TABA deliverables and reimbursement per the payment and deliverable report schedule in your contract. Invoices are submitted electronically through the Department of Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). Reports and Invoice Certifications are submitted through ProSAMS.  

NASA bases reimbursement for TABA on the delivery of the above reporting requirements. You can work with the NASA Shared Services Center (NSSC) in negotiating an alternative reimbursement schedule on a case-by-case basis. Reimbursement must only be for actual TABA services the vendor provided. NASA will review for any evidence of fraud, waste, and abuse. 

NASA will not do the following: 

• Reimburse any amounts for services that were not received during the contract period of performance. 

• Reimburse any amounts incurred over the TABA funding amount that NASA approved per your contract.