Before you can submit an SBIR or STTR application, your company must complete several federal registrations. This process can take several weeks, so it's important to start early. Follow these steps to ensure your company is properly registered:
1. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Apply for an EIN on the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
- This process is usually instant, but can take up to two weeks if applying by mail
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2. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM)
- Go to https://sam.gov and create an account
- Gather necessary information: EIN, bank account details, CAGE code (if you have one)
- Complete the registration process, which includes agreeing to terms of service
- Wait for SAM to verify your information (can take 3-5 business days)
- Note: SAM registration must be renewed annually
3. Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)
- As of April 2022, the UEI has replaced the DUNS number
- You'll automatically be assigned a UEI when you register in SAM
4. Register with Grants.gov
- Go to https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/registration.html
- Create an account and complete the registration process
- You'll need your UEI and SAM registration for this step
5. Register with the SBIR/STTR Company Registry
- Visit https://www.sbir.gov/registration
- Create an account and complete the registration process
- You'll receive an SBC Control ID, which you'll need for your application
6. Register with the Electronic Research Administration (eRA) Commons (for NIH applications)
- If applying to NIH, go to https://public.era.nih.gov/commons/
- Create an account for your organization and for the Principal Investigator
- Complete the registration process
7. Register with FastLane (for NSF applications)
- If applying to NSF, go to https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/
- Follow the instructions to register your company
8. Complete any agency-specific registrations
- Some agencies may have additional registration requirements
- Check the specific funding opportunity announcement for details
Additional Tips:
- Start the registration process at least 6-8 weeks before the application deadline
- Keep all login information, passwords, and ID numbers in a secure location
- Make sure to maintain active registrations by updating them annually
- If you encounter issues, reach out to the help desks of the respective systems
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
- Waiting until the last minute to start registrations
- Entering inconsistent information across different registrations
- Forgetting to renew registrations annually
- Not allowing enough time for registration validation processes
Remember, you cannot submit an SBIR/STTR application until all required registrations are complete and active. It's crucial to start this process early to ensure you don't miss application deadlines due to registration issues.
For more information on preparing your SBIR/STTR application, check out our other help center articles or consider seeking professional assistance.
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