The Multimedia Technology Health Communication SBIR/STTR Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions by NIH SBIR/STTR Applicants:
http://grants1.nih.gov/grants/multi_pi/sbirsttr_faq.htm

Frequently Asked Questions by NCI SBIR/STTR Applicants:

1. Question: What types of research does NCI fund in its SBIR programs?
   
   Answer: Research funded by NCI and all other NIH institutes can be found online in the SBIR Solicitation (look under the Executive Summary): http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-280.html



2. Question: Do other NIH institutes have interactive health communication SBIR programs and where can I find information about them?
   
   Answer: Access http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-280.html to find interactive health communication research programs across the NIH.
   
   

Frequently Asked Questions by NCI eHealth Applicants

1. Question: Where do I find assistance on how to submit an electronic application?
   
   Answer: If this is your first electronic application, start the process at least three weeks before the application is due.
   
   Access: http://era.nih.gov/ElectronicReceipt/faq_check_submission.htm for the forms and http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/424/index.htm for assistance on how submit your application.



2. Question: How can I determine if my application should go to your program?
   
   Answer: The Program Director (PD) of this SBIR program requests that before phoning or e-mailing, potential applicants should: 1) review the online NIH SBIR Solicitation, 2) review the SBIR guidelines for completing the SF424 electronic application, 3) review this program’s website, and 4) access the CRISP system to determine if your proposal overlaps with a funded grant. If there is no overlap, email an overview of your proposal to the PD for discussion which will determine if your project is appropriate for the Multimedia Technology and Health Communication Grant Program or more suitable for another NCI SBIR program or other NIH institute SBIR program.



3. Question: What are the qualifications of the reviewers and how are they chosen to review?
   
   Answer: The reviewers chosen to evaluate the ehealth applications in this program come from academic organizations or small businesses. Their experience includes instructional design, behavior modification, psychology, statistics, epidemiology, diverse cultures, mass or health communication, media technology, and specific medical or health content expertise.
   
   Reviewers are chosen from a roster of individuals who choose to be grant reviewers or who are recommended as reviewers by the SBIR Program Director. Potential reviewers submit their CV to the Scientific Review Administrator (SRA) for consideration.



4. Question: If I am an SBIR grantee or contractor, may I be a reviewer.
   
   Answer: You may submit your CV to the SRA. If chosen, you may review only when you do not have a grant or contract scheduled for review during the same cycle. If chosen and you are in conflict with an application being reviewed, you will be asked to leave the room when that application is being reviewed.



5. Question: How do I make sure that my project is assigned to your program?
   
   Answer: If you have discussed your proposal with the Program Director and it is determined that your project is of interest to NCI, include a cover letter in your electronic application specifying why you want your application sent to the Multimedia Technology/Health Communication SBIR/STTR Grant Program. State that your concept was of interest to the NCI; the PD will support your request.
   
   After you submit your application, check the ecommons to verify the assignment (https://commons.era.nih.gov/commons/). If the PD cited is not correct, contact the name of the PD given and explain why you want your application changed to the National Cancer Institute.



6. Question: Can I submit technology examples with my application?
   
   Answer: Applicants are NOT allowed to include examples in their Phase I, II, or Fast Track SBIR electronic applications or use URLs in the text that point reviewers to Web examples. Reviewers are instructed not to view web sites.
   
   If you want to submit technology examples (video, CD-ROM, story boards, web site content examples, etc.), contact your assigned Scientific Review Administrator (SRA). They may ask you to mail copies directly to them and also email a "reasonably" sized pdf file. Note that reviewers are not required to look at any of the materials and the application must stand on its own merits, without attachments.



7. Question: Who should submit a Fast Track application?
   
   Answer: A small business with a track record of product development, grant preparation or technical writing skills, collaborative experience in the production and marketing of products, and who has developed a prototype that needs testing and further development.



8. Question: If my company is bought out by another small company, can I continue to be the PI on the Phase II of my project?
   
   Answer: If you have begun work on any phase of an SBIR project and your small company is sold to a large company or your business status changes to a large company, you may complete the work you started. However, if you are completing a Phase I, you will not be allowed to submit a Phase II.



9. Question: What do I need to do to request a no-cost extension?
   
   Answer: Contact your grant management specialist (not your program director) and provide a detailed justification for the no-cost extension.



10. Question: Do you handle money-related issues for my grant?
    
    Answer: The Program Director addresses your scientific-related questions and problems. Your grant management specialist handles all money and business-related questions.