Purpose
The Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program provides one-year funding to organizations to execute state/regional programs that increase the number of SBIR/STTR proposals leading to an increase in the number of SBIR/STTR awards.
As set forth in the Small Business Act (Rev.13) FAST awards build the SBIR/STTR ecosystem through:
- Outreach: increase the pipeline of possible applicants (see SBIR authorization language for explicit direction to increase the participation of women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and small businesses in underrepresented areas - typically rural states); and build the capacity of partner organizations and individuals to refer possible SBIR/STTR applicants through train-the-trainer activities.
- Technical assistance: support new business formation through programs or services that improve proposal development and team creation; provide assistance that leads to the commercialization of technology developed through SBIR/STTR program funding; and form or encourage relevant mentoring networks to provide business advice and counseling.
- Financial support: make grants or loans to applicants to pay a portion or all the cost of developing SBIR/STTR proposals, attending relevant conferences, and bridging gaps between phases.
Guidelines
FAST currently provides $3 million in total funding (up to $125,000 per applicant) for outreach, financial support, and technical assistance to next generation research and development (R&D) focused small businesses. The program places particular emphasis on helping women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, and applicants from underrepresented or rural areas compete in the SBIR and STTR programs.
Eligible applicants for FAST funding include state and local economic development agencies, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), accelerators, incubators, Women’s Business Centers, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), colleges, universities, and more. Only one proposal is allowed per state, with an accompanying letter from a state’s governor or equivalent.
Proposals will be evaluated by review panels; the SBA, the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation will jointly review the recommendations from the panels and will make awards based on proposal merit. Varying levels of matching funds are required from each participating state and territory.
Current FAST Awardees
FAST Award Announcements
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2020
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2019
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2018
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2017
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2016
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2015
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2014
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2013
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2012
- FAST Partnership Award for FY 2010
FY 2020 Notice of Funding Opportunity
Congressional History
Congress sought to reduce the variation within state technology programs that foster economic development among small high-technology firms. In response, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001, codified at 15 U.S.C. §657d(c), established the FAST program. The program expired on September 30, 2005 and was reestablished under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2010.
