
While not a requirement to obtain Phase I funding, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit commitments from the private sector or from non-SBIR/STTR funding sources, which will be considered as part of the evaluation criterion on “Impact.” Commitment(s) of funds and/or resources from an investor or partner organization for commercialization of the product(s) or service(s) resulting from the SBIR/STTR grant are particularly useful for applicants should they succeed and move to Phase II.
Letters of Funding Commitment should be printed on official letterhead, signed by authorized representatives, and provided with the application materials. The letter must provide details of the funds or resources committed to the project, and briefly address how the funds and/or resources will benefit the project. For instance, if the funds are designated for commercialization efforts the letter should briefly address those efforts and provide a reasonable estimate of how the funds will be allocated. If the letter of commitment concerns resources to be provided, the resources should be briefly described and the manner in which they will benefit the project.