2021 InVision
Tour Events
Technology Transfer &
Small Business Innovation Research
July 21, 2021
Smart Cities & Satellites
May 19 & 20, 2021
Emerging Opportunities
in Space Technology
March 24, 2021
More Paths to Entrepreneurship:
Let’s Talk Tech and the Federal Government
February, 16, 2021
Aerospace Diversity & Policy Research Forum
February 3, 2021
Latest News
DSIP Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal | Proposal Submissions
The DoD Small Business and Technology Partnerships Office announces the opening of the following Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) topics:
(Full topics and instructions are available at the links provided below.)
Army SBIR 21.4
• SBIR Topic A214-045: “Graph Neural Networks (GNN) for UxS Collaborative Agent Control,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-046: “Synthetic RF Training Data Generation,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-047: “Height of Burst scoring through Machine Learning,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-048: “Machine Learning (ML) for Breach Routing,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-049: “Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) for Radio Frequency (RF) Modulation Recognition,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-050: “Natural Language Processing+,” published here.
• SBIR Topic A214-051: “Asynchronous Neuromorphic Digital Readout Circuit for Infrared Cameras for Autonomous Target Acquisition and Autonomous Vehicles,” published here.
IMPORTANT DATES:
• November 30, 2021: Topics open, begin submitting proposals in DSIP
• December 21, 2021: Topic Q&A closes to new questions at 12:00 pm ET
• January 4, 2022: Topics close, full proposals must be submitted in DSIP no later than 12:00 p.m. ET
A Virtual Industry Day for The Upcoming Solicitation: Commerce Acquisition for Transformational Technology Services (CATTS)
August 12 & 16, 2021
The purpose of these outreach sessions is to educate and inform potential contractors of the OCIO’s vision to leverage contractors who can deliver strategic solutions to efficiently and securely operate and manage the Department’s IT infrastructure. Information on the procurement strategy and timeline will also be presented, followed by a Q&A session.
Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Annual Conference 2021
July 19-23, 2021
This year at the FDA’s Regulatory Education for Industry (REdI) Conference, CDRH’s OSEL Office Director, Dr. Ed Margerrison, will present ‘Accelerating Medical Device Innovation with Regulatory Tools’ on Wednesday July 21st at 9:25 am – 10:05 am. This is part of FDA’s CDRH efforts to develop tools that help innovators improve the development and assessment of emerging medical technologies.
Accelerating Medical Device Innovation with Regulatory Tools The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) provides resources to facilitate medical device innovation and accelerate upstream pre-competitive innovation within the medical device industry. These resources include providing innovators with regulatory science tools to help develop and assess medical technologies that can spin out multiple products. The tools reduce the need for device developers to design ad-hoc test methods and allow them to focus their limited resources on how well their new product works, not how well it may be tested. This presentation will introduce the FDA’s Catalog of Regulatory Science Tools to help assess new medical devices and provide helpful resources and tips for finding and using these tools that can assist with development and assessment of emerging medical technologies.
In case you, your colleagues or networks are interested, click here for the agenda with additional Medical Device related topics including:
Demystifying Medical Device Regulations
Accelerating Medical Device Innovation with Regulatory Tools
Q-Sub Program: What Is It and Best Practices
The 510(k) Program - Overview and Program Updates
The 510(k) Program - How to Determine an Effective Predicate Device
Bioresearch Monitoring Sponsor Inspections
Additive Manufacturing of Medical Devices
DHS: Deconstructing SBIR: Other Agency Technology Solutions (OATS) RFI Virtual Event
July 20, 2021 at 12:30 PM ET
Can your SBIR/STTR technology support DHS? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program invites you to join us on July 20, 2021, from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ET for a Deconstructing SBIR webinar on three recently released Other Agency Technology Solutions (OATS) Requests for Information (RFIs):
During this webinar, viewers will have a chance to hear from three DHS Component representatives about the needs in the RFI topic areas for which information is being sought. OATS RFI submissions must leverage previous SBIR or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I, Phase II or Phase III awards from a Federal Agency.
This event will be held in conjunction with the 2021 National SBIR Week July 19-23, 2021. The weeklong virtual event connects entrepreneurs working on advanced technologies to the country’s largest source of early stage funding – the SBIR and STTR programs. Also known as America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/STTR programs provide over $4 billion annually in funding to small businesses in a wide variety of technology areas.
Administered by DHS S&T, the DHS SBIR Program supports a full spectrum of SBIR initiatives serving all DHS components.
ISSRDC Sessions: In-Space Production Applications in an Emerging Space Economy
Advancing in-space production applications onboard the space station has been identified as a strategic priority for NASA and the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory. To showcase this growing area of opportunity, the International Space Station Research and Development Conference (ISSRDC) will host multiple sessions focused on in-space production applications.
On the first day of the virtual conference, August 3, a two-part session on “In-Space Production Applications in the Low Earth Orbit Economy” will provide multiple perspectives on this topic. Part one of the session will be moderated by NASA Chief Economist and ISS National Lab Program Executive Dr. Alex MacDonald and will give a programmatic look at in-space production applications. Part two of the session will be moderated by Meagan Murphy Crawford, co-founder and managing partner of SpaceFund. This segment will discuss some of the pioneering companies that are leveraging the space station to test and validate in-space production applications to further their business goals and objectives.
NASA Webinar: Exploring NASA’s Software Catalog
July 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM (ET)
On July 13th, 2021, speakers from NASA’s Technology Transfer Program team will host a webinar to explain how you can access NASA’s software programs, share some of the latest and most popular entries into the catalog, and answer the audience’s questions about specific codes. Please join us!
NSF I-CORPS VIRTUAL HBCU PROGRAM SPONSORED BY HOWARD UNIVERSITY
July 2021
HU I-Corps is hosting a virtual NSF I-Corps program for academic research teams. Participants will explore the commercial potential of their research and innovation. Teams that complete the program are eligible to apply for $50,000 through the NSF I-Corps Teams grant. HBCU faculty and graduate students are encouraged to apply. Faculty and graduate students from other universities and colleges are welcome to apply. The I-Corps program drives early engagement with key stakeholders (customers, partners, competitors, etc.). This accelerates teams’ exploration of the commercial potential of their research or innovation, and validates a commercialization strategy.
Click here to learn more & apply.
2021 National SBIR Week
July 19 - July 23, 2021
The 2021 National SBIR Week is a virtual event connecting entrepreneurs working on advanced technologies to the country’s largest source of early stage funding – The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Also known as America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/STTR programs provide over $4 billion in funding to small businesses each year in a wide variety of technology areas.
This event provides you with an opportunity to participate in live streaming panels and presentations with participating federal agencies that administer over 7,000 new awards annually and to meet virtually One on One with program decision makers.
FedTech’s Startup Studio Program
Apply before June 21, 2021
How do you want to change the world for the better? Do you want to be the one who charts the course to a better future for your community? Then now is your chance to raise a hand and make a difference.
NASA has partnered with the FedTech Startup Studio to help you leverage nex-gen technologies from the cutting-edge labs at NASA and other organizations. In the program, you’ll:
Be surrounded with support from mentors, technologists, and lab scientists
Gain insight through educational modules - all in a virtual environment
Participate part-time and be able to balance work, education, and life
Focus on preparing to form a startup and commercialize innovation
NASA Startup Series: ONEDRUS
June 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM (ET)
Join us for the next NASA Startup Series virtual event. This webinar series provides an opportunity for you to hear about early-stage companies that have licensed technologies developed at NASA and are working to commercialize these innovations
On June 16th, 2021, representatives from Onedrus, based out of Dallas, TX, will be presenting on their multi-stage air filtration system, helps facility management professionals who want to minimize operating costs and increase energy efficiency by extending the usable life of the main filter to three years and promoting optimum HVAC conditions.
During this free virtual event, company representatives will share their story with you, including how they got involved with NASA and where they are currently in the development of their new product or system.
Register Here.
NASA’s Information Technology Can Solve Big Problems
Through project and mission work, NASA develops a lot of new software and information technology that helps solve big problems. From software systems that detect and repair faults in complex systems to space-grade software for smart image enhancement, our IT and Software portfolio offers a wide variety of solutions for a many different needs. We’ve highlighted a few technologies that we think are ripe for commercialization.
NASA Astronauts AAPI Heritage Month Tribute
Asian American and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month Advancing Leaders through Purpose-Driven Service.
NASA Artemis Supplier Industry Day
Monday, May 24
Hey govmates - join us for matchmaking at the NASA Artemis Supplier Industry Day on Monday, May 24. From 1-5pm EST, we'll host 1x1 virtual matchmaking sessions with large primes, integrators and NASA representatives.
In order to participate in matchmaking, you'll need to register for this event via the Eventbrite link provided. Once you're signed up, we'll reach out to you with a link to update your matchmaking account for the event.
#notyourmothersmatchmaking
LabTech in You Life
How many aspects of your everyday life are made better by technology developed in a federal laboratory? It happens a lot more often than you might think! LabTech in Your Life is a virtual experience that showcases items found in the home and at an airport that you probably use and experience every day without realizing they were developed or improved by federal laboratories. This unique interactive space features familiar examples of how federal agencies and laboratories bring their innovations to the market, where they can be used and enjoyed by consumers. Learn the story behind these technologies that you use every day in your home and experience during travel. Each technology represents years of research and development, as well as successful partnerships between federal laboratories and businesses in a wide range of market sectors. We encourage you to explore, discover, and experience the virtual environment.
NASA’s Universal Wireless Flight Sensor Systems Live Webinar
May 4, 2021
Innovators at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center have found a way to incorporate wireless sensor technology in aerospace vehicles without adding the complexity and tonnage normally associated with physically modifying existing avionics. The solution: A single universal wireless access point or "gateway" that can communicate between existing onboard systems and any subscribed wireless device. This gateway can be easily reprogrammed to communicate with any wireless device, allowing engineers to add new sensing technology "at the speed of software." The gateway's architecture also holds promise for other industries seeking ways to capitalize on the advantages of wireless sensors.
During the webinar, you will learn how NASA’s technologies and capabilities are available to industry and other organizations through NASA’s Technology Transfer Program.
Help Us Map AUTM’s Future
As an important member of the tech transfer community, AUTM would to participate in a 90-minute focus group to consider the future of the Association and how we can best serve Members and other key stakeholders. This is your chance to provide feedback that will benefit you and the tech transfer profession in the years to come.
Please click the link below to register for the date that works best for your schedule and we will send you a formal calendar invitation. No preparation is necessary for these sessions:
Thursday, April 29 at 2 p.m. EST
Thursday, May 6 at 9 a.m. EST
Tuesday, May 11 at 8 p.m. EST
Monday, May 17 at 3 p.m. EST
Small Businesses Encouraged to Comment on Proposed Rule
April 28, 2021
On Jan. 29, 2021, the Department of Commerce published an interim final rulemaking on the implementation of Executive Order 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services Supply Chain.” The rule would allow the Secretary of Commerce to prohibit certain information and communications technology and services transactions to address national security threats. The interim final rule became effective on March 22, 2021. Commerce sought to implement a licensing process by May 19, 2021, for any entities, including small businesses, seeking pre-approval. However, Commerce seeks additional public input on several aspects of a potential voluntary licensing or pre-clearance process. Written comments on the proposed rule are due April 28, 2021.
NIH Applicant Assistance Program Outreach Webinar
May 4, 2021
Missile Defense Agency SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit
April 28-29, 2021
The SBIR/STTR Innovation Summit is a 2-day event designed to connect Large and Small Businesses, Universities and Research Institutions to discuss MDA’s Science and Technology areas of interest and how it relates to MDA’s Strategic Vision. In addition to technical sessions, attendees will have the ability to interact with MDA senior leadership and technical experts in one-on-one sessions.
2021 HHS Small Business Program Conference
April 26-30, 2021
This year’s free, virtual Diverse Perspectives SEEDing Impactful Innovations conference takes place April 26-30. Participants will learn how to apply for the over $1.2 billion of seed funding to support early-stage biomedical research and grow their small business. If you are new to the NIH small business (SBIR/STTR) programs, are a diverse life science entrepreneur or biomed researcher looking for seed funding, or are a stakeholder in a minority-owned or woman-owned small business – please plan to join.
Future Forward: Disrupting in a Time of Uncertainty
May 11-13, 2021
A Future Forward virtual experience that brings together the current and future state of SMART, loT, and AI manufacturing innovation with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to globally compete and prosper.
Interested in Mentoring, Recruiting and Supporting 1,000 Black, LatinX & Indigenous College Students?
MBDA’s InVision Tour invites you to support OHUB.SXSW by signing up to be one of the 1,000 executives, professionals, technologists, recruiters, founders, investors, influencers and beyond, to mentor, recruit and support the journey of students into the technology, startup and venture ecosystem. The goal is the immerse these students into the fourth industrial revolution while ensuring that they are hired for summer and full time roles this year and the next.
NASA Webinar: Carbon Fiber-Carbon Nanotube Yarn Hybrid Reinforcement
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET
Innovators at the NASA Glenn Research Center have developed a toughened hybrid reinforcement material made from carbon fiber and carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn for use in polymer matrix composites (PMCs). The new material improves toughness and damping properties of PMCs, enhancing impact resistance, fatigue life, and structural longevity.
Learn more about this new technology at this upcoming webinar.
NASA Webinar: High Flow Differential Cleaning of Additively Manufactured Parts
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET
Please join us for this NASA Technology Transfer Program webinar about a new method for cleaning complex additively manufactured parts in minutes.
During the webinar, you will learn much more about this novel technology, as well as how NASA’s technologies and capabilities can be utilized by industry and other organizations.
Structural Health Monitoring and NDE Tech for Your Business
NASA's Technology Transfer Program is looking for companies interested in utilizing technologies in our portfolio with non-destuctive evaluation and structural health monitoring applications.
These technologies can help your business predict component lifespans, schedule maintenance, and foresee and head off failures. All are available for licensing.
Broadening Participation, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Chemistry Listening Session
Friday, March 5, 2021 at 4:00 PM ET.
Please join the National Science Foundation of Chemistry for a listening session on Broadening Participation, Diversity, Inclusion and Equity in Chemistry.
DSIP Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal | Proposal Submissions
DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) BAA 21.1 and DoD Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) BAA 21.A will be reopened for proposal submission on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 8:00 AM ET until Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 12:00 PM ET.
EDA Now Accepting Applications for Build to Scale Program
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is accepting applications for the Build to Scale program, a $38 million funding opportunity that fuels tech-based economic development in regional economies.
Space-Grade Tech to Keep Mechanical and Fluid Systems Running on Earth
Components make the machine. Whether it’s a flat tire, a leaky valve, or a stuck bearing, a faulty part can slow down a whole operation - and in space, it can be a total loss. As a result, we’ve developed more reliable components and installation techniques that can keep mechanical and fluid systems going in even the most hostile environments.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce LAUNCH | The Path to Artemis III: Future of Human Deep Space Exploration
February 17, 2021
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce will convene a policy discussion, “Path to Artemis III: Future of Human Deep Space Exploration,” focused on the role of Marshall Space Flight Center and greater Huntsville’s industrial capabilities in developing the necessary technology and hardware for sustained U.S. lunar operations.
VOSB / SDVOSB: Eligibility & Certification
February 11, 2021
Join Government Contracts Attorney, Matthew Schoonover, as he discusses the benefits of obtaining a veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned small business designation.
NASA hits pause on its Artemis moon lander competition
NASA has put its plan to choose which companies will continue to develop lunar landers for the Artemis moon program on hold.
Satellite spots SpaceX’s Starship SN9 from space ahead of explosive test flight
SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites on record-setting used rocket, nails landing
This Falcon 9 first stage last flew just 27 days ago.
DoD announces Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Topics:
Army SBIR 21.4 A214-002: Same Frequency (SF) Simultaneous Transmit and Receive (STAR) Tactical Radios
A214-003: EXOSENSE: Exoskeleton Sensor Data Fusion and Insight System
Farming from Space:
Digital Innovation for Agriculture
January 28, 2021
Join Federal Labs for “Farming from Space: Digital Innovation for Agriculture”
Virgin Orbit Flew a Rocket into Orbit on Jan. 17th in a Test that Introduces a New Way to Launch Low-Cost Satellites
Takeoff! ELaNa 20 Mission on Its Way to Space
Virgin Orbit rocket reaches Earth orbit, adding an entrant to the commercial space race
Department of Energy (DOE) Labratory Technology Transfer Awareness Day
March 9-10, 2021
SOFWERX, in concert with USSOCOM’s Directorate of Science and Technology (S&T) and the United States Department of Energy (DOE), will conduct an event to connect DOE Laboratories, U.S. Government (USG), and potential collaborators to facilitate licensing and further development of Laboratory technologies to Industry, to accelerate development of End User capabilities.
Science and Technology Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 21.1
February 18, 2021
USSOCOM’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) team needs solutions for special areas of interest including the Antenna Distribution System, Enterprise Data Fusion Visualization, Wideband and Analog Radio Frequency Fingerprinting At a Distance, Integrated Cyber and Electronic Warfare Infrastructure and Next Generation Field Computing Device – Wearable.
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About MBDA
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. MBDA offers customized business development and industry-focused services to provide greater access to capital, contracts, and markets.
Visit mbda.gov to learn more.
Vision
Economic prosperity for all American business enterprises.
Mission
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
Grow it.
Passion
Winning The Future, Now! MBDA programs, services, and initiatives focus on helping MBEs grow today, while preparing them to meet the industry needs of tomorrow.