Expert Resources

Proposal Guides

Written by former NIH, NSF, and DoD panel reviewers and funded PIs. Practical guidance you will not find anywhere else.

Featured guides
Essential
March 16, 2026
SBIR Grant Writing Services Compared: Pricing, AI Usage, and Success Rates (2026)
Ranked comparison of 14 SBIR grant writing providers with pricing, success rates, AI policies, and why success fees are prohibited.
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New
March 16, 2026
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization 2026: What the New Law Means for Your Next Proposal
S. 3971 reauthorizes SBIR/STTR through 2031. Strategic Breakthrough Awards up to $30M, proposal caps, and enhanced security requirements.
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Research
March 10, 2026
Why AI-Generated SBIR Proposals Are Failing: What 350+ Federal Reviewers Told Us
Our survey of 350+ NSF, NIH, and DoD reviewers reveals why AI-generated proposals fail and how reviewers identify them.
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Sample NIH summary statements — real reviewer scores & annotations
Sample
23
NIH Summary Statement: Impact Score 23
Strong application. Team, innovation, and feasibility all praised. Annotated walkthrough with free downloadable PDF.
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Sample
33
NIH Summary Statement: Impact Score 33
Mid-range statement with a split vote. Understanding what separates funded from unfunded applications.
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Sample
45
NIH Summary Statement: Impact Score 45
Below-payline statement. Team gaps, insufficient data, and missing regulatory strategy affect the final score.
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Sample
55
NIH Summary Statement: Impact Score 55
Low-scoring application. Team-science mismatch and undifferentiated innovation are the primary weaknesses.
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All guides
NIH
February 6, 2026
How to Read Your NIH SBIR Summary Statement: A Complete Guide
Understanding impact scores, criterion scores, reviewer critiques, and how to turn feedback into a funded resubmission.
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NIH
January 27, 2026
NIH SBIR Resubmission Strategy: How to Turn a Rejection Into Funding
The majority of successful NIH-funded projects required at least one resubmission. Learn how to use reviewer feedback strategically.
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NSF Project Pitch
January 16, 2026
How to Write a Winning NSF SBIR Project Pitch
The NSF Project Pitch is a required first step for any NSF SBIR Phase I application. This guide walks through every element.
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NSF
January 8, 2026
SBIR/STTR in 2026: Reauthorization, AI Risks, and What Applicants Need to Know
Program reauthorization, agency policy changes, and evolving attitudes toward AI-generated proposals.
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NIH
March 2026
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Update: March 2026
Latest updates on NIH SBIR/STTR program changes following the 2026 reauthorization bill.
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NSF
March 2026
Strategic Breakthrough Awards: The New $30M SBIR Pathway
How the new Strategic Breakthrough Award tier works, eligibility requirements, and who should consider applying.
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Need help with your next SBIR/STTR proposal? Our writers are former NIH, NSF, and DoD panel reviewers.

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