Effectively Using TABA After Phase I

Introduction

Winning a Phase I SBIR award is a milestone—but it’s only the beginning. What you do in the months following that award can significantly influence your chances of securing Phase II funding and ultimately commercializing your innovation. One of the most underutilized yet powerful resources available to Phase I awardees is Technical and Business Assistance, or TABA.

TABA is more than just a supplementary service. When used strategically after a Phase I award, it can sharpen your business model, improve your technical decisions, and elevate the quality of your Phase II proposal. Whether you’re refining your commercialization plan, analyzing intellectual property risks, or exploring customer segments, TABA can provide the targeted support you need to move from concept to market with greater clarity and confidence.

What Is TABA and Why It Matters After Phase I

Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) is a specialized provision within the SBIR program that allows agencies to allocate additional funding—or provide in-kind services—for commercialization and business development support. This funding is separate from your R&D budget and is specifically intended to help you strengthen the non-technical dimensions of your project.

TABA can cover a wide range of services, including market research, customer discovery, intellectual property analysis, regulatory guidance, manufacturing planning, and financial modeling. These services aren’t just helpful—they’re often essential for developing a robust Phase II proposal and preparing for eventual market entry.

After a Phase I award, your company is at a critical junction. You’ve proven some initial feasibility. Now you need to show how that feasibility can become a product with real-world impact. TABA services can bridge that gap, helping you assess commercial potential, identify key stakeholders, and craft a plan that resonates with both reviewers and potential customers.

Clarification
TABA funds are separate from your SBIR research budget. They are meant for external support—not additional R&D.

TABA Services You Can Use Post-Phase I

TABA isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective use of these funds depends on where your company needs the most support to reach the next milestone. After a Phase I award, TABA can help you move from prototype to product by offering targeted expertise in several key areas:

How to Access TABA in DoD Programs

Accessing TABA isn’t automatic—you need to understand your agency’s specific policies and follow the proper request procedures. The Department of Defense (DoD) includes several components, and each treats TABA differently.

Understanding Agency Rules

Not every DoD component offers TABA. For instance, while the Army often supports TABA directly, the Air Force typically does not. That’s why it’s crucial to consult the solicitation or talk to your SBIR Program Manager before assuming TABA is available.

Key Differences by Component

Request Process and Proposal Tips

If your component does allow TABA, you usually need to request it explicitly in the proposal or award documentation. This might involve:

• Checking a TABA request box on the proposal cover sheet
• Adding a TABA line item in the budget (e.g., $6,500 in Phase I or $50,000 in Phase II)
• Providing a short description of the services and vendor name (if applicable)

It’s best to request TABA upfront. If you wait until after award, you may lose the opportunity or face added hurdles. When in doubt, contact the agency’s help desk for clarification.

Choosing the Right TABA Provider

Once you’ve confirmed that TABA is available, the next step is selecting a provider. This decision matters. The right TABA consultant can sharpen your commercialization plan and improve your chances of Phase II success. The wrong one can waste valuable time and resources.

Using Agency-Assigned vs. Choosing Your Own

Some agencies, like the Army, offer a pre-selected vendor (e.g., FedTech) and will cover the full cost outside your SBIR contract. This can be a hassle-free option—particularly if you’re looking for broad commercialization assistance. However, you may prefer to work with a provider that specializes in your specific market, technology, or regulatory space. In that case, you can propose your own TABA vendor, but the funding will typically come out of your awarded budget.

How to Evaluate a Provider’s Fit

Before naming a vendor, consider what expertise you truly need. Do you need help identifying pilot users in the DoD? Refining an IP strategy? Building a financial model? Choose a provider that offers targeted, actionable support—not generic advice.

Look for:

• Experience with SBIR/STTR programs
• Sector-specific knowledge (e.g., defense biotech, advanced materials)
• Ability to deliver within the available budget
• Strong references or case studies

Justification and Approval Requirements

If you propose your own TABA provider, you’ll typically need to:

• Justify why they are better suited than the agency-assigned option
• Include their costs in your budget under the TABA line item
• Provide a scope of work and statement of qualifications
• Submit a conflict-of-interest disclosure

Best Practice
Justify your chosen TABA vendor clearly in your proposal—unclear or vague justifications are a common reason for rejection.

Integrating TABA into Your Phase II Proposal

The most strategic use of TABA happens when you not only receive support during Phase I but also fold the insights and deliverables into your Phase II proposal. This shows reviewers that you’ve done your homework—and that your commercialization plans are grounded in real data and expert feedback.

Use TABA Deliverables as Evidence

Whether your TABA provider delivered a market analysis, a patent strategy memo, or a roadmap for regulatory approval, these materials should feed directly into your proposal narrative. For example:

• Cite market sizes and growth projections from your TABA-funded research
• Reference IP assessments to show freedom to operate or protection strategies
• Include manufacturing or scale-up plans developed with outside experts

This adds credibility to your commercialization plan and signals that your project is viable beyond the lab.

Demonstrate Commercial Readiness

Use the insights gained through TABA to show how your company is preparing to enter the market. This could include proof of early customer engagement, readiness to begin regulatory pathways, or clarity on production feasibility.

When reviewers see this level of preparation, it strengthens your proposal’s overall credibility and increases your odds of funding success.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

While TABA can be a valuable resource, it’s easy to misstep. Knowing what not to do is just as important as understanding how to use TABA effectively.

What Not to Use TABA For

TABA funds are strictly for external assistance—not for additional R&D or internal labor. Common misuses include:

• Paying your own employees for proposal writing or customer outreach
• Bundling TABA into research milestones
• Listing general business expenses without a clear commercialization tie

Agencies scrutinize TABA line items closely. If it looks like you’re diverting funds from their intended use, your proposal may be rejected or require revision.

Mistakes in Vendor Selection or Budgeting

Startups sometimes name a vendor without verifying costs, availability, or fit. Others list vague activities like “marketing” without a scope of work. These are red flags. Make sure:

• Your vendor has specific, relevant credentials
• The budget matches the expected deliverables
• You can clearly articulate why this provider supports your commercialization path

Pro Tips for Maximizing TABA Value

• Start early. Don’t wait until your Phase I ends—begin exploring TABA right after award.
• Be strategic. Choose services that directly strengthen your Phase II narrative.
• Engage your Program Manager. They can confirm eligibility, timing, and approval steps.

Used well, TABA isn’t just a perk—it’s a force multiplier for your SBIR journey.

Conclusion

TABA isn’t just a funding add-on—it’s a strategic tool that can set your project apart. By the time your Phase I award ends, your proposal for Phase II needs more than strong technical progress. It must demonstrate market awareness, commercial viability, and a credible plan to deliver impact.

Using TABA effectively helps you build that case. Whether it’s a targeted market analysis, regulatory insight, or strategic business planning, the right assistance can elevate your proposal from promising to fundable. And it doesn’t stop there. Many companies continue working with TABA providers beyond Phase II, using that early momentum to accelerate their path to revenue, investment, or Phase III contracts.

So don’t let this opportunity go underused. If TABA is available in your program, claim it, use it smartly, and make it count.