Maryland’s

particular format and structure. For a complete explanation on how to organize your response to an RFP,
see Section VII, part C.
There are several different kinds of RFPs:
Full and open (for all qualified firms)
Small business set-aside
8(a) competitive
8(a) sole source (rare)
8(a) invitation.
5. Broad Agency Announcements (BAA)
A BAA is a method of soliciting proposals for R&D using notices published on the FedBizOpps website
and individual federal laboratory websites.
A BAA is intended to solicit research ideas, and is issued under the provisions of the Competition in
Contracting Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-369), as implemented in the Federal Acquisition Regulations.
Research proposals are sought from educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and private industry.
The BAA provides a general description of the federal agencies research programs, including specific
areas of interest; defines the evaluation and selection criteria; and provides proposal preparation
instructions and formats. The BAA is a continuously open announcement. Pre-proposals, however, may
be submitted at any time for consideration. Program Specific BAAs, Program Agency Announcements
and supplements to the BAA are issued to solicit research proposals for specific programs.
Pre-Proposals
Because the BAA is continuously open, pre-proposals may be submitted and will be evaluated at any time
throughout the year. All pre-proposals will be assigned an identification number after receipt. Brochures
or other descriptions of general organizational or individual capabilities will not be accepted as a preproposal.
Full Proposals
Full proposals should be submitted within 90 days after requested. Receipt of full proposals will be
acknowledged by e-mail or postcard. The identification log number for the full proposal will be the same
number used for the pre-proposal (if one was submitted). Proposals should be prepared according to the
instructions by each agency. Electronic and scanned signatures are acceptable. The length of time
requested for support should be consistent with the nature and complexity of the proposed research. The
government should forward an award decision within 180 days after submission.
6. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
Programs
SBIR and STTR provide funding to transform technologic discovery to a commercial product. These
programs have helped thousands of small businesses compete for federal research and development
(R&D) awards. These programs are highly competitive and encourage small business to explore their
technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By reserving a
specific percentage of federal R&D funds for technology development for small business, SBIR/STTR
are set-aside programs from agency extramural funding.
To qualify for the SBIR/STTR programs, you must meet certain eligibility criteria to participate in the
program. To qualify, your business must be:
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How to Find an Appropriate Opportunity