This document has been archived and replaced by NSF 14-073
(https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf14073).

Title: Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS): Supplemental
        Funding to Current SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards to Broaden Participation in
        Science and Engineering
Date: 12/07/05


Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS): Supplemental
Funding to Current SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards to Broaden Participation in
Science and Engineering

Dear Colleague Letter;

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business
Technology Transfer (STTR) programs seek to fund supplements to current
SBIR/STTR Phase II awards that:

   * foster interest in pursuing studies in science, technology,
     engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines; and
   * broaden participation of high school students, particularly those who
     are women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with
     disabilities.

The establishment of Research Assistantships for High School Students
(RAHSS): Supplemental Funding to Current SBIR/STTR Phase II Awards to
Broaden Participation in Science and Engineering reflects the continuing
effort by SBIR/STTR to promote increased participation of women and
minority students and those students who are persons with disabilities.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Organization Limit: Only currently funded SBIR/STTR Phase II grantees are
eligible to submit proposals for supplemental funding under this
initiative.

PI Eligibility Limit: The Principal Investigator must be the PI of an
active SBIR/STTR Phase II award.

Limit on Number of Proposals:

   * None

AWARD INFORMATION

   * Awards will be made as supplements to active SBIR/STTR Phase II
     awards;
   * Maximum supplemental award amount: $6,000 per student for a total
     duration of no more than one year;
   * Maximum of two (2) RAHSS students per SBIR/STTR Phase II award per
     project year;
   * Administrative allowance limited to 25% of the participant stipend
     support only (in lieu of indirect costs);
   * Twenty-five (25) supplemental awards anticipated for Fiscal Year
     2006; and
   * Awards subject to the availability of funds.

PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal Preparation Instructions. Proposals submitted in response to this
Dear Colleague Letter must be prepared and submitted according to the
instructions for submitting supplemental funding requests (reference:
http://www.nsf.gov/eng/sbir, under Requests for Supplements).

The Project Description is limited to 3 pages, single spaced, and must
include the following components:

  1. Clear description of the form and nature of the involvement of
     identified high school student;
  2. Brief biographical sketch of candidate student;
  3. Follow-up mechanism to encourage advancement of RAHSS student beyond
     participation in the research program;
  4. Justification of the funds requested, and a supporting budget; and
  5. Identification of key personnel who will lead the effort. Their roles
     must be clearly articulated.

Budgetary Information. Budgets for RAHSS supplemental proposals may not
exceed $6,000 per student, for a total duration of no more than one year.
It is expected that $150,000 will be available in Fiscal Year 2006 for
this supplemental funding, pending availability of funds.

Deadline Dates. There are no deadlines for RAHSS supplemental requests,
but requests should be made as early as possible in the fiscal year to
assure availability.

PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION

Proposals for supplemental funding submitted in response to this Dear
Colleague Letter will be reviewed internally by the SBIR/STTR Program
Manager.

CONTACT PERSONNEL

Questions about this letter should be directed to Cheryl Albus;
(703-292-7051, calbus@nsf.gov), Office of Industrial Innovation,
Directorate for Engineering.

OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES OF INTEREST

All active SBIR/STTR Phase II grantees are also invited to participate in
the Small Business Minority Academic Research Partnership Supplement
(SBIR/STTR Phase IIA). Phase IIA will award a research supplement to a
current SBIR/STTR Phase II grantee able to partner with a CREST/RISE
institution (reference: http://www.nsf.gov/eng/sbir, under Requests for
Supplements). Phase IIA supplements will be made to active SBIR/STTR Phase
II awards with the maximum supplemental award amount of $150,000.

Kesh Narayanan
Director, Office of Industrial Innovation
OII/ENG