"According to an informal SBA study, the single most significant correlator in winning Phase I SBIR awards has been the participation of a university scientist on the proposal team." 
- David P. Metzger, Partner, Holland & Knight LLP
Mr. Metzger assisted in drafting the original SBIR Policy Directive for the SBA, and  participated in the (unpublished) SBA study of SBIR success factors.


The SBIR Partnerships Development Program is funded by MSU NSF EPSCoR and managed by TechLink to assist Montana companies.  Based upon observations by experts that the single greatest factor for SBIR success, especially in rural states like Montana, is partnering with a research institution such as a university, the SBIR Partnerships Development Program has been developed to help foster such partnerships with Montana University System (MUS) researchers. The program brings in expert consultants, graphic designers, and other resources, and can even help find appropriate matches between Montana companies and MUS scientists. Small grants are provided as incentives to follow best practices for proposal success, and to help to overcome the perceived barriers for new collaborations and proposal development.