Let me know if I can help you think this through. Allen


The FY 2006 RFA for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program
is now posted on our website at
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/sbir_rfa.html. The closing date for
submitting Phase I grant applications is September 1, 2005. One of the
biggest differences this year is that the agricultural part of Rural and
Community Development has been split off as a new topic area that is called
Small and Mid-Size Farms. This topic area will be focused on developing new
technologies to promote the sustainability and profitability of small and
mid-size farms and ranches. Grant proposals have to be submitted by
for-profit small business firms but university personnel can participate as
consultants or subcontractors. If you know anyone who might have an
interest in the SBIR program please let them know about this opportunity.
We expect a budget next year of close to $20 million and we will fund about
90 projects in all areas of agricultural research. Questions about the
program can be submitted to me or to one of the other SBIR NPLs, Peter
Burfening, Bill Goldner, Richard Hegg or Suresh Sureshwaran.

Contact:
Charles F. Cleland, Ph.D
SBIR National Program Leader
USDA/CSREES
Stop 2243, 1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-2243


Allen Matthews
http://www.sare.org/publications/naf/matthews.htm
Center for Sustainable Agriculture at UVM
http://www.vermontagriculture.com/newfarm.htm
63 Carrigan Drive - Ag. Eng. Bldg. Room 107
Burlington, Vt. 05405
phone: 802+656-0037
www.uvm.edu/sustainableagriculture