TheSBIR CMMC Survival Kit™_ HRDN-IT™is a Level 2 CMMC compliant solution achievable on a small business budget and within the Phase I TABA threshold of $6500!
For small businesses navigating the SBIR program at DOD / DOW, the CMMC cybersecurity requirement is already in the first phase of implementation. All DOD / DOW awards from 10 Nov 2025 are requiring either a CMMC Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessment. The current CMMC Level required for a specific DOD / DOW SBIR award is determined by the Topic of that award. The required CMMC measures must be implemented prior to any award, meaning awards can be held up without CMMC compliance. Further, DOD / DOW plans to implement the next stage in Nov. 2026 that will require any contract handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to have a 3rd party certified Level 2 CMMC. All SBIRs will generate CUI, meaning the 3rd party certification requirement is coming quickly.
That’s why BBCetc has partnered with Totem Technologies, a team of best-in-class specialists providing CMMC certification and compliance software. Totem Tech is the trusted CMMC and NIST 800-171 compliance GRC software solution for defense contractors and their external service providers. As a DOD Tier 1 supplier, Totem Tech brings years of first-hand experience in cybersecurity requirements to offer the right approach for small businesses.
A simple and affordable on-premises CUI enclave solution for small business defense contractors pursuing NIST 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 compliance.
NIH eRA Commons Now Requires Users to ConsolidateeMultiple Accounts
Organizations and individuals who rely on NIH’s eRA Commons for grant submission (ASSIST) and post-award management must now consolidate multiple user accounts into a single set of credentials. This change is driven by NIH’s move to mandatory multi-factor authentication through Login.gov, and it affects anyone who has maintained separate accounts for different roles or institutions. Read on to learn what's changed, why it matters, and how to get it done before the September 8, 2026 deadline.
Differentiating between the two recent NSF SBIR solicitations 26-510 & 26-511:
There's been a lot of questions about the recent "SBIR pilot project" solicitation for scientific instrumentation (NSF 26-511).
Some of the confusion stems from the fact that NSF released TWO SBIR solicitations on May 22:
NSF 26-510 (what we'll will call the "regular" SBIR solicitation)
NSF 26-511 (the Scientific Instrumentation SBIR pilot solicitation)
Based on the NSF webinar explaining this new (26-511) solicitation on 6/9/2026, here is a brief summary:
26-511 does not create new SBIR money, all awards submitted to both 26-510 & 26-511 will come from the annual SBIR allocation at NSF
Both solicitations have the same funding amounts for Phase I & Phase II, same Project Pitch process, same Full Proposal instructions & same evaluation criteria.
Full Proposals submitted to NSF to either of these solicitations will be reviewed at the same time, by the same reviewer panels.
NSF is expecting similar success outcomes between 26-511 & 26-510
Much like how NSF currently may switch the topic between areas without any detrimental affect to the applicant, if an applicant applies to 26-510 but the topic could fit within 26-511, NSF may switch between solicitations.
Although "Scientific Instrumentation" is NOT listed on the NSF SBIR Topic grid, this new "pilot" topics could be thought of as essentially just a new topic among the others found at https://seedfund.nsf.gov/what-we-fund/.
So an even quicker summary: There is essentially no difference between these two solicitations aside from the topical focus of the “pilot” solicitation.
Explore other non-dilutive funding opportunities here.
SBIR/STTR Training
Essentials of Commercialization
July 9, 2026
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET
Join this webinar for tips on developing the components of a credible commercialization plan, including demonstrating market opportunity, product market fit validation efforts, developing a business strategy, an overview of IP strategies, and building a compelling team.
NSF Proposal Preparation
Aug. 25, 26, 27, 2026
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET each day
Join this virtual series for anoverview of the NSF SBIR/STTR program and proposal requirements. In addition to up-to-date information on the SBIR/STTR programs, we’ll take a deep dive into the NSF program specifics, so you’re equipped for a successful Nov. 4th proposal submission.
The Summit includes virtual and in-person events connecting entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers from across the country to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, also known as America's Seed Fund.The programs arethe nation’s largest source of early-stage, non-dilutive funding for high-growth technology startups.
This free, virtual programming hosted by SBA each Wednesday in July to support your America's Seed Fund journey.
BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting, LLC (BBCetc) works with technology-based entrepreneurs and companies across the U.S. on strategies to advance their R&D efforts to commercialization. The BBCetc team is nationally recognized for its success in helping clients secure federal funding through the SBIR and STTR programs. BBCetc services include research grant assistance, SBIR/STTR training and proposal development assistance, and grants and contract management.
