Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) | Apply Online

FAST (Federal and State Technology Partnership Program) Grant FAQs

What is the FAST program under this opportunity?

The Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) discretionary funding opportunity offered through cooperative agreements. The purpose is to support outreach and hands-on technical assistance for technology-based small businesses, with an overall goal of strengthening the pipeline of high-growth, innovation-driven firms.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this FAST announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is FAST 10 R 0004.

What type of funding instrument is being used?

This opportunity is offered through cooperative agreements (not a procurement contract). The work centers on delivering structured support services rather than purchasing goods or typical fee-for-service consulting.

What is the main goal SBA is trying to achieve with FAST funding?

SBA’s stated goal is to strengthen the pipeline of innovation-driven small firms by helping technology-based small businesses access resources, navigate commercialization pathways, and connect with relevant federal and state programs.

What kinds of activities does FAST funding support?

Based on the announcement description, FAST funding supports outreach and hands-on technical assistance for technology-based small businesses. The focus is on commercialization support and ecosystem-building (helping firms connect to resources and programs), rather than laboratory research.

How many awards did SBA anticipate making?

SBA anticipated making 20 awards under this announcement.

What is the estimated total program funding level?

The estimated total program funding level is $2,000,000.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for this opportunity?

The maximum award amount (award ceiling) is $100,000. A modification to the notice corrected the ceiling from an earlier stated $200,000 down to $100,000.

What is the minimum award amount (award floor)?

The award floor is $25,000.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. Recipients should expect a cost-sharing or matching requirement, meaning selected organizations must contribute non-federal resources in addition to SBA funds to carry out the proposed work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad but tied to the mission of supporting technology-based small firms. Applicants may include state and local economic development agencies, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), colleges and universities, and other entities involved in developing and supporting small technology firms.

Can an applicant apply on behalf of more than one state?

Yes. Applications could be submitted on behalf of a single state or multiple states, based on the announcement.

Is there a limit on how many proposals can be submitted per state?

Yes. The program imposes a strict limitation that no more than one proposal may be submitted for services in any given state in a fiscal year.

What does the “one proposal per state per fiscal year” rule mean in practice?

It means organizations interested in serving the same state must coordinate so that only one statewide proposal is submitted to SBA for that state for that fiscal year. This effectively makes the process competitive within each state because only one submission can represent that state.

Is a Letter of Endorsement required?

Yes. An original, signed Letter of Endorsement from the state governor is required (or, for the District of Columbia, the Mayor). The endorsement must accompany the application.

Why is the Governor’s (or DC Mayor’s) endorsement so important?

The endorsement serves as formal confirmation that the state supports the proposed FAST effort as the single submission representing that state. It is closely tied to the one-proposal-per-state rule and is described as a gating item for the application to be considered complete.

What is the performance period or project period?

The project period is a 12-month performance window.

Does the application need to address sustainability after the grant ends?

Yes. Applicants are expected to describe both their current operational status and a credible plan for sustaining the activities after the grant ends. The announcement explicitly calls out sustainability as required content, indicating SBA is looking for efforts that can continue beyond the federal funding year.

How must applications be submitted?

Applications had to be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.

What was the application deadline and time zone?

Applications needed to be fully validated and accepted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 10, 2010.

What were the posting and archive dates for this opportunity?

The posting date was March 25, 2010, and the archive date was May 11, 2010.

Was there a page limit or formatting requirement for the technical proposal?

Yes. The technical proposal portion was limited to 25 pages or less, double-spaced.

Where did the announcement point applicants for the required technical proposal content?

The announcement directed applicants to specific pages of the program announcement for required technical proposal content: pages 8(a) and 9(b).

What is the activity category associated with this funding opportunity?

The activity category is listed under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, reflecting the program’s innovation-oriented focus, even though the funded work is primarily outreach, assistance, and ecosystem-building.

Where did SBA point applicants for additional program background?

SBA referenced its SBIR-related webpage for additional program background.

Who was listed as the point of contact for access issues with the full announcement?

The point of contact for access issues with the full announcement was Monica Butler at Electronic.Grants@sba.gov.