Phase 0/00 Solicitation

The team at Z4 Energy System developed and is finishing up Phase II research for the Solar Heater to Prevent Stock Tank Freezing under a USDA Phase I - $80,000 and a USDA Phase II - $450,000. (Photo courtesy of Z4 Energy System)

The Solicitation

The Phase 0/00 solicitation provides background information on the Phase 0/00 program including a description and eligibility requirements.  Additionally, proposal preparation instructions and submission and resubmission requirements are outlined.

The Evaluation Process

Proposals are reviewed by outside reviewers and ranked on a likert scale from 0 to 5;

1. Clear and compelling abstract

2. Significance of the proposed innovation

3. Technical merit & topic responsiveness and timeline

4. Commercial Potential

5. Concise, coherent presentation  (graphics where appropriate)

6. Team & available resources – qualifications, balance

7. Detailed Phase 0 plan & outline of Phase I plan and timeline

Deliverables and Payment

Deliverables for Phase 0/00 awards will be a press release, evidence of on-time submission of the Phase I/II proposal to the targeted SBIR/STTR agency, and submission of a hard copy of the final proposal to the WSSI Outreach Coordinator. In addition, two earlier draft copies of the proposal must be submitted for critical review to WSSI.

One-half of the Phase 0/00 award will be approved for payment upon notice of award and receipt of a press release. The final one-half will be approved for payment upon receipt of all deliverables for the Phase 0/00 project, including evidence of on-time submission of the Phase I/II proposal to the targeted SBIR/STTR agency and payment in full to the assigned WSSI mentor, if required.