Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO)

The LTTO assists small technology-oriented companies, entrepreneurs, university faculty and other stakeholders throughout Louisiana in areas including but not limited to:

• Access to federal Research & Development (R&D) funding through the SBIR-STTR programs for companies.
• Access for small business and universities to federal labs such, i.e. NASA, Air Force, Navy, NOAA, ERDC
• Assistance in identifying industry partners.
• Identifying LA universities, colleges, and research institutions for collaboration.
• LA Phase Zero Program – a $3,000 or $5,000 award to support SBIR-STTR proposal preparations for Phase 1 and Phase 2 applications, respectively.
• Professional-caliber workshops, webinar training, program updates, & events.
• One-on-one counseling/referrals by experienced tech transfer practitioners with commercialization plans, market/competitor analysis, intellectual property, budget/cost accounting, proposal preparation/review, etc.
• Procurement opportunities for small companies in LA with federal agencies and prime government contractors.

We are funded by Louisiana Economic Development, US Small Business Administration and NASA to provide the services listed above at no charge.

The Small Business Integrated Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) are two federal programs created decades ago to encourage for profit small businesses (under 500 employees) to solve problems for 11 federal agencies. Nicknamed “Americas Seed Fund” the eleven US agencies invest over $4 Billion annually in grants or contracts to fund the research for Phase I (feasibility Study) and Phase II (Minimum Viable Product) for small businesses to commercialize their solutions.

Small Business Integrated Research (SBIR)

The SBIR program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation’s R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)

The STTR is another program that expands funding opportunities in the federal innovation research and development (R&D) arena. Central to the program is expansion of the public/private sector partnership to include the joint venture opportunities for small businesses and nonprofit research institutions (LSU, Tulane, ULL, Southern University, LA Tech, etc.). The unique feature of the STTR program is the requirement for the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. STTR’s most important role is to bridge the gap between performance of basic science and commercialization of resulting innovations.

Benefits to Entrepreneurs using SBIR/STTR:

• Non-Dilutive Source of Capital
• Not a loan so you do not repay
• Company retains all Intellectual Property Rights
• Agency interest indicates Technology value
• Attractive to Investors
• Potential for a sole-source contract
• 7% Profit on the Award Total

Four-Phase Program

• Phase 0
  • A Louisiana-based grant, administered by the LTTO and funded by the Louisiana Legislators, to offset some of the costs of submitting a SBIR/STTR application.  The funds are to be used for costs that will help create the best application, like customer discovery, attend a conference and hire a grant reviewer.  Qualified applicants can request funds of up to $3,000 for Phase I and $5,000 for Phase II applications.

• Phase I: Feasibility Study
  • Based on proposals solicited by participating agencies. These solicitations contain topics on which small businesses are invited to submit proposals. Your proposal describes the feasibility of the idea. Phase I awards range from $50,000 – $300,000 for approximately a six to twelve month period.

• Phase II: Minimum Viable Product
  • Based upon the results of Phase I, and the scientific and technical merit of the Phase II
    proposal funding is provided to create a minimum viable product. These awards range from $600,000 to $1,900,000 and the principal R&D effort is expected to be completed within 2 years.

• Phase III: Commercialization
  • The project enters into the contract phase. The funding for Phase III is provided by the Phase III contract from the contracting agency or prime contractor.

Federal and University researchers conduct research that entrepreneurs are encouraged to use to develop new products to create a new company or expand an existing one.  The best way to establish the value of their intellectual property is to have it used in a marketable product.  Tech Transfer is when a small business licenses the federal or universities intellectual property.  The LTTO assists entrepreneurs in assessing their needs and connecting them to researchers.

Opportunities for funding and collaboration:

• NASA Stennis Space Center, MS
• NASA Michoud Assembly Facility, LA
• Naval Research Office
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

The LTTO assists companies with procurement opportunities with federal labs (NASA, NOAA, NAVY, ERDC, etc.), other companies and individuals to help them sell their products and services. We also assist startups and SBIR companies in forming their commercialization plan as well as connecting them to universities, companies and individuals to assist them in their product development, manufacture and sale.

Louisiana is uniquely positioned with two NASA centers nearby: the NASA Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans and the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The economic impact of these centers on Louisiana is substantial, encompassing employment opportunities, construction contracts, procurement activities, STEM engagement initiatives, university partnerships and more.

Louisiana stands out among U.S. states as the only one with a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Governor’s Office and NASA. This MOU underscores the vital partnership and mutual commitment between NASA and Louisiana. In support of this partnership, Louisiana has maintained an office at Stennis for over 25 years, staffed by an experienced technology transfer professional. The Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) plays a pivotal role in leveraging the resources of these NASA centers to include:

• Critical support to the billion-dollar Gulf Coast Aerospace Corridor.
• Create partnerships that promote technology & entrepreneurial activities which support businesses.
• Advance the R&D activities of LA universities & Technical/Community colleges.
• Promote technology licensing opportunities from federal agencies.
• Support workforce development needs.
• Provide access to training workshops/information sessions/events.
• Develop procurement opportunities for LA companies.
• Provide NASA SBIR/STTR assistance.
• Support STEM activities.

1. Develop your idea and contact the Louisiana Technology Transfer Office (LTTO) to create a personalized plan.
2. Identify your target customers and the problem your idea addresses through customer discovery (I-Corps).
3. Research and select a relevant federal agency and topic using SBIR.gov. LTTO can assist in framing your strategy.
4. Reach out to the program manager of the federal agency for guidance and support.
5. Some agencies may require a white paper outlining the need, uniqueness, success metrics and commercialization plan. LTTO, SBDC, APEX and MEPOL can provide assistance.
6. If the agency supports your application, establish your company through GeauxBiz.com and explore procurement opportunities with APEX to receive your SAM registration and certification as a women, minority or veteran-owned business.
7. Apply for Phase 0 funding with the support of LTTO.
8. Write and submit your Phase I proposal with assistance from LTTO, APEX, SBDC and a grant reviewer.
9. Upon receiving an award, proceed with the project or, if not successful, gather feedback and reapply.

Offices are located at LED and the NASA John C. Stennis Space Center. The LTTO is mandated by Executive Order MJF 96-22 to maintain a Technology Transfer Office at Stennis Space Center as the main point of contact for NASA’s Technology Transfer Program.

Hutch McClendon
LTTO Director, Phase 0 and FAST Contact
Hutch.McClendon@la.gov
225-202-2908

Vic Johnson
Stennis and Michoud Contact
Victor.O.Johnson@nasa.gov
228-688-1117