YOUR FUNDING OPTIONS
Technical and Business Assistance—TABA—is one possible route to patent-related support. We help you establish which options apply to your company.
THREE ROUTES TO CONSIDER
Your company chooses a provider and requests an approved scope and budget through its agency’s process. Some agencies require the provider and costs in the original proposal. If your award already includes TABA, we help you review the approved arrangement.
Some agencies arrange services through their preferred provider. Availability, enrollment, and service scope vary. You may need to work through that provider; IAF is not represented here as an agency-preferred vendor.
You can engage IAF directly under an agreed scope and fee. If TABA is unavailable or does not cover the work, we help you plan a realistic company-funded path.
FOR COMPANIES THAT ALREADY HAVE AN AWARD
Receiving an SBIR/STTR award does not automatically create a patent budget or authorize a new provider. Review your award documents, original TABA request, and the guidance for your exact solicitation.
Before committing funds, confirm the services, provider, amount, timing, and payment arrangements with your agency’s authorized contact. We help you prepare the questions and the proposed scope.
PROGRAM EXAMPLES
ARMY
The Army describes company-selected and Army-preferred provider options. Its published guidance lists up to $6,500 for a Phase I project and up to $50,000 across Phase II projects per firm, subject to eligibility, review, and available budget.
Read Army guidance ↗USDA / NIFA
NIFA lists up to $6,500 for Phase I and $50,000 for Phase II. It says Phase I applicants select their own provider from FY2027; Phase II requests require provider documentation in the application and cannot be added after submission.
Read NIFA guidance ↗Guidance reviewed October 7, 2026. These are program examples, not universal limits or an assurance of funding. Use the instructions for your specific solicitation and award.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Bring your award details. We’ll walk you through the funding questions and the patent work ahead.