Request for Project Proposals for Spring 2012

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2011 at 5:00 PM

The Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) program was established in 1994 by the State University of New York’s engineering schools to help small and mid-sized businesses apply technology solutions to improve competitive position and to retain and create jobs in New York State. SPIR at Binghamton University is currently soliciting proposals for the Spring 2012 period of performance. Proposals based on past SPIR funded projects seeking continuation may also be submitted.

By leveraging the resources and the talents of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University, SPIR can assist you in streamlining your operations, adding high technology content to your products, breaking into new markets, or devising methods to adapt to new industrial regulations.

SPIR can help your business be more competitive, expand markets and create new technology intensive jobs and our industry partners span a multitude of domains including communications, clean or renewable energy technology, computer hardware, defense technology, life sciences, electronics, sensors, displays, semiconductor and software. We have provided technical support helping them solve their most pressing problems including:

Industry transformation into high-technology domain

Streamlining, computerizing, or automating work flow or manufacturing processes
Adding high-technology content to diversify existing products
Value addition to hardware or software products
Vertical integration of product or process lines

Research and Development (R&D) of new, high-technology products, processes, or systems

R&D of high-risk but highly promising high-tech product or process ideas
In communications, clean or renewable energy technology, computer hardware, defense technology, life sciences, electronics, sensors, displays, semiconductor, software, etc.
Material, device, or component testing; process yield enhancement; cost reduction
Plant layout, resources and process planning, ergonomics, employee training

Building a platform to nurture synergy and high-technology growth

Organizing and conducting seminars, workshops, or training in high-technology
Developing marketing and business development platform for area high-tech industries

Proposal Submission Guidance

While proposals may be submitted throughout the year, to be considered for Spring 2012 funding, projects must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM on November 30, 2011. Decision on funding will be emailed to company contact by December 12th.

Please contact the SPIR office if you have any questions. We can also help you contact and enlist the support of interested Watson faculty members in your proposal preparation work.

Project applications should be submitted via our online Project Application Form. Information to be provided includes:

Company Information: Name, Address, Number of Employees, Web Site Address
Company Contact Information: Name, Address, Phone Number, Fax Number, Email Address
Project Information: Description, Deliverables, Expertise Sought or Needed, BU Faculty Contact Name if known, Start Date, Project End Date (Spring Semester 2012: January 30-May 11)
Project Economic Impact: Description of Positive Impact Project will have on Company, Number of Company Jobs Retained, Number of Company Jobs Added

Proposal Funding Guidance

Each semester project is funded on a cost share basis as follows:

SPIR shall fund: 100% tuition scholarship and stipend for one graduate student, $1000 of faculty stipend, and up to $250 of faculty/student travel cost connected to the project
Company shall fund: $3500 as graduate student stipend and project related travel cost exceeding $250

Proposal Evaluation Guidance

All proposals will be reviewed by the SPIR Director and SPIR Advisory Board at Binghamton University and will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit of the proposals and on their alignment with the SPIR mission and objectives.

Further Information

All awardees of SPIR funds shall be required to execute a contract with SPIR and Binghamton University. A copy of the contract and SPIR guidelines are available on our Sample Contract and Policies page.