Debunking SBIR Myths: Strategies to Protect & Optimize the Value of SBIR Program Authorities

This webinar provides insight into the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program regulations, common SBIR myths, and how to develop effective strategies to protect and optimize an SBIR participant’s rights, values and wealth under the SBIR program.

The SBIR program was established under the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982 (P.L. 97-219) with the purpose of strengthening the role of innovative small business concerns in federally funded research and development (R&D). Despite being touted as one of SBA’s most successful small business programs, the SBIR program’s unique rules, regulations, and data rights provisions are not well understood by small businesses and some participating federal agencies. Forty years after its inception, “… this small business set-aside program (still) struggles against ignorance, indifference, and outright opposition” (David Metzger).

You will learn how SBA’s SBIR policies differ from other government contracting regulations and, more importantly, how to address the government’s misinterpretations and reluctance to take advantage of SBIR program authorities.

SPEAKER:  JEFF CUSKEY, Cuskey GOVCON Consulting & Expert Witness Services

Jeff Cuskey is a nationally known government procurement consultant, speaker, expert witness, and two-time Association of Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (APTAC) Economic Impact Award recipient. In addition to providing consulting services to government and industry, he works part-time as a Senior Procurement Advisor for the San Diego, Orange, & Imperial Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). While serving in the U.S. Navy, Jeff held various leadership, acquisition, and contracting positions, including assignments as the Navy’s multi-billion dollar F/A-18 Strike Fighter Program Business Financial Manager (CFO) and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Deputy Contracting Officer. After retiring from the Navy at the rank of Commander, he taught defense-focused MBA contracting, program management, and business financial management courses at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey CA. Jeff has an MS degree in Acquisition and Contract Management from NPS and is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), and Certified Schedules Contracts Manager (CSCM), and Certified Procurement Professional (CPP). In 2020 APTAC recognized Jeff as its Betty McDonald Outstanding Member Achievement Awardee for his significant contributions and deep commitment not just to the procurement profession, but also to the APTAC organization and its members.