USG Funded Programs / Non-Dilutive Financing

Foothill Scientific offers expert guidance in securing and managing federal program funding.

With over two decades of success in winning U.S. Government contracts for both our own companies and our clients, we bring unparalleled expertise to every stage of the process. Our team is agile, collaborative, and highly knowledgeable, covering the full range of activities essential for success. We know the critical success factors inside and out—and how to address them to help you achieve your goals.

In this environment, knowledge truly is power. While the playing field may be level, success hinges on understanding how to navigate its unique characteristics. Effective positioning, allocating resources to the right agencies, crafting compelling proposals, negotiating contract awards, and maintaining strict compliance—all are essential to thriving in the complex landscape of doing business with the U.S. Government.

Our services are tailored to the client and the opportunity without a lot of unnecessary bells & whistles. Our engagements are configured simply, with responsibilities clearly defined. We explain possible outcomes ahead of the engagement and where we expect both sides to contribute to the success of the work. And we don't tagalong unless you want us there. As a statement of our success, most all of our past clients continue to work with us, even where the efforts did not result in an award (the first time).

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We know how to price the work, configuring the cost structure so that it passes the most stringent examination.
While there are rules and regulations that govern how the various forms of government contracts can be priced, the contractor has discretion in how to present its price to the government. The proposer should assume transparency and recognize that costs may need to be justified; shown to be realistic, reasonable, and have a sound basis-of-estimate.

We are exceptionally strong technical writers who understand and can describe the science to USG reviewers effectively.
Decades of experience in process development, clinical operations manufacturing, and regulatory gives us a strong advantage in working with your team. We mesh the Technical Proposal and the Business Proposals seamlessly, the way the reviewers expect to see it.

You only use us for what you need to win.
There are no extra requirements or long-term commitments for our assignments. We bill by the hour at rates that make sense. No bonuses or large upfront deposits. And we use templates adapted over decades of winning proposals to improve the efficiency of the capture plan.

We vet the opportunities.
Knowing the details ahead of deciding to apply resources to a proposal: Funding limits, Incumbent strength, number of potential bidders, past performance, and the issuers track record with similar contracts / programs are among the areas examined.

We win.
For the projects we take on, we have an exceptional track record of bringing them in. Ahead of the engagement, you can check the figures.

OUR SERVICES

Proposal Writing

The objective is to increase the probability of winning so that the cost of applying is a clearly justifiable expense. Our experience and winning track record makes this possible. FSA can recommend which opportunities should be pursued and which should be passed on. We provide a user-friendly template for generation of Business and Technical proposals that will significantly increase the likelihood of favorable review and we can write in government-ese. We guide your team through the submission, ensuring that all of the Factors for Award are covered.

Market Research

Usually the first step for those companies without experience in the Federal program space. Prior to an engagement, FSA will perform an initial check of opportunities for prospective contractors and provide a recommendation on whether it’s worth investing resources. If the answer is “yes”, FSA will set up systems that will automatically deliver information on relevant opportunities and provide a method for grading these opportunities to meet the Client’s capabilities. We will also conduct a review of past awards and the conditions under which the funding was secured.

Contract Negotiation

There are terms and conditions unique to USG contracts that make negotiation markedly different from the private sector. FSA can guide the Client through to signature on most favorable terms, including competitive range negotiation and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) compliance.

Business Development

FSA can act as the USG business development representative for the Client, either as the sole resource or in collaboration with the existing BD group. Our recommendation is that at least 5-10 hours/week be dedicated to this function. Because of our on-going work in the sector, we provide efficiencies that improve the ROI ahead of the Client staffing this internally.

Cost Accounting

FSA has developed reliable, compliant cost accounting systems that we provide to Clients in the course of working with them. These are Excel® based and serve either as the primary or adjunct to Agency’s cost templates. They have been used successfully in dozens of USG-funded programs.

Program Management

One of the best ways to reduce the USG perception of risk and increase the probability of award is through exceptional Program Management. FSA is that credentialed resource. We have a strong track record and our experience in USG bioscience programs is broad and deep, from Technical oversight to Finance and Performance Measurement (EVM).

Wild Card Bids & Proposals

Contrary to much of the literature in this space, we believe there is a place for wild card bids to solicitations. Even acknowledging that winners / qualified pool of winners may have established positions by the time the opportunity is published on SAM.gov, it is possible to configure winning proposals if the company shows well in key areas:

• Strong, relevant past performance
• Bid template, Business/Cost & Technical Proposals in place
• Necessary accounting and information systems compliance
• Demonstrated project management

Additionally, fit to a set-aside category (E.g. WOSB) and incumbent strength (or lack thereof) should also be considered.