The Department of the Navy have begun accepting proposals from innovative startups and small businesses for development and commercialization of dual-use technologies, following its 20.4 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase I Technology Acceleration Broad Agency Announcement (BAA).

The announcement details $30 million in available funding. Dual-use technologies should be responsive to topic requirements while also meeting unmet market demands.

"This is a great opportunity for startups and small businesses within the Inland Empire to propose solutions to help the Navy and Marine Corps address warfighting challenges," said Capt. Khary Hembree-Bey, Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division commanding officer.

The SBIR 20.4 BAA leverages the Navy Technology Acceleration process, an effort designed to speed technology development to operational demonstration through streamlined evaluation, selection and contract award procedures. It also includes research areas where the Navy plans to direct more resources, issuing awards within 45 days from the close of the BAA and initial payments within 15 days of awards.

The initial feasibility phase requires a maximum five page proposal and provides up to $150,000 for work that must be completed within five months. The follow-on demonstration phase provides up to $1.7 million in funding. The announcement includes four broad topics that each cover more detailed focus areas. The four broad topics are: Naval Depot Modernization and Sustainment, Digital Logistics, Deployable Systems Manufacturability, and Rapid Reconstitution of Communications and Compact Hardware Solutions

The Inland Southern California region has resources available to assist startups and small businesses in applying for all SBIR opportunities and can assist with submitting proposals for Navy SBIR 20.4. The Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), located within the Riverside Community College District Office of Economic Development, and the Small Business Development Center hosted by University of California, Riverside offer a variety of services to support SBIR proposal submissions.

Visit https://www.navysbir.com/ for more information. Proposals will be accepted until 9 AM PDT on May 28, 2020. All proposals must be submitted through the Department of Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal at http://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions.

As a key part of streamlining the development process and supporting the local economy, the City’s One Stop Shop continues to move developments through the pipeline with online, virtual, and telephonic customer assistance. The Chamber supports this effort to keep construction moving as this provides jobs and reinvests funds into the city to stimulate the economy.

Services related to plan check, permitting, and inspection services can be viewed on the City's COVID-19 website under the City Facilities, Services, and Event Information. Due to the unprecedented and fast-changing environment surrounding COVID-19, delays may be experienced but information will be available on the City’s website.

Existing permit and plan check applications will continue to remain valid with expiration dates extended 180 days beyond the lifting of the declared emergency. All new permit applications requiring plan check must be submitted through the City's online services ePlan Review system.

This electronic plan review allows permit applications, pay plan check fees, and upload electronic construction documents online. This online process streamlines submittals and routing of plans by facilitating the review and approval process for conformity with City requirements prior to a building permit being issued.

Simple "over the counter" permits may be submitted online to the City’s Building & Safety department. For more information, contact Brooke Biddle at bbiddle@riverside-chamber.com or 951-683-7011 Ext. 210 or visit the City’s COVID-19 website at https://bit.ly/RivCOVID-19Info.

As a key supporter for the business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chamber staff called all 1,377 members to ensure everyone had the necessary resources and information to continue essential business operations, apply for loans, obtain cleaning supplies or personal protective equipment, and more. The phone calls also uncovered opportunities for members to collaborate and serve the community together.

Through a partnership with the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center (IESBDC), the City, and the County, the Chamber quickly disseminated pertinent information to the business community to help them navigate these challenging times. The Chamber came alongside a small business member who was having trouble applying for disaster relief funding. With assistance from the IESBDC, this business successfully received the SBA’s emergency $10,000 funding and a loan, helping their business stay open.

Feeding America Riverside|San Bernardino was in need of a large location to conduct a drive-thru food distribution. The Chamber quickly connected Feeding America with the Galleria at Tyler, which resulted in two Drive-Thru Distribution Pop-Ups providing nearly 4,500 families with food boxes.

Hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities in need of personal protection equipment and cleaning supplies were connected with members who could donate items or local businesses who had them in stock and readily available. The Chamber was also able to help The Salvation Army build a connection with Heroes Restaurant and Brewery, who provided a generous food donation to help feed 1,300 local residents. With the challenges surrounding COVID-19, many of the most vulnerable in the community cannot leave their homes and rely on The Salvation Army’s monthly delivery of food.

In these phone calls, the Chamber was able to direct nearly 100 member restaurants to the Chamber’s Facebook Group “Riverside’s Take-Out/Delivery/Shopping Options During COVID-19” to use as a platform to reach over 6,300 customers and members of the community. As a hub for information, the Chamber will continue to work constantly to support all members and keep them informed. For more information, contact Brooke Biddle at bbiddle@riverside-chamber.com or 951-683-7011 Ext. 210.