Cary B.
Federal R&D Funding Consultant | SBIR/STTR | PhD Chemist | 65M Secured
Winning federal R&D funding requires more than strong writing. It requires a clear technical strategy, a credible commercialization plan, and an understanding of how reviewers evaluate risk, impact, and execution. I help technology companies develop competitive grant proposals, strengthen existing applications, and build practical strategies for securing and expanding federal funding. My qualifications include: • More than 15 years of experience in grant writing, R&D, and technology commercialization • More than $65 million secured through federal, state, and private funding efforts • Over 11 years as a recurring NSF SBIR/STTR reviewer • Firsthand experience as an NSF SBIR Phase I and Phase II award recipient and principal investigator • Co-founder of an advanced materials company that secured significant federal funding and was successfully acquired • Ph.D. in chemistry and a master’s degree in law I have supported technically complex projects involving advanced manufacturing, materials, chemistry, energy, defense, biomedical technologies, artificial intelligence, and technology commercialization. My experience includes programs and opportunities associated with NSF, DOE, NIH, USDA, DOT, and other federal agencies. Unlike a generalist grant writer, I bring experience from both sides of the funding process. I have developed and managed successful proposals as an applicant, built an NSF-funded technology company, and participated in federal merit-review discussions as an evaluator. This allows me to identify weaknesses early, anticipate reviewer concerns, and translate complex technologies into clear and persuasive applications. Services include: • SBIR/STTR and federal grant proposal development • Funding opportunity identification and strategy • Proposal review and reviewer-style critique • Technical and commercialization narrative development • Project plans, milestones, budgets, and supporting documents • Resubmission strategy and responses to reviewer feedback • Award reporting, compliance, and follow-on funding • Phase I, Phase II, and commercialization planning I work closely with founders, scientists, engineers, executives, and commercialization teams. Clients can expect candid strategic guidance, responsive communication, careful attention to detail, and high-quality work delivered on schedule. Whether you are evaluating your first funding opportunity, preparing a complex application, strengthening a proposal before submission, or planning the next phase of an existing award, I can help you develop a clearer and more competitive path forward.
Earnings and projects
Last 6 months ÷ 6
Last 6 months: $1.5k
Billed in all: $49,842$50k
$1.5k in the last 6 months
Across 11 contracts
Earnings, last 30 days
Skill rankings: Top 20% in Research Proposals
Ranked by MRR among everyone on Upwork with the skill.
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- #138Research Proposals705 freelancers · 🇺🇸 #28Top 20%🇺🇸#28 of 98
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