How does an institution address the small business’ concern for non-disclosure prior to entering into a discussion to partner on the business’ SBIR application?

 

I have a small business concern that wants our institution to sign an NDA prior to providing anyone with the idea for its SBIR application. At this point, the small business has only painted a broad stroke picture on the area of potential research, but it isn’t sufficient to know if/how any faculty might participate in the research. The business wants the institution to sign an NDA prior to providing any additional information.

 

Any advice would be most appreciated.

 

Christine Hempowicz, Ed.D., CRA

Director, Office of Sponsored Research and Programs

University of Bridgeport

126 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604

203-576-4973