S. 3971

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Sponsor: Joni Ernst

1 cosponsor

Edward J. Markey

Follow this bill

Where it stands

Introduced Mar 3
Committee Skipped
Senate Mar 3
House of Representatives Mar 17
Law Apr 13

Introduced Mar 3
Committee Skipped
Senate Mar 3
House of Representatives Mar 17
Law Apr 13

Became Public Law No: 119-83. (Apr 13)

Votes

On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass · Passed, 345–41 House of Representatives · Roll Call 89 · Mar 17

Who voted how

Official summary

Written by the Congressional Research Service.

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

This act reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.)

Specifically, the act expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination.

Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations.

The act expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs.

The act also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.

Text of the bill

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Sec. 1. Short title Since introduced

Sec. 2. Bolstering research security of SBIR and STTR awards Since introduced

Sec. 3. Phase II strategic breakthrough funding Since introduced

Sec. 4. Reducing administrative burden Since introduced

Sec. 5. Phase III award education Since introduced

Sec. 6. Phase III improvements Since introduced

Sec. 7. Technical and business assistance improvements Since introduced

Sec. 8. Improving SBIR and STTR data collection Since introduced

Sec. 9. Extending SBIR and STTR authorization Since introduced

(a) In general. Section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), as amended by this Act, is amended—

(1) in subsection (m), by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031; and

(2) in subsection (n)(1)(A), by striking 2025 and inserting 2031.

(b) Carry over funds. If a Federal agency that participates in the SBIR or STTR program has funds remaining at the end of fiscal year 2026 from amounts required to be expended under subsection (f)(1) or (n)(1), respectively, of section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), the Federal agency may use those remaining funds in fiscal year 2027 for the SBIR or STTR program, as applicable, of the Federal agency.

Sec. 10. Extension of SBIR and STTR programs and activities Since introduced