S. 3971
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
Sponsor: Joni Ernst
1 cosponsor
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
(a) Phase flexibility. Section 9(cc) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(cc)) is amended—
(1) by striking During fiscal years 2012 through 2025 and inserting Until September 30, 2031;
(2) by striking , and the Department of Education and inserting the Department of Energy, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Education; and
(3) by inserting or STTR program after SBIR program each place that term appears.
(b) Commercialization readiness program for civilian agencies pilot program. Section 9(gg)(7) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(gg)(7)) is amended by striking 2025 and inserting 2031.
(c) Accelerated awards. Section 9(hh)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(hh)(2)(C)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(d) Phase 0 pilot program. Section 9(jj)(7) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(jj)(7)) is amended by striking 2025 and inserting 2031.
(e) Administrative assistance. Section 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(f) Increased minimum performance standards. Section 9(qq)(3)(I) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(qq)(3)(I)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(g) Commercialization assistance pilot programs. Section 9(uu)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(uu)(3)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(h) Due diligence program. Section 9(vv)(3)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(vv)(3)(C)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(i) STTR participation of military research and educational institutions pilot program. Section 9(yy)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(yy)(2)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(j) Budget calculation pilot program. Section 9(zz)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(zz)(3)) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(k) Special Operations Command pilot. Section 851(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (10 U.S.C. 4901 note) is amended by striking September 30, 2025 and inserting September 30, 2031.
(l) Government Accountability Office mandate sunset. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81) is amended by striking section 5142 (15 U.S.C. 638a).