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Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2021.
12/31/2022, 5:03 AM
Summary of Bill HR 4033
The bill includes provisions to increase the funding levels for both the SBIR and STTR programs, with a focus on increasing participation from underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, and veterans. It also aims to streamline the application process for small businesses applying for funding, making it easier for them to access the resources they need to innovate and grow.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve the reporting and oversight of the SBIR and STTR programs, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively and efficiently. It also includes provisions to encourage collaboration between small businesses and research institutions, fostering innovation and economic growth. Overall, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2021 seeks to support small businesses in their efforts to develop new technologies and bring them to market, ultimately driving economic growth and job creation in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 4033
Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2021
This bill modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Defense to report on the goals and incentives used to increase awards of SBIR and STTR contracts. It also prioritizes innovation in manufacturing and cybersecurity and directs federal agencies to issue Phase III awards to technology developers without requiring further competition.
Further, the bill makes permanent (as the Civilian Agency Commercialization Readiness Program) the pilot program that a covered agency may establish for awarding SBIR and STTR Phase II and III funds for technology development and progression toward commercialization. The bill also extends the Commercialization Assistance Pilot Program though FY2026.
The bill authorizes specified agencies to use a percentage of STTR funds for a Proof of Concept Partnership program to accelerate the creation of small businesses and the commercialization of research innovations. It also authorizes all agencies participating in the SBIR program, during FY2022-FY2026, to provide a SBIR Phase II award for a project to a small business concern without regard to whether such concern was provided a Phase I award for such project.
The bill requires the SBA to conduct outreach efforts at minority institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions.
