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Representatives Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Haley Stevens (D-MI-11), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) and Jason Crow (D-CO-06) introduced the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2019 (H.R. 3774) to update and improve the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Reps. Baird and Stevens serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, and Reps. Burchett and Crow serve on the House Small Business Committee.

“The SBIR and STTR programs are vital to helping our Hoosier small businesses and our nation. We must take every opportunity to strengthen investment in R&D so we can continue breaking boundaries and moving our economy forward. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to encourage innovation and give our businesses the resources they need to thrive,” said Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Baird.

“I am thrilled to join my friend and colleague Congressman Jim Baird to introduce this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the SBIR and STTR programs. These small business grant programs have helped entrepreneurs in Michigan pursue their big ideas and contribute to our thriving innovation economy. In 2018, small businesses in Michigan’s 11th District received $2.3 million through these programs to develop an amazing array of new technologies. The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act will make these programs even stronger by increasing accountability, prioritizing cybersecurity, and promoting diversity among grant award recipients,” said Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairwoman Stevens.

“Small business owners have to be innovative and willing to take risks, it’s what defines American entrepreneurism. This legislation will go a long way towards supporting our technological small businesses and ensuring that federal agencies tasked with helping them are held accountable to grow technological innovation,” said Innovation and Workforce Development Subcommittee Member Burchett.

"The entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of what it means to be an American and we must make sure we support an environment that fosters innovation. Small businesses and start-ups pursue innovation at great risks to themselves and this legislation ensures that small business are prepared to partner with agencies like the Department of Defense and the National Institutes of Health and that the government is being receptive to their needs. The SBIR and STTR programs help encourage innovation and provide the resources necessary for small businesses to thrive in our 21st century economy,” said Innovation and Workforce Development Subcommittee Chairman Crow.

Background

The SBIR and STTR programs provide competitive funding opportunities encouraging small businesses to take risks and pursue innovative research for technology commercialization. To be eligible, the small business must be American-owned with less than 500 employees and classified as a for-profit entity. Eleven Federal Agencies participate annually in the programs to fund research that meets their objectives.

H.R. 3774 reinforces the requirement that the Small Business Association (SBA) give a comprehensive annual report of the SBIR and STTR programs to Congress and holds the Department of Defense (DoD) accountable to stimulate technological innovation. The bill also prioritizes the stimulation of manufacturing and cybersecurity in the United States, improves outreach in institutions serving minorities, and supports and extends the flexibility given to agencies for innovative funding mechanisms under the SBIR and STTR programs.

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