Stevens, Baird, Crow, Burchett Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Small Business Innovation and Technology Programs

Press Release

This week, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI-11) joined Representatives Jim Baird (R-IN-04), Jason Crow (D-CO-06), and Tim Burchett (R-TN-02) to introduce the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2019 (H.R. 3774), which would update and improve the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Reps. Stevens and Baird are the Chairwoman and Ranking Member of the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the House Science, Space & Technology Committee, and Reps. Crow and Burchett are the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Innovation and Workforce Development Subcommittee of the House Small Business Committee.

"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.

"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.

"As an innovator and entrepreneur in Michigan's 11th District, the Small Business Innovation Research program has not only given me the opportunity to explore and develop new technologies throughout my career, but has been pivotal in the growth of ventures that I've helped lead creating dozens of jobs" said Nick Moroz, manufacturing and advanced materials innovator and entrepreneur. "The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act will help support small businesses in Michigan and across the country by providing additional funding for technology testing, evaluation, and commercialization assistance. Michigan small businesses have received over $1 billion in funding since 2015 from the SBIR and STTR programs, which have been crucial in the creation of a vibrant entrepreneurial tech-sector."

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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