The INNOVATE Act would change the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It would create a small Phase 1A award for businesses that have never received an SBIR or STTR award, expand rural outreach, and set new limits on awards and proposal submissions. It would also create larger Phase II awards for certain projects that meet agency needs and attract matching funds. The bill adds foreign-risk screening and restrictions on some award recipients, changes rules for investor information and intellectual property, and extends SBIR and STTR authorization through 2028.
Small businesses applying to these programs could face new eligibility, disclosure, and proposal limits. New applicants could seek Phase 1A awards of up to $40,000. Some businesses could qualify for larger strategic breakthrough awards if they meet the bill’s requirements, including providing matching funds. Agencies would be required to increase outreach in rural areas. The bill is in progress and has not been enacted.
The bill does not provide an overall cost estimate. It directs agencies with SBIR programs to set aside specified shares of program funding for certain purposes, including Phase 1A and strategic breakthrough awards. It states that no additional funds are authorized for updating the federal procurement data system under one section.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.