H.R. 4842: SBIR Commercialization Improvement Act

This legislation is titled the SBIR Commercialization Improvement Act and aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by focusing on the training and resources available for government procurement officials and small businesses participating in these programs.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Workforce Training for Phase III Acquisitions

The bill instructs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop training programs for federal agency contracting officers and procurement personnel. This training will cover:

• The missions and goals of the SBIR and STTR programs.
• Understanding the Phase III acquisition process.
• Rights acquired during Phase III, particularly data rights.
• How to execute Phase III sole source award contracts.

2. Improvements to Phase III Award Processes

The legislation encourages greater advocacy for utilizing products and services developed under these programs in Phase III awards to small businesses. Additionally, it mandates that the SBA revise its policy directives to facilitate this process within one year of enactment.

3. Simplification of Award Procedures

The bill seeks to standardize and simplify the procedures and contracts associated with Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III SBIR awards. This includes:

• Requiring federal agencies to report on their efforts to create streamlined procedures.
• Issuing standardized solicitation provisions and contract clauses to clarify the required information from small businesses applying for Phase III awards.

4. Approvals for Sole Source and Other Awards

The language of the bill modifies existing sections to include provisions specifically addressing sole source and other justifications for Phase III and related awards, ensuring that the reasoning for these decisions is clearly documented.

Relevant Companies

None found