H.R. 5001: SBIR/STTR Oversight Act

This bill, known as the SBIR/STTR Oversight Act, aims to improve transparency and oversight of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs in the United States. Here’s a summary of its key components:

1. Annual Reports to Congress

The bill requires that annual reports on the SBIR and STTR programs be sent to specific congressional committees—the House and Senate Committees on Small Business. These reports must also be published on the corresponding federal agency's website as soon as possible.

2. Comptroller General Report on Effectiveness

It mandates a report by the Comptroller General, due within three years after the bill's enactment. This report will evaluate:

• The demographics of small businesses receiving awards, particularly focusing on new entrants and underrepresented groups.
• The efforts by agencies to broaden participation and representation of these groups in the programs.
• How agencies develop topics for solicitations and attract applicants.
• The support provided by agencies for technology commercialization.
• Alignment of awards with the research and technology needs of the participating agencies.
• Any other relevant matters determined appropriate by the Comptroller General.

3. Extended Report on Award Timeliness

The bill extends the timeframe for reporting on the timeliness of awards. Instead of reporting after three years, the timeframe is extended to eleven years. It also adds a requirement to include the average and median time taken by each agency to review proposals.

4. Pilot Program to Accelerate NIH Evaluation Process

A pilot program will be established by the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to reduce the time for awarding SBIR and STTR grants. This includes:

• Developing simplified and standardized procedures across all relevant NIH offices to aim for the funding release to be close to 90 days after award notice.
• Utilizing appropriate peer review procedures to assess scientific and technical merit and potential for commercialization, which will be considered compliant with existing requirements.

This pilot program is set to end on September 30, 2030, and an evaluation report on its effectiveness must be submitted three years after enacting the bill.

5. Definitions and Terms

The bill provides clear definitions for terms such as 'federal agency', 'small business concern', 'new entrant', and 'underrepresented groups'. This allows for consistent understanding and implementation of the bill across federal agencies involved in the SBIR and STTR programs.

Relevant Companies

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