H.R. 5726: DOD Entrepreneurial Innovation Act

This bill, known as the DOD Entrepreneurial Innovation Act, aims to enhance the collaboration between the Department of Defense (DoD) and small businesses engaged in innovative technology development by officially recognizing certain qualifying programs under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) as "Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects." Here’s what the bill proposes in detail:

1. Designation of Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects

The bill requires the Secretary of each military department to designate at least five eligible programs each fiscal year as Entrepreneurial Innovation Projects. These designations will identify promising research programs that can advance national security capabilities, develop new technologies, and potentially save costs in the long run.

2. Application Process

To gain designation, eligible programs will need to apply. The application process and necessary criteria for evaluation will be determined by the Secretary of the respective military department.

3. Criteria for Designation

In evaluating programs for designation, the Secretary will consider:

• The program's potential to enhance national security.
• The development of new technologies or processes that provide alternatives to existing programs.
• The expected cost savings offered by the program.
• Recommendations from advisory panels.
• Any additional criteria deemed appropriate by the Secretary.

4. Benefits of Designation

Once a program is designated as an Entrepreneurial Innovation Project, several benefits will apply:

• Inclusion in future defense budget plans submitted to Congress.
• Dedicated headings in programming proposals sent to the Secretary of Defense.
• Recognition as part of the planning and execution process for defense budgeting.

5. Advisory Panels

Each military department must establish an advisory panel to identify and recommend programs for designation. These panels will include members with experience in entrepreneurial innovation and military acquisition processes:

• Members will be selected by the Secretary of the military department and include private sector experts and military personnel.
• The advisory panels will have a defined term for their members and establish procedures for selecting eligible programs.

6. Reporting and Oversight

The Secretary of Defense is responsible for submitting an annual report to Congress that includes details about each designated program and their progress towards established goals.

7. Additional Provisions

The bill specifies that if a designated program is found to not be meeting its objectives, the Secretary can revoke its designation. Furthermore, selected advisory panels will operate without being bound by typical federal advisory committee regulations, allowing for more flexibility in their operations.

8. Administrative Support and Funding

The Secretary of Defense may use funds from designated accounts to support activities related to these advisory panels, ensuring that they have the resources needed to effectively carry out their functions.

9. Timeline for Establishment

The bill mandates that advisory panels be established within 120 days after the bill’s enactment to ensure that the programs can immediately start being evaluated and designated.

Relevant Companies

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