SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 1573
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 1573Commerce
SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 1· LAST ACTION MAY 1
READING
39MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it ensures the continued existence and growth of government programs that support small businesses in developing cutting-edge technologies. If passed, it means more federal money will go towards innovation in areas like defense, energy, and health, potentially leading to new products, services, and jobs. For small businesses, it offers more opportunities to secure funding and bring their ideas to market, which can be crucial for their survival and growth.
Without this reauthorization and increased funding, these programs could expire or diminish, potentially slowing down technological advancement and reducing opportunities for small businesses and innovators, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Extends the SBIR and STTR programs indefinitely, removing previous expiration dates.
This ensures long-term stability and continued government support for small business innovation.
PROVISION 02
Gradually increases the percentage of agency research budgets that must be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs over the next decade, reaching 7% for SBIR and 1% for STTR by FY 2032.
Provides significantly more funding for small businesses to develop and commercialize new technologies.
PROVISION 03
Authorizes federal agencies to establish fellowship and internship programs for students and post-docs at small businesses receiving Phase II awards, with an emphasis on outreach to underrepresented groups.
Creates new training and employment opportunities in innovative small businesses, while promoting diversity in STEM fields.
PROVISION 04
Extends the FAST program, which provides business assistance to small technology firms, until September 30, 2030.
Continues a vital support system for small businesses to navigate federal grants and commercialize their innovations.
PROVISION 05
Introduces various measures to enhance competition, improve commercialization efforts (like Phase III support), and strengthen oversight of the programs.
Aims to make the programs more effective, ensure better use of taxpayer money, and help more innovations reach the market.
This bill matters because it ensures the continued existence and growth of government programs that support small businesses in developing cutting-edge technologies. If passed, it means more federal money will go towards innovation in areas like defense, energy, and health, potentially leading to new products, services, and jobs. For small businesses, it offers more opportunities to secure funding and bring their ideas to market, which can be crucial for their survival and growth.
Without this reauthorization and increased funding, these programs could expire or diminish, potentially slowing down technological advancement and reducing opportunities for small businesses and innovators, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Extends the SBIR and STTR programs indefinitely, removing previous expiration dates.
This ensures long-term stability and continued government support for small business innovation.
high
Gradually increases the percentage of agency research budgets that must be allocated to SBIR and STTR programs over the next decade, reaching 7% for SBIR and 1% for STTR by FY 2032.
Provides significantly more funding for small businesses to develop and commercialize new technologies.
med
Authorizes federal agencies to establish fellowship and internship programs for students and post-docs at small businesses receiving Phase II awards, with an emphasis on outreach to underrepresented groups.
Creates new training and employment opportunities in innovative small businesses, while promoting diversity in STEM fields.
med
Extends the FAST program, which provides business assistance to small technology firms, until September 30, 2030.
Continues a vital support system for small businesses to navigate federal grants and commercialize their innovations.
med
Introduces various measures to enhance competition, improve commercialization efforts (like Phase III support), and strengthen oversight of the programs.
Aims to make the programs more effective, ensure better use of taxpayer money, and help more innovations reach the market.
STTR expenditure increase to 0.5% of agency budget
Fiscal years 2028 and 2029
STTR expenditure increase to 0.65% of agency budget
Fiscal years 2030 and 2031
STTR expenditure increase to 0.8% of agency budget
Fiscal year 2032 and each fiscal year thereafter
GLOSSARY
AI-written
SBIR program
Small Business Innovation Research program; a government program that helps small businesses conduct research and development that has the potential for commercialization.
STTR program
Small Business Technology Transfer Research program; similar to SBIR, but it requires small businesses to partner with research institutions like universities.
Reauthorization
The act of extending the legal authority for a government program or agency to continue operating, often with new conditions or funding levels.
Phase I, II, III awards
Stages of funding in SBIR/STTR programs. Phase I is for feasibility research, Phase II is for full research and development, and Phase III is for commercialization using non-SBIR/STTR funds.
FAST Program
Federal and State Technology Partnership Program; provides assistance to small businesses to help them compete for SBIR/STTR awards and commercialize their technologies.
Socially disadvantaged individuals
People who have been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias because of their identity.
Economically disadvantaged individuals
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
MAY 1, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
MAY 1, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
