Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.)
Specifically, the bill expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination.
Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations.
The bill expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs.
The bill also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.
| Action Date | Type | Text | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-17 | Floor | Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-17 | Vote | On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 345 - 41 (Roll no. 89). | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-17 | Floor | Considered as unfinished business. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-16 | Floor | At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-16 | Floor | DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-16 | Floor | Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495) | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-16 | Floor | Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-04 | Floor | Held at the desk. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-04 | Floor | Received in the House. | House floor actions |
| 2026-03-04 | Floor | Message on Senate action sent to the House. | Senate |
| 2026-03-03 | Floor | Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756) | Senate |
| 2026-03-03 | IntroReferral | Introduced in Senate | Library of Congress |