Signed into law
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
This act 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.)
- Measure
- S. 3971 · 119th Congress
- Latest action
- April 13, 2026
- Policy changes
- 4
- Source
- CRS summary (Public Law) · Congress.gov
Became Public Law No: 119-83.
Who wrote it
Sponsor
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)Joined by 1 cosponsor, 1 of them from the day it was introduced. Introduced March 3, 2026.
All 1 cosponsors
- Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) · original
How Congress voted
House · March 17, 2026
Passed/agreed to in House: 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).
345 yea · 41 nay · 45 other · Republicans 153–40 · Democrats 192–1 · Official record
Your delegation
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In their own words
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What it changes — and your vote
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Provision 1
Specifically, the act 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.
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Provision 2
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.
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Provision 3
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.
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Provision 4
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.
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