Prospects brighten for endangered U.S. small business research program

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Key lawmakers say they are closing in on a compromise that would extend the Small Business Innovation Research program beyond its current expiration date of 30 September, spurred by strong pleas from the Department of Defense.

The U.S. government’s Small Business Innovation Research program is a major source of funding for academic and industry scientists seeking to commercialize discoveries. But it has had numerous near-death experiences since it was launched in 1982. This year is no exception, courtesy of Senator Rand Paul , ranking Republican on the Senate’s small business committee.

Higher education lobbyists are also pushing for an extension. “SBIR has become very important to university commercialization efforts, so it’s critical that Congress reauthorize it,” says one, Tobin Smith of the Association of American Universities. The programs, coordinated by the Small Business Administration but managed by each agency, have been reauthorized several times by Congress but never made permanent. The most recent extension, for 6 years, came in 2016 as part of legislation providing annual guidance to DOD.

Advocates have also argued against the additional security requirements Paul is seeking. In a 2 June letter, Shyu warned they could place an “undue burden” on researchers doing unclassified research. Paul’s position has evolved over the past several weeks. For example, he’s dropped a demand for a cap of three awards per recipient after Shyu wrote on 2 June that the proposed caps “will reduce competition and inhibit innovation.”

With time running short and a crowded legislative calendar, SBIR advocates are hoping Congress will find a way to keep the program alive even if it can’t pass a stand-alone extension. One option is to add an extension to the annual defense authorization bill, which is typically a sure bet to pass.

 

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