NEWS: SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Bill Moving in the House

April 18, 2008

On April 16 and 17 the House Science and Technology Committee and the House Small Business Committee marked up a bill to reauthorize SBIR and STTR grants.  The bill (H.R. 5789) will probably be voted on during the week of April 21.  Important provisions
include:  

• Increasing the amount agencies are required to devote to SBIR grants to 3.0% of total grants, from 2.5%.
• Increasing the amount agencies are required to devote to STTR grants to 0.6% of total grants.
• Increasing Phase I awards to $300,000 and Phase II grants to $2,200,000 and permitting companies to apply for Phase II grants without previously having a Phase I grant.
• Making companies backed by venture capital eligible for grants.
• Providing (as yet unspecified) preferences to small businesses located in rural areas.

As yet there is no Senate companion bill.