SBIR Administrative Funding Act

The "SBIR Administrative Funding Act" seeks to enhance and extend the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by modifying their administrative funding. It extends the authorization for agencies to use a portion of their SBIR/STTR funds for administrative, oversight, and contract processing costs from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2030 . Additionally, the bill increases the maximum percentage of program funds that can be allocated for these administrative purposes from 3 percent to 3.3 percent . A key provision mandates that certain federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, NASA, and the National Science Foundation, transfer at least 10 percent of their administrative funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA). These transferred funds are specifically for increasing the SBA's resources in administering the SBIR and STTR programs, with a clear prohibition against their use for programs under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958. The legislation also broadens the permissible uses of these administrative funds, allowing agencies to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance to increase the participation of states that have historically received a low level of SBIR awards. This aims to promote more equitable geographic distribution of program benefits and ensure the continued effective operation and broader impact of these crucial small business research and development initiatives.