The Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act seeks to significantly improve the commercialization outcomes of projects funded by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It mandates that peer reviews for these programs consider the likelihood of commercialization and include at least one reviewer with commercialization expertise, ensuring a stronger focus on market viability from the outset. The bill also extends the authority for all federal agencies to utilize phase flexibility for fiscal years 2025-2027, allowing for more adaptable funding mechanisms, with specific caps on the percentage of funds that can be used this way. A key provision requires each federal agency participating in SBIR/STTR to designate a Technology Commercialization Official . This official will guide awardees in commercializing technologies, advocate for promising projects, and coordinate with other agencies to identify market pathways. The bill also enhances Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) by allowing award recipients to select their preferred assistance, adding cybersecurity services, and increasing funding limits to $6,500 for Phase I and $50,000 for Phase II projects. Furthermore, it integrates I-Corps participation by requiring agencies to offer this option to awardees and allowing TABA funds to cover associated costs. To measure effectiveness, the legislation mandates an annual Commercialization Impact Assessment report. This report will track various metrics for successful SBIR/STTR companies, including federal awards, revenue, external investment, mergers, spin-outs, and patents. Finally, the bill directs the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to establish a prioritized patent examination program for SBIR/STTR recipients, alongside outreach efforts for intellectual property protection and scam prevention.
Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act
USA119th CongressS-1660| Senate
| Updated: 5/7/2025
The Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act seeks to significantly improve the commercialization outcomes of projects funded by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It mandates that peer reviews for these programs consider the likelihood of commercialization and include at least one reviewer with commercialization expertise, ensuring a stronger focus on market viability from the outset. The bill also extends the authority for all federal agencies to utilize phase flexibility for fiscal years 2025-2027, allowing for more adaptable funding mechanisms, with specific caps on the percentage of funds that can be used this way. A key provision requires each federal agency participating in SBIR/STTR to designate a Technology Commercialization Official . This official will guide awardees in commercializing technologies, advocate for promising projects, and coordinate with other agencies to identify market pathways. The bill also enhances Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) by allowing award recipients to select their preferred assistance, adding cybersecurity services, and increasing funding limits to $6,500 for Phase I and $50,000 for Phase II projects. Furthermore, it integrates I-Corps participation by requiring agencies to offer this option to awardees and allowing TABA funds to cover associated costs. To measure effectiveness, the legislation mandates an annual Commercialization Impact Assessment report. This report will track various metrics for successful SBIR/STTR companies, including federal awards, revenue, external investment, mergers, spin-outs, and patents. Finally, the bill directs the Small Business Administration to collaborate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to establish a prioritized patent examination program for SBIR/STTR recipients, alongside outreach efforts for intellectual property protection and scam prevention.