Legis Daily

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

USA119th CongressS-3971| Senate 
| Updated: 4/13/2026
Joni Ernst

Joni Ernst

Republican Senator

Iowa

Cosponsors (1)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act," primarily extends the authorization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It prolongs the operation of these crucial programs, along with several associated pilot initiatives and authorities, from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2031, ensuring their continued role in fostering small business innovation. A key focus of the bill is to bolster research security for SBIR and STTR awards. Federal agencies are now mandated to evaluate small business concerns for potential security risks , employing enhanced due diligence, required disclosures, and coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This includes specifically identifying connections to entities or individuals listed on various government watchlists, such as the UFLPA Entity List or the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List. Agencies must provide notification to businesses denied an award due to security risks, outlining the basis without compromising national security, and clarifying that such a denial does not prevent future eligibility. The due diligence process is expanded to include comprehensive assessments of a small business's cybersecurity practices, patent and employee analysis, and foreign ownership. It also scrutinizes financial ties, affiliations of key personnel with foreign entities of concern, investment relationships, and technology licensing agreements. These measures are designed to safeguard sensitive research and technology from potential foreign threats. The bill establishes a new "strategic breakthrough allocation" for federal agencies with substantial research and development budgets. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, these agencies can set aside up to 0.50 percent of their SBIR funds for Phase II awards, which can be up to $30,000,000 per small business. To qualify, businesses must have received at least one prior Phase II award, demonstrate 100 percent matching funds from new private capital or other government programs, and prove their technology offers an effective solution. Specific criteria apply for Department of Defense awards, emphasizing national security advancement and successful transition into acquisition programs. To reduce administrative burden, the legislation requires federal agencies to set limits on the maximum number of proposals a small business can submit annually, starting in fiscal year 2027. Agencies can grant waivers for urgent, time-sensitive topics, provided there is a written justification and approval from the Administrator and Undersecretary. The bill also mandates improved data collection for the SBIR database and the Federal Procurement Data System, requiring tracking of various award types and linking Phase II and Phase III contracts to prior SBIR or STTR work. Furthermore, the bill enhances support for Phase III commercialization by requiring training for federal contracting officers and the acquisition workforce on Phase III awards, data rights, and sole-source contracts. Procurement Center Representatives are directed to actively advocate for the maximum practicable use and transition of SBIR/STTR technologies to Phase III. Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) is improved, allowing award recipients to select vendors, including for cybersecurity assistance and screening for foreign involvement, and increasing funding limits for TABA services. It also integrates participation in I-Corps programs for awardees, allowing TABA funds to cover associated costs.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
3 versions available

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Timeline
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)
Mar 3, 2026
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.
Mar 4, 2026
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mar 4, 2026
Received in the House.
Mar 4, 2026
Held at the desk.
Mar 16, 2026
Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Mar 16, 2026
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)
Mar 16, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.
Mar 16, 2026
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Mar 17, 2026
Considered as unfinished business.
Mar 17, 2026
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)
Mar 17, 2026
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).
View Vote
Mar 17, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Apr 2, 2026
Presented to President.
Apr 13, 2026
Signed by President.
Apr 13, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-83.
  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)


  • March 3, 2026
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.


  • March 4, 2026
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • March 4, 2026
    Received in the House.


  • March 4, 2026
    Held at the desk.


  • March 16, 2026
    Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.


  • March 16, 2026
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)


  • March 16, 2026
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.


  • March 16, 2026
    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.


  • March 17, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business.


  • March 17, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)


  • March 17, 2026
    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).
    View Vote


  • March 17, 2026
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • April 2, 2026
    Presented to President.


  • April 13, 2026
    Signed by President.


  • April 13, 2026
    Became Public Law No: 119-83.

Commerce

Advanced technology and technological innovationsAsiaChinaComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftData collection, sharing, protectionGovernment lending and loan guaranteesIntellectual propertyMilitary assistance, sales, and agreementsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementResearch administration and fundingResearch and developmentSmall businessSmall Business AdministrationSubversive activitiesTechnology assessmentTechnology transfer and commercialization

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

USA119th CongressS-3971| Senate 
| Updated: 4/13/2026
This legislation, known as the "Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act," primarily extends the authorization for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. It prolongs the operation of these crucial programs, along with several associated pilot initiatives and authorities, from September 30, 2025, to September 30, 2031, ensuring their continued role in fostering small business innovation. A key focus of the bill is to bolster research security for SBIR and STTR awards. Federal agencies are now mandated to evaluate small business concerns for potential security risks , employing enhanced due diligence, required disclosures, and coordination with intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This includes specifically identifying connections to entities or individuals listed on various government watchlists, such as the UFLPA Entity List or the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List. Agencies must provide notification to businesses denied an award due to security risks, outlining the basis without compromising national security, and clarifying that such a denial does not prevent future eligibility. The due diligence process is expanded to include comprehensive assessments of a small business's cybersecurity practices, patent and employee analysis, and foreign ownership. It also scrutinizes financial ties, affiliations of key personnel with foreign entities of concern, investment relationships, and technology licensing agreements. These measures are designed to safeguard sensitive research and technology from potential foreign threats. The bill establishes a new "strategic breakthrough allocation" for federal agencies with substantial research and development budgets. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, these agencies can set aside up to 0.50 percent of their SBIR funds for Phase II awards, which can be up to $30,000,000 per small business. To qualify, businesses must have received at least one prior Phase II award, demonstrate 100 percent matching funds from new private capital or other government programs, and prove their technology offers an effective solution. Specific criteria apply for Department of Defense awards, emphasizing national security advancement and successful transition into acquisition programs. To reduce administrative burden, the legislation requires federal agencies to set limits on the maximum number of proposals a small business can submit annually, starting in fiscal year 2027. Agencies can grant waivers for urgent, time-sensitive topics, provided there is a written justification and approval from the Administrator and Undersecretary. The bill also mandates improved data collection for the SBIR database and the Federal Procurement Data System, requiring tracking of various award types and linking Phase II and Phase III contracts to prior SBIR or STTR work. Furthermore, the bill enhances support for Phase III commercialization by requiring training for federal contracting officers and the acquisition workforce on Phase III awards, data rights, and sole-source contracts. Procurement Center Representatives are directed to actively advocate for the maximum practicable use and transition of SBIR/STTR technologies to Phase III. Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) is improved, allowing award recipients to select vendors, including for cybersecurity assistance and screening for foreign involvement, and increasing funding limits for TABA services. It also integrates participation in I-Corps programs for awardees, allowing TABA funds to cover associated costs.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
3 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 3, 2026
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)
Mar 3, 2026
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.
Mar 4, 2026
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mar 4, 2026
Received in the House.
Mar 4, 2026
Held at the desk.
Mar 16, 2026
Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Mar 16, 2026
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)
Mar 16, 2026
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.
Mar 16, 2026
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Mar 17, 2026
Considered as unfinished business.
Mar 17, 2026
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)
Mar 17, 2026
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).
View Vote
Mar 17, 2026
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Apr 2, 2026
Presented to President.
Apr 13, 2026
Signed by President.
Apr 13, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-83.
  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 3, 2026
    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)


  • March 3, 2026
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.


  • March 4, 2026
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • March 4, 2026
    Received in the House.


  • March 4, 2026
    Held at the desk.


  • March 16, 2026
    Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.


  • March 16, 2026
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)


  • March 16, 2026
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.


  • March 16, 2026
    At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.


  • March 17, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business.


  • March 17, 2026
    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)


  • March 17, 2026
    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).
    View Vote


  • March 17, 2026
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.


  • April 2, 2026
    Presented to President.


  • April 13, 2026
    Signed by President.


  • April 13, 2026
    Became Public Law No: 119-83.
Joni Ernst

Joni Ernst

Republican Senator

Iowa

Cosponsors (1)
Edward J. Markey (Democratic)

Commerce

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Advanced technology and technological innovationsAsiaChinaComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftData collection, sharing, protectionGovernment lending and loan guaranteesIntellectual propertyMilitary assistance, sales, and agreementsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementResearch administration and fundingResearch and developmentSmall businessSmall Business AdministrationSubversive activitiesTechnology assessmentTechnology transfer and commercialization