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S. 3971119th CongressENACTEDBIPARTISAN

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Introduced Mar 3, 2026Joni Ernst (R-IA)1 cosponsorSource

Summary

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

This act reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.)

Specifically, the act expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination.

Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations.

The act expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs.

The act also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.

Bill text versions

Legislative Journey

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Floor
  4. Passed Chamber 1
  5. Passed Chamber 2
  6. Signed
Apr 13, 2026

Became Public Law No: 119-83.

Apr 13, 2026

Became Public Law No: 119-83.

Apr 13, 2026

Signed by President.

Apr 13, 2026

Signed by President.

Apr 2, 2026

Presented to President.

House
Apr 2, 2026

Presented to President.

Mar 17, 2026

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

House
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).

House
Mar 17, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: 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).

Mar 17, 2026

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)

House
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.

House
Mar 16, 2026

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.

House
Mar 16, 2026

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)

House
Mar 16, 2026

Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

House
Mar 4, 2026

Held at the desk.

House
Mar 4, 2026

Received in the House.

House
Mar 4, 2026

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

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)

Senate
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 3, 2026

Introduced in Senate