H.R.3953 - SBIR/STTR Website Improvement Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3953, the SBIR/STTR Website Improvement Act, aims to enhance the transparency and accessibility of information regarding recipients of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. The bill amends Section 9 of the Small Business Act to require federal agencies to collect and make available additional data on research institutions subcontracted by SBIR/STTR award recipients.
This includes the name and location of the research institution, its type (institution of higher education, nonprofit, or federally funded research and development center), and, if applicable, its status as a minority-serving institution. The bill also mandates updates to the SBIR/STTR database to include this new information.
The goal is to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how SBIR/STTR funds are distributed and utilized, particularly regarding the involvement of research institutions.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is increased transparency and accountability in the SBIR/STTR programs. By requiring more detailed reporting on research institutions involved in these projects, the public and policymakers will have a clearer picture of where federal research dollars are going.
This could lead to better oversight, more informed decision-making, and potentially a more equitable distribution of research funding. It may also encourage greater participation from diverse research institutions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the SBIR/STTR programs, allowing for better public oversight.
- Improved data for policymakers to make informed decisions about research funding.
- Potential for increased participation from minority-serving institutions.
- Enhanced accountability for how SBIR/STTR funds are used.
- Facilitates better tracking of research collaborations between small businesses and research institutions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on small businesses and federal agencies to collect and report the additional data.
- Potential for delays in the awarding of SBIR/STTR grants due to the increased reporting requirements.
- Risk of data breaches or misuse of the collected information.
- Possible chilling effect on research collaborations if the reporting requirements are perceived as too onerous.
- The bill focuses on reporting requirements and does not address other potential issues within the SBIR/STTR programs, such as funding levels or program effectiveness.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve the effectiveness and transparency of government programs that support small businesses and research. Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for establishing and overseeing programs like SBIR/STTR.
The requirement for additional data collection and reporting does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights. The focus on transparency and accountability aligns with principles of good governance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).