Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

SBIR Commercialization Improvement Act

Summary

The SBIR Commercialization Improvement Act aims to enhance the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs by improving the transition of technologies developed under these programs to Phase III, which involves commercialization. The bill mandates training for the acquisition workforce on Phase III acquisitions and directs Procurement Center Representatives to advocate for the transition of SBIR/STTR products to Phase III. It also seeks to simplify and standardize procedures for Phase III awards.

Expected Effects

This act is likely to increase the commercial success of SBIR/STTR projects by ensuring that government contracting officers are better informed about Phase III acquisitions. It should also streamline the process for small businesses to secure Phase III awards. Ultimately, this could lead to more innovative products and services being available to both the government and the public.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased commercialization of innovative technologies developed by small businesses.
  • Improved training for government acquisition workforce on SBIR/STTR programs.
  • Simplified and standardized procedures for Phase III awards.
  • Enhanced advocacy for small business concerns in Phase III acquisitions.
  • Greater efficiency in the use of SBIR/STTR program outputs.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for increased administrative burden on the Small Business Administration and other federal agencies.
  • Risk of unintended consequences from standardized contract clauses.
  • Possible delays in implementation due to the need for policy directive modifications.
  • The effectiveness of the training programs will depend on their quality and reach.
  • There may be increased competition for Phase III awards.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the spirit of the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble), by promoting innovation and economic growth through support for small businesses. Congress's authority to enact this legislation stems from Article I, Section 8, which grants it the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).