Extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through September 30, 2031, and adds national security screening, a cap on proposal submissions, and simpler contracting rules.

Official title: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

Outcome Public Law 119-83

Timeline each lane is a chamber; dates pull from congress.gov actions

House

Received 04-MAR-2026

Passed 17-MAR-2026

Senate

Introduced 03-MAR-2026

Passed 04-MAR-2026

President

Presented 02-APR-2026

Signed 13-APR-2026

Became law 13-APR-2026

Key points

Lets agencies deny SBIR and STTR awards to firms with security risks tied to listed foreign entities, and requires agencies to notify denied applicants in a way that does not compromise national security.
Sets a yearly limit on proposals per small business, with waivers for time-sensitive topics capped at 5 percent of an agency's topics in any fiscal year.
Creates a strategic breakthrough funding option of up to $30,000,000 per small business for certain Phase II projects, through September 30, 2031, when this section ends.
Raises the technical and business assistance allowance to $6,500 per project in Phase I and $50,000 per project in Phase II, and requires the Department of Defense and other agencies to train contracting officers on Phase III awards.

AI-generated from the Public Law text of 14-APR-2026 · verify · report an error

Official CRS summary

Current. The Congressional Research Service's summary covers the bill's latest wording (Public Law, 13-APR-2026).

CRS is the Library of Congress's nonpartisan research office. Read it on congress.gov

Committee referrals (0)

No committee referrals on file.

Policy area

Commerce

Sponsor Joni Ernst (R-IA) Cosponsors · 1

■ 1 D

1 Democrat