S. 3971 Became law · Public Law 119-83 Commerce

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

A bill to extend the SBIR and STTR programs, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] Introduced March 3, 2026 Cosponsors 1 (1 D) Latest action April 13, 2026

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.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Roll-call votes

Actions

  1. Apr 13, 2026 Became Public Law No: 119-83.
  2. Apr 13, 2026 Signed by President.
  3. Apr 2, 2026 Presented to President.
  4. Mar 17, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. 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).
  6. Mar 17, 2026 Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)
  7. 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.
  8. Mar 16, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.
  9. Mar 16, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)
  10. Mar 16, 2026 Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  11. Mar 4, 2026 Held at the desk.
  12. Mar 4, 2026 Received in the House.

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