Shaheen Request for SBIR & STTR Permanency for Department of Defense Included in National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today welcomed the inclusion of a provision in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would make permanent the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for the Department of Defense (DoD). These programs help small businesses engage in the research and development that helps keep the U.S. competitive, and many of the partnerships created through SBIR and STTR involve the Department of Defense, leading to innovations important to our national security. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Readiness Subcommittee, Shaheen advocated for the inclusion of the provision. Last month, as the lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (SBC), Shaheen along with SBC Chairman Senator Vitter (R-LA) introduced legislation to make permanent and strengthen SBIR and STTR across all federal agencies. Currently, SBIR and STTR are set to expire on September 30, 2017.

“Making SBIR and STTR permanent for the Department of Defense is good news for our small businesses in New Hampshire, our economy and our national security,” said Shaheen. “Across the country these programs have enabled entrepreneurs to undertake the research and development that keeps America at the forefront of innovation, and I’m pleased we’ve taken an important step toward ensuring they are here to stay. The SBIR and STTR programs have a proven record of success, and as the lead Democrat on the Senate Small Business Committee, I’ll continue to advocate for their permanency across all agencies.”

The SBIR and STTR programs support the growth of small, high-tech companies that create good jobs in local communities across the country by leveraging a small percentage of federal research and development funding. The programs allow small businesses to support federal agencies in areas such as public health and national security. In addition to the technologies developed by participating companies, the SBIR and STTR programs have resulted in a good return on investment for taxpayers: A recent study found that for every federal dollar awarded to SBIR firms, $12 was generated for the economy. DoD accounts for nearly half of all SBIR and STTR funding.

SBC Chairman Vitter and Ranking Member Shaheen both advocated for SBIR and STTR’s inclusion in the NDAA.