SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Progress Update

On April 13, 2026, President Trump signed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971), reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs through September 30, 2031. This law ends a six-month lapse in authority following the previous expiration on September 30, 2025, enabling the resumption of federal R&D awards for small businesses.

Key aspects of the 2026 reauthorization include:
▪️ Duration: The programs are extended for 5.5 years, running through Sept. 30, 2031.
▪️ National Security Focus: Enhanced due diligence requirements for agencies to review foreign ownership, ties, and cybersecurity risks, along with tighter control over technology transfers.
▪️ Program Changes: Introduction of “Strategic Breakthrough Awards,” expanded technical/business assistance funding, and new limits on proposal submissions.
▪️ Flexibility: Agencies with remaining FY2026 funds are authorized to use them for FY2027, addressing the gap created by the six-month lapse.
The legislation received strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, ensuring that the “America’s Seed Fund” continues to provide over $4 billion annually to small businesses, as noted on https://www.sbir.gov/ .