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Public Law119th CongressCommerce
S. 3971Became Law

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

This bill became law

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What it doesSummary public law (Apr 13, 2026)

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.

What just happenedApr 13, 2026

Became Public Law No: 119-83.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA](R-IA)Sponsor
1 cosponsor1 D
Read on Congress.gov
1cosponsors20actions18subjects
  • Enrolled Bill
  • Engrossed in SenateMar 3, 2026
  • Considered and Passed SenateMar 3, 2026
  • Public LawApr 14, 2026
  1. Apr 13, 2026PresidentE40000

    Became Public Law No: 119-83.

  2. Apr 13, 2026BecameLaw36000

    Became Public Law No: 119-83.

  3. Apr 13, 2026PresidentE30000

    Signed by President.

  4. Apr 13, 2026BecameLaw36000

    Signed by President.

  5. Apr 2, 2026FloorE20000

    Presented to President.

  6. Apr 2, 2026President28000

    Presented to President.

  7. Mar 17, 2026FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  8. Mar 17, 2026FloorH37300

    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).

  9. Mar 17, 2026Floor8000

    Passed/agreed to in House: 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).

  10. Mar 17, 2026FloorH30000

    Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)

  11. Mar 16, 2026FloorH37220

    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.

  12. Mar 16, 2026FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.

  13. Mar 16, 2026FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)

  14. Mar 16, 2026FloorH30300

    Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

  15. Mar 4, 2026FloorH15000

    Held at the desk.

  16. Mar 4, 2026FloorH14000

    Received in the House.

  17. Mar 4, 2026Floor

    Message on Senate action sent to the House.

  18. Mar 3, 2026Floor

    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S752-756; text: CR S752-756)

  19. Mar 3, 2026Floor17000

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.

  20. Mar 3, 2026IntroReferral10000

    Introduced in Senate

Public LawApr 13, 202649

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.

Passed SenateMar 3, 202655

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

This bill 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 bill 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 bill 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 bill 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.

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act — Informed