Number: RS22865
Title: The Small Business Innovation Research Program: Reauthorization Efforts
Authors: Wendy H. Schacht, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1982, P.L. 97-219, created Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs within the major federal research and development (R&D) agencies. This effort was intended to increase participation of small innovative companies in federally funded R&D. Government agencies with extramural R&D budgets of $100 million or more are required to set aside a portion of these funds to support research and development in small businesses through the SBIR program. The original act has been extended several times and is currently scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2008. A bill to reauthorize and amend the program, H.R. 5819, passed the House on April 23, 2008. In the Senate, S. 3362, which also reauthorizes and amends the SBIR activity, was reported from the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on August 22, 2008.
Pages: 6
Date: September 2, 2008