Bill > HR788

This bill establishes a collaborative research and development framework between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), requiring these agencies to develop a joint memorandum of understanding to advance their shared mission requirements. The bill mandates that the agencies ensure the inclusion of small business concerns in their research activities and allows them to enter into reimbursable agreements with appropriate entities to maximize research effectiveness. They may also collaborate with other federal agencies as needed. Within two years of the bill's enactment, the DOE and SBA must submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing their coordination efforts, potential opportunities for expanding technical capabilities, collaborative research achievements, areas of future mutual success, and plans for continued coordination. The bill specifies that all research activities must be conducted consistent with existing research security guidelines from the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act. Additionally, the bill includes a "cutgo" provision ensuring that no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to implement these collaborative research activities, meaning the agencies must work within existing budget constraints.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/788/all-info