Bill > HR5212

This bill amends the Small Business Act to allow federal agencies to provide grants or awards to small businesses that have previously received Phase II SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) or STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) awards, enabling these businesses to create fellowship and internship opportunities. These opportunities would be available at various academic levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral, in fields important to the specific federal agency. The bill requires agencies to conduct enhanced outreach to increase participation from women, socially disadvantaged individuals, and economically disadvantaged individuals in these fellowship programs. Agencies can partner with third-party nonprofit organizations with expertise in outreach to support these efforts. Funding for these fellowship programs is limited, with agencies able to use either funds specifically authorized for this purpose or up to three percent of their required SBIR/STTR expenditure funds. The goal is to create more opportunities for diverse participants in scientific and technological research and innovation, leveraging the expertise of small businesses that have already demonstrated success in federal research and development programs.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5212/all-info