Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
Introduced Mar 3, 2026 by Sen. Joni Ernst
Signed into law.
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.
Read the full summary on Congress.govSummary by the Congressional Research Service.
- Apr 13, 2026Became Public Law No: 119-83.
- Apr 13, 2026Signed by President.
- Apr 2, 2026Presented to President.
- Mar 17, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2545-2546)
- Mar 17, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Mar 17, 2026On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 345 - 41 (Roll no. 89).
- Mar 17, 2026Passed/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).
- Mar 16, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3971.
- Mar 16, 2026At 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.
- Mar 16, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2491-2497; text: CR H2491-2495)
- Mar 16, 2026Ms. Van Duyne moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Mar 4, 2026Held at the desk.
- Mar 4, 2026Received in the House.
- Mar 4, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Mar 3, 2026Introduced 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)
- Mar 3, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Voice Vote.
- Mar 3, 2026Introduced in Senate