LEGISLATION/S. 3971

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act

119-S-3971119th CongressIntroduced Mar 3, 2026Commerce

Market Probability

No market

Status

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Other Chamber

Signed

Presented to President.

Sponsor

Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA](R-IA)

1 cosponsor

Summary

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.

Subjects

Advanced technology and technological innovationsAsiaChinaComputer security and identity theftComputers and information technologyData collection, sharing, protectionGovernment lending and loan guaranteesIntellectual propertyMilitary assistance, sales, and agreementsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementResearch administration and fundingResearch and developmentSmall Business AdministrationSmall businessSubversive activitiesTechnology assessmentTechnology transfer and commercialization

Actions (16)

Presented to President.

Apr 2, 2026House floor actions

Presented to President.

Apr 2, 2026Library of Congress

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

Mar 17, 2026House floor actions

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 17, 2026House floor actionsRECORDED VOTE

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).

Mar 17, 2026Library of CongressRECORDED VOTE

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

Mar 17, 2026House floor actions

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.

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

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

Mar 16, 2026House floor actions

Held at the desk.

Mar 4, 2026House floor actions

Received in the House.

Mar 4, 2026House floor actions

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Mar 4, 2026Senate

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)

Mar 3, 2026Senate

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

Mar 3, 2026Library of Congress

Introduced in Senate

Mar 3, 2026Library of Congress

← All legislation API →