Proposed SBIR Policy Directive Warrants Close Examination

Editor's Note and Commentary: The changes proposed by the Small Business Administration for the policy directive governing the administration of the $1.2 billion federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program are substantial. Some of the controversial changes proposed include blending STTR and SBIR dollars during Phase II, allowing agencies greater flexibility in setting award sizes, and creating the opportunity for impropriety in award selection. Public comment on the draft changes will be accepted by the SBA until June 18, 2001.



SSTI would like to commend the SBA Office of Technology for its receptivity over the past several months to input on issues relating to the SBIR Program, including addressing nearly all concerns raised by state tech-based economic development practitioners in the design of the new Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST). Those who have been involved even tangentially in the SBIR Program since the early 1980s should recognize the SBA SBIR Office's new openness is unprecedented and most likely reflects directly upon its current leadership, Mr. Maurice Swinton.



We are encouraged also to see that openness extended to offering the public a chance to comment on the new SBIR policy directive. We hope that upon review of the comments on the directive, once submitted, the SBA will demonstrate the same receptivity to incorporating constructive input that was shown during the FAST program design.



Because, in our opinion, the directive as proposed warrants considerable revision.



Due to the controversial nature of the changes proposed, SSTI diverged from regular editorial policy by asking three outside experts -- Chris Busch (MT), Bob Kispert (MA) and Patrick Brown (MS) -- if we could publish their comments on the policy directive for our readers to review. They agreed and their detailed comments can be found at http://www.ssti.org/Digest/Tables/060801t2.htm

SSTI strongly encourages all parties interested in receiving research funds through the program or individuals involved in SBIR outreach and assistance to review the draft (available at http://www.ssti.org/Digest/Tables/051801t2.htm ), consider the implications of the provisions included, and send your comments before June 18, 2001 to:



Maurice Swinton, Assistant Administrator for Technology, Office of Technology, Office of Policy, Planning, and Liaison, Office of Government Contracting/Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW, Washington, DC 20416 or via email to technology@sba.gov