SBDC Advisor Newsletter Fall 2008 – Congress Working on Improvements to Small Business Innovation Research Bill



	in this issue SBDC News & Information SBDC Helps Researcher Gain $3.5 Million to Develop Power Packs Consultant Profile: George Boehm How to Thrive in an Economic Downturn Results of SBDC’s Defense Assistance Felt Ten Years Later Food Businesses Require Prep Time to Succeed Steps to Start a Specialty Food Business Capitol Views SPECIAL ISSUE: Presidential Candidates Forum Congress Working on Improvements to Small Business Innovation Research Bill Awards Events Educational Programs First Step Workshops Educational Programs Want More? Get the Advisor in your Inbox Download PDF SBDC Services Return on Investment	Congress Working on Improvements to Small Business Innovation Research Bill Value of Small Business Development Centers to Technology Development Noted Congressman Christopher P. Carney (PA-10) Congress is working to pass the SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2008, a bill to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for the next 14 years. Federal agencies with an annual extramural research and development budget of over $100 million are required to allocate 2.5 percent of their extramural R&D dollars to the SBIR program. Currently, 11 agencies have SBIR programs. Since its inception in 1982, the SBIR program has resulted in many successes. Approximately 1 in 4 SBIR projects results in the sale of new commercial products or processes. The bill increases the SBIR allocation by a percentage point for most SBIR agencies and doubles the STTR allocation of extramural research and development budgets for all STTR agencies. It also includes an amendment passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, thanks to efforts led by Congressman Christopher P. Carney (PA-10), to help small businesses develop the capacity to deliver technology commercialization services. Specifically, the amendment encourages the US Small Business Administration to view favorably small business grant applicants that utilize technology-accredited Small Business Development Centers, such as the 18 university- and college-based Pennsylvania SBDC network.
	“Small businesses are the heart of America,” said Congressman Carney. “This amendment will increase our technological competitiveness in the global marketplace. I’ve traveled across our district and seen firsthand what technology can do, from the cryogenic lasers at Snake Creek Lasers in Hallstead to Bucknell University’s unmanned ground vehicles. Small businesses are leading the way, and Congress must do all we can to support them.” Congressman Carney’s amendment passed unanimously with a voice vote. For updates on the bill, visit http://sbc.senate.gov.