Sponsors (4)
The bill increases small-business access and DOE–SBA coordination to accelerate commercialization, while relying on existing funds and coordination that may shift costs, slow start-up, or dilute high‑risk research priorities.
Small businesses will gain expanded opportunities to participate in DOE-supported R&D because the bill requires DOE–SBA collaboration and explicitly includes small business concerns.
Researchers and innovators will receive more coordinated funding and technical support from DOE and SBA, which can speed technology development and commercialization.
Taxpayers are protected from new mandatory federal spending because the Act bars additional appropriations to implement it.
Agencies, states, localities, or private recipients could face unfunded costs or resource shortfalls—because the bill bars new appropriations even as it expands joint activities—shifting expenses to taxpayers, state/local governments, or delaying implementation.
Increased interagency coordination required by the bill may add administrative burden and slow program start-up as DOE and SBA negotiate memoranda, procedures, and responsibilities.
Prioritizing inclusion of small businesses could complicate project selection and risk diluting focus on high‑risk, high‑reward research, potentially reducing overall innovation impact.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires DOE and SBA to enter agreements for joint R&D with small-business inclusion and report to Congress within two years, without authorizing new funds.
Requires the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to sign agreements to carry out joint, cross-cutting research and development activities that align with each agency’s mission and to ensure participation by qualified small businesses. The agencies may use reimbursable agreements, collaborate with other federal entities, and must report to Congress within two years on coordination, accomplishments, and future collaboration opportunities. No new funds are authorized to implement the law.
Official title: To provide for Department of Energy and Small Business Administration joint research and development activities, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 28, 2025 by Nicholas LaLota · Last progress February 26, 2025