SBIR/STTR Pilot Extension Act

This bill keeps key small business research pilot programs running longer and opens them up across more federal agencies. It extends “Direct to Phase II” awards through 2030 and lets every agency that runs an SBIR program use them, not just NIH, Defense, and Education. Agencies can spend up to 10% of their SBIR funds on these awards, while NIH can spend up to 15%. Agencies that use this authority must report how many awards they made and for how much.

It also extends the commercialization readiness program for civilian agencies through fiscal year 2030, and keeps two pilot programs—the Phase 0 proof-of-concept partnership program and the commercialization assistance pilots—going until September 30, 2030.

Key points

• Who is affected: Small businesses seeking SBIR/STTR support and federal agencies that run SBIR programs; NIH has a higher spending cap for these awards.
• What changes: “Direct to Phase II” runs through 2030 and is available to all SBIR agencies; caps are 10% for most agencies and 15% for NIH; agencies must report their use.
• When: Through fiscal year 2030 for the readiness program, and until September 30, 2030 for the Phase 0 and commercialization assistance pilots.