SBIR/STTR Programs Revived with Some Notable Changes

SOURCE: MOFO

The Senate has finally reached an agreement to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) and Small Business Technology Transfer (“STTR”) programs after a five‑month lapse and significant uncertainty about the future of the programs.

On March 3, 2026, the Senate passed the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (the “Act”), which, if enacted, will reauthorize the SBIR/STTR programs for another five years, through September 30, 2031. In light of the lapse, the Act also permits federal agencies to roll forward leftover SBIR/STTR funds at the end of fiscal year 2026 into 2027.

The Act reflects a compromise that stops well short of the more aggressive reforms that were in consideration. Still, it implements meaningful changes to the SBIR/STTR programs, including security and program oversight measures and a new higher-value option for Phase II awards.

Learn more at MOFO