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SBA reviews its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program policy directives regularly to determine areas that need updating and further clarification. On November 7, 2014, SBA issued an advance notice of policy directive amendments and request for comments at 77 FR 66342. SBA explained that it intended to update the directives on a regular basis and to restructure and reorganize the directives, as well as address certain policy issues relating to SBIR and STTR data rights and Phase III work. In this ANPRM, SBA outlined what it believed were the issues concerning data rights and Phase III awards and requested feedback on several questions posed. The comments SBA received were generally in agreement that the sections of the directives relating to data rights and Phase III awards need further clarification. 

SBA is proposing clarification of the issues relating to both programs concerning data rights, Phase III awards, and miscellaneous issues such as benchmarks to commercialization achievement and the calculation of extramural budget. SBA is also proposing to amend both the SBIR and STTR policy directives by combining the two directives into one because the general structure of both programs is the same.  

Statement of Need:

It is necessary to update the data rights, Phase III preference, benchmark sections, and clarify how agencies calculate extramural budget due to numerous inquiries and requests for clarification received from SBIR and STTR Program Managers and small businesses regarding these issues.  Requests for clarification indicate that there is confusion among participating agencies and small business concerns regarding these policy issues. It is necessary to combine the Policy Directives to increase ease of use and to reduce duplicity, as much of the language in the current Directives is identical for both programs. The clarifications and consolidation will provide clearer guidance and uniformity of these sections of the Policy Directive, and are necessary to enhance the efficient implementation of the programs.  

Summary of the Legal Basis:

Section 9(j) and (p) of the Small Business Act, codified at 15 U.S.C. 638(j) & (p) requires SBA to issue directives to the SBIR/STTR participating agencies to simplify and standardize program proposals, selections, contracting, compliance, and audit procedures, while allowing the participating agencies flexibility in the operation of their individual programs. 

Alternatives:

If SBA does not amend the Policy Directives, the participating agencies and small business concerns will continue to need additional guidance and clarification regarding the implementation of data rights, Phase III awards, and the commercialization benchmarks. 

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

The consolidation and revision of the SBIR/STTR Policy Directive is essential to the efficient implementation of the respective programs. There may be some costs associated with the consolidation and revision of the Policy Directives, such as updating current resource materials to reflect the clarifications and consolidation to one document; however, SBA anticipates such costs are not burdensome.

Risks:

None identified.