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ARTICLE · 20 APRIL 2026

SBIR/STTR Programs Reauthorized After Six-Month Lapse

Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
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The Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act of 2026 introduces significant changes to the SBIR and STTR programs, including a new strategic breakthrough award category worth up to $30 million, enhanced national security screening requirements, and agency-specific proposal submission limits.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
John E. McCarthy Jr.
John E. McCarthy Jr.
Jonathan M. Baker
Jonathan M. Baker
Olivia Lynch
Olivia Lynch
Michael E. Samuels
Michael E. Samuels
Allison Skager
Allison Skager

What You Need to Know

Key takeaway #1

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs were reauthorized on April 13, 2026 after a six-month lapse in authorization.

Key takeaway #2

The reauthorization act introduces a new Phase II “strategic breakthrough” funding vehicle with a $30 million ceiling, increased foreign risk screening, and updates to program administration and oversight.

Key takeaway #3

As an attempted fix to the purported “SBIR Mill” problem, beginning in fiscal year 2027, federal agencies will set their own proposal caps that will place limits on the number of proposals that businesses can submit for Phase I and Phase II opportunities on a per-company, per-solicitation, or per-topic basis.

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