In response to a Congressional mandate, an ad hoc committee will conduct a study of the economic and noneconomic benefits of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the effectiveness of the enabling strategies DoD has employed to enhance the programs. Specifically, and to the extent that data are available, the committee will examine:

1. How the SBIR and STTR programs have stimulated technological innovation and engaged small businesses to meet federal research and development needs, including (a) the economic and noneconomic benefits achieved by the SBIR and STTR programs over the life of the programs; (b) the role of the SBIR and STTR programs in meeting DoD procurement needs; and (c) challenges to, and opportunities for, the incorporation of SBIR and STTR-supported companies and technologies into DoD programs.
2. The effectiveness of the STTR program in stimulating new collaborations between small businesses and research institutions; potential barriers to the creation of such collaborations, particularly with academic institutions that primarily serve minority populations; and mechanisms to encourage such collaborations.
3. The effectiveness of the STTR program at transferring technology and capabilities developed through federal funding.
4. Challenges to, and the effectiveness of, DoD outreach to potential applicants and assistance to applicants, especially those applying for the first time or from socially and economically disadvantaged groups or underserved states, and an analysis of award levels and outcomes with respect to these demographic groups.
5. A review of application and award procedures and their effectiveness in meeting DoD mission needs and SBIR/STTR legislative objectives.
6. The role and effectiveness of support for awardees, such as Discretionary Technical and Business Assistance and programs to connect small businesses with prime contractors.
7. The impact of statutory changes in the programs’ requirements over time, including restrictions on the number of awards and/or award sizes.

The committee will determine appropriate metrics to measure impact in the context of the Department of Defense, given national security considerations and any specific needs of the department. The committee will conduct a public workshop to facilitate the development of recurring, quantifiable metrics for measuring the ability of the SBIR and STTR programs to deliver products and services that meet DoD’s mission needs, and a proceedings of this public workshop will be prepared by a designated rapporteur. Based on its analysis of available data, the committee will produce a consensus report with its findings and recommendations.