S. 3971: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.
Overview
| Congress | 119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026) |
|---|---|
| Type | Senate bill (S.) |
| Originating chamber | Senate |
| Introduced | 2026-03-03 |
| Sponsor | Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA] |
| Policy area | Commerce |
| Cosponsors | 1 |
| Latest action | 2026-04-13 — Became Public Law No: 119-83. |
| Last updated | 2026-07-30 |
Summary
Official summary (Passed Senate, 2026-03-03):
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2031 and modifies the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, and related pilot programs. (The SBIR and STTR programs are administered by various federal agencies and provide competitive awards for domestic small businesses to conduct research and development projects that have the potential for commercialization.)
Specifically, the bill expands the requirements for federal agencies administering these programs to evaluate the security risks of the small businesses that apply for awards under the programs. If an agency denies an application for security reasons, the agency must provide the small business with the basis for such determination.
Further, each agency must set a maximum number of proposals per fiscal year that a small business concern may submit in response to Phase I and Phase II solicitations.
The bill expands the training requirements for agencies' contracting officers and acquisition workforce with respect to Phase III (commercialization of technologies) awards under the SBIR and STTR programs.
The bill also establishes strategic breakthrough allocations for critical technology areas. These are additional Phase II SBIR and STTR awards to small businesses that demonstrate an effective technology and receive matching funds.
Cosponsors (1)
| Name | Party / state |
|---|---|
| Edward J. Markey | D MA (original cosponsor) 2026-03-03 |
Full text & official record
The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 3971 are published by Congress on congress.gov.
View S. 3971 on congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What is S. 3971?
S. 3971 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act.
Where can I read the full bill text?
The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 3971 are available on congress.gov.
Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).