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Federal Research: Small Business Innovation Research Shows Success but Can Be Strengthened

RCED-92-37 Published: Mar 30, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 30, 1992.
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Highlights

Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the aggregate commercial trends in Phase III of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
To further the goal of increasing private-sector commercialization, Congress may wish to consider whether DOD should place greater emphasis on commercialization through such means as identifying and selecting dual-use technologies for SBIR awards.
Closed – Implemented
The Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act was passed on October 8, 1992.
To eliminate inconsistent agency practices in requiring competition for federal, non-SBIR-funded follow-on contracts, Congress may wish to consider clarifying whether Phase III activity must comply with the Competition in Contracting Act's (CICA) competitive procedures or whether the competition in the earlier phases of the program satisfies CICA requirements.
Closed – Implemented
The Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act was passed on October 8, 1992.
To avoid misunderstandings between companies and federal agencies, Congress may wish to consider requiring the Administrator, SBA, to issue a policy directive for agencies that are planning to work on a company's SBIR technology after the end of SBIR funding. Such a directive would clarify the circumstances under which it may be appropriate for an agency to continue working with a company through a follow-on, non-SBIR-funded contract.
Closed – Implemented
The Small Business Innovation Development Amendment Act was passed October 8, 1992.

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