SMALL BUSINESS RESEARCH PROGRAMS: Many Agencies' Award Issuances Are Not Timely; Some Practices May Improve Timeliness
Abstract
Federal agencies awarded almost $3 billion in SBIR and STTR awards in fiscal year 2019 to help small businesses develop and commercializetechnologies. Through these two programs, participating agencies solicit proposals at least once a year, review the proposals to determine which small businesses should receive awards, and notify applicants if they will receive an award. Timely issuance of awardsof which there were more than 7,000 in fiscal year 2019can affect the speed with which small businesses receive funds and can begin work, according to SBA. SBAs SBIR/STTR policy directive provides requirements regarding how long participating agencies should take to notify applicants of their decision, as well as recommendations for how long the agencies should take to issue awards. The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 includes a provision for GAO to report annually for 4 years on the timeliness of agencies' proposal reviews and award issuances. This report, the second, examines (1) the timeliness of participating agencies in notifying applicants and issuing SBIR and STTR awards in fiscal year 2019 and (2) practices participating agencies use that are intended to improve timeliness. GAO analyzed award data, reviewed documentation, and interviewed officials from SBA and the 29 agencies participating in the SBIR and STTR programs in fiscal year 2019.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1136607
Entities
People
- Ben Shouse
- Candice Wright
- Diantha Garms
- Jenny Chanley
- Joseph Cook
- Molly Ryan
- Nora Adkins
- Paul Kazemersky
- Robert Letzler
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office