Rep. John Curtis (R-UT) and Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA) released the following statements after their bill, H.R. 246, the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019 passed the House of Representatives. The bipartisan legislation will bring federal investment to small businesses in rural America. Congressman Curtis spoke on the House floor this afternoon, championing the bill. For full text and video, click here.
“I am proud that my home state of Utah has fostered a thriving tech hub and innovation marketplace, where the tech industry grew faster last year than any other state in the nation,” said Curtis. “But there is still more work to be done there and across the country. This bill reinforces my commitment to small business success by stimulating technological innovation through the Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR program. I was pleased to work with Rep. Abby Finkenauer to create this legislation that will ensure these small businesses have a voice in the procurement process and can compete on a level playing field to have a chance at success.”“I’m proud to pass bipartisan legislation with Congressman Curtis that will give the next generation of Iowans opportunities to innovate, especially in the rural areas we represent,” said Finkenauer. “I’m looking forward to continuing to reach across the aisle to deliver results for hardworking Iowa families.”Background
To help put innovative small firms on the map, Congress created the Small Business Innovative Research program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These initiatives provide capital and other support to allow small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the goal of commercialization.
The bill would help more small businesses access the SBIR and STTR programs, especially in rural communities. Specifically, the bill would require acquisition personnel to conduct outreach so more small firms can benefit from the SBIR and STTR programs.
