CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

RepublicanAmendment · S.Amdt. 3150· Senate(119-SAMDT-3150)

S.Amdt. 3150

Rep. Ernst
Age: 56 years
Iowa
Introduced
7/30/2025
Sponsored by
Joni Ernst
Cosponsors
None
Changes bill
119-S-2296 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

The INNOVATE Act (Amendment SA 3150) is proposed to be added to bill S. 2296. Its primary purpose is to change how the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are managed, funded, and secured.

The amendment aims to change or add the following to the bill:

Promoting Technology Transition and Funding

  • Creates a strategic breakthrough allocation for agencies with SBIR budgets over $100 million, allowing awards up to $30 million for Phase II projects.
  • Requires funding agreements to be firm fixed-price contracts unless a written determination is made otherwise.
  • Sets new budget percentages for STTR and SBIR expenditures for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.

Expanding Access and Innovation

  • Introduces a Phase 1A program specifically for new entrants who have never received an SBIR or STTR award, with awards up to $40,000.
  • Caps the total value of Phase I and II awards a small business can receive at $75 million, with a non-delegable waiver process for national security purposes.
  • Focuses on increasing participation for small businesses in rural areas and requires agencies to enhance outreach to these communities.
  • Prohibits agencies from considering race, gender, or ethnicity, or requiring diversity plans, when making award decisions.

National Security and Risk Management

  • Defines foreign risk and prohibits awards to businesses with connections to specific entities or individuals on various government watchlists (such as the UFLPA Entity List).
  • Requires applicants to disclose agreements with certain entities, including NewsGuard, Global Disinformation Index, and Internews.
  • Grants agencies authority to recover funds if intellectual property developed with awards is sold or leased to foreign entities or countries of concern.

Administrative Streamlining

  • Updates data collection requirements in the SBIR database and the Federal Procurement Data System.
  • Allows for direct to Phase II awards without a prior Phase I award under certain conditions.
  • Limits the number of proposals a small business can submit to a single solicitation (10) or a single agency per year (25).
  • Extends the authorization for SBIR and STTR programs through 2028.