The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program was originally established in 1982 by the Small BusinessInnovation Development Act (P.L.

97-219), codified at 15 U.S.C.

§ 63 8. It was then expanded and extended by theSmall Business Research and Development Enhancement Act of

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1992 (P.L.

102-564) and received subsequentreauthorization and extensions, the most recent of which extends the SBIR program through 202 5. (P.L.117-183).Each Federal agency with an extramural budget for Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) in excess of$100,000,000 must participate in the SBIR program and spend (obligate) a minimum percentage of theirextramural R/R&D budgets (obligations) of not less than 3. 2% of such budget in fiscal year 2017 and for thepercentage required by statute for each fiscal year after for awards to small business concerns (SBCs) for R/R&Dunder the SBIR program.

The objectives of the SBIR program are to:
stimulate technological innovation in theprivate sector; strengthen the role of small business in meeting Federal R&D needs; foster and encourageparticipation by businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons and women-owned SBCsin technological innovation; and increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from federalR&D funding.Fostering diversity by encouraging the participation of individuals from nationally underrepresented groups inthe scientific research workforce is a longstanding interest of Congress, and a key component of NOAA’scommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (e.g., Public Law 114-329, American Innovation andCompetitiveness Act of 2017, and https://techpartnerships.noaa.gov/abouttpo/dei-statement/).

Increasingparticipation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses is critical to thesuccess of the SBIR program.