What can you do to help get the SBIR program reauthorized? Plenty! And, you are the only ones who can make this happen with the correct results.

The Department of Defense (DOD) SBIR program was reauthorized until Sept. 30, 2010 in an unprecedented action by the House and Senate Armed Services Committees – however, it will be modified with the reauthorization of the rest of the program.

The remainder of the program is under negotiation between the House and Senate Small Business Committees and is operating under a Continuing Resolution until Jan. 31, 2010.

The differences between the Senate position and the House is that the House favors: (a) providing considerably more access for VC control of SBIR companies; (b) much larger Phase I and Phase II awards; (c) allowing some awards to go directly to large Phase II contracts, bypassing the Phase I competition; and (d) reauthorizing the program for only 2 years instead of the Senate’s 14 years.

SBTC believes that the House position will dramatically change the program from a small-business program with a level playing field for the smallest companies to one that favors larger, well-funded companies with lobbyists and large marketing departments.

Now, what can you do? Congress will be in recess shortly for the rest of this year. Your Representatives will be in their home offices and it is a perfect time for you to visit them. Included in this newsletter you'll find some talking points that you can copy and take to this meeting. Even better, invite them to your company to meet and speak to your staff. They are always pleased to have an opportunity to listen and spread their message to constituents.

Remember, they have to win reelection next year.

Jere W. Glover