The SBTC opposes the House SBIR bill, which would radically alter the nature of the SBIR program. We instead support the Senate bill, which would keep the program largely the same.
Permitting VC firms to have more than 50 percent control of the SBIR small companies completely changes the program.
As it has stood for 26 years, the SBIR program was the only level playing field for the very smallest companies. With 25-page limits on the proposals and a technology peer review it permitted the small companies to compete. If the House Committee proposal is incorporated in the SBIR program, the well-funded VC-owned companies will have the advantage of their lobbyists and large marketing departments to influence the outcome of the awards.
Original Article: Why SBTC Prefers the Senate SBIR Bill
