[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 28, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1981]]
 SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1999

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                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 27, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2392, the Small 
Business Innovation Research Program Reauthorization Act of 1999. 
Working with our colleagues on the Small Business Committee, we have 
crafted an authorization bill, which preserves the programs strengths. 
In addition, H.R. 2392 provides for a study of the Small Business 
Innovation Research (SBIR) program. It is our hope to incorporate the 
results and findings of this study in the next reauthorization cycle.
  The SBIR program is an important element in making the unique 
capabilities of small high-tech business available to the Federal 
government. Initiated in 1982, the SBIR program was built upon an 
existing NSF pilot program and now includes the ten federal agencies 
with the largest external research budgets. When the program was 
conceived, it was clear that small business had much to offer federal 
agencies, but were not receiving a proportional share of federal 
research contracts. In essence, they were shut-out of the federal 
research awards process. Through the SBIR we have guaranteed that at 
least 2.5% of agencies' external research dollars are awarded to small 
businesses. This set aside has created progress towards achieving the 
SBIR programs two major goals; providing small high-tech businesses the 
opportunity to meet federal research needs and increasing the number of 
technology based commercial products developed by small business.
  As in any program, however, there is room for improvement. We need to 
ensure that an increasing percentage of SBIR winners go on to be 
commercial successes. And we need to build a better record in helping 
the best SBIR participants join the ranks of federal contractors. I 
will continue to work with my colleagues to address both of these 
concerns.
  In closing, I would like to say that it has been a pleasure working 
with Chairman Sensenbrenner, Chairwoman Morella, and Ranking Member 
Hall as well as our colleagues on the Small Business Committee in 
developing this consensus legislation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2392.

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