[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 7 (Monday, January 14, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H524-H526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         STIMULATING INNOVATION THROUGH PROCUREMENT ACT OF 2019

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 246) to amend the Small Business Act to require senior 
procurement executives, procurement center representatives, and the 
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to assist small 
business concerns participating in the Small Business Innovation 
Research Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program, 
and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                H.R. 246

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Stimulating Innovation 
     through Procurement Act of 2019''.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SENIOR PROCUREMENT EXECUTIVE.

       Section 9(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (12)(B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (13)(B), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(13) the term `senior procurement executive' means an 
     official designated under section 1702(c) of title 41, United 
     States Code, as the senior procurement executive of a Federal 
     agency participating in a SBIR or STTR program.''.

     SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF SENIOR PROCUREMENT EXECUTIVES IN SBIR 
                   AND STTR.

       (a) In General.--Section 9(b) of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 638(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(10) to coordinate, where appropriate, with the senior 
     procurement executive of the relevant Federal agency to 
     assist small business concerns participating in a SBIR or 
     STTR program with commercializing research developed under 
     such a program before such small business concern is awarded 
     a contract from such Federal agency.''.
       (b) Technical Amendment.--Section 9(b)(3) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(b)(3)) is amended by striking 
     ``and'' at the end.

     SEC. 4. MODIFICATIONS RELATING TO PROCUREMENT CENTER 
                   REPRESENTATIVES AND OTHER ACQUISITION 
                   PERSONNEL.

       (a) SBIR Amendment.--Section 9(j) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 638(j)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following new paragraph:
       ``(4) Modifications relating to procurement center 
     representatives.--Upon the enactment of this paragraph, the 
     Administrator shall modify the policy directives issued 
     pursuant to this subsection to require procurement center 
     representatives (as described in section 15(l)) to assist 
     small business concerns participating in the SBIR program 
     with researching solicitations for the award of a Federal 
     contract (particularly with the Federal agency that has a 
     funding agreement with the concern) and to provide technical 
     assistance to such concerns to submit a bid for an award of a 
     Federal contract. The procurement center representatives 
     shall coordinate with the appropriate senior procurement 
     executive and the appropriate Director of the Office of Small 
     and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant 
     to section 15(k) for the agency letting the contract.''.
       (b) STTR Amendment.--Section 9(p)(2) of the Small Business 
     Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (E)(ii), by striking ``and'' at the 
     end;
       (2) in subparagraph (F), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
       ``(G) procedures to ensure that procurement center 
     representatives (as described in section 15(l))--
       ``(i) assist small business concerns participating in the 
     STTR program with researching applicable solicitations for 
     the award of a Federal contract (particularly with the 
     Federal agency that has a funding agreement with the 
     concern);
       ``(ii) provide technical assistance to such concerns to 
     submit a bid for an award of a Federal contract; and
       ``(iii) coordinate with the appropriate senior procurement 
     executive and the appropriate Director of the Office of Small 
     and Disadvantaged Business Utilization established pursuant 
     to section 15(k) for the Federal agency letting the contract 
     in providing the assistance described in clause (i).''.

     SEC. 5. AMENDMENT TO DUTIES OF PROCUREMENT CENTER 
                   REPRESENTATIVES.

       Section 15(l)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     644(l)(2)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (I), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) by redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (L); 
     and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (I) the following new 
     subparagraphs:
       ``(J) assist small business concerns participating in a 
     SBIR or STTR program under section 9 with researching 
     applicable solicitations for the award of a Federal contract 
     to market the research developed by such concern under such 
     SBIR or STTR program;
       ``(K) provide technical assistance to small business 
     concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program under 
     section 9 to submit a bid for an award of a Federal contract, 
     including coordination with the appropriate senior 
     procurement executive and the appropriate Director of the 
     Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
     established pursuant to subsection (k) for the agency letting 
     the contract; and''.

     SEC. 6. AMENDMENT TO THE DUTIES OF THE DIRECTOR OF SMALL AND 
                   DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS UTILIZATION FOR FEDERAL 
                   AGENCIES.

       Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644(k)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (19), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (2) in paragraph (20), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting a semicolon; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
       ``(21) shall assist small business concerns participating 
     in a SBIR or STTR program under section 9 with researching 
     applicable solicitations for the award of a Federal contract 
     (particularly with the Federal agency that has a funding 
     agreement, as defined under section 9, with the concern) to 
     market the research developed by such concern under such SBIR 
     or STTR program; and
       ``(22) shall provide technical assistance to small business 
     concerns participating in a SBIR or STTR program under 
     section 9 to submit a bid for an award of a Federal contract, 
     including coordination with procurement center 
     representatives and the appropriate senior procurement 
     executive for the agency letting the contract.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New York (Ms. Velazquez) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 246, the Stimulating 
Innovation Through Procurement Act of 2019.
  For more than 30 years, the Small Business Innovation Research and 
Small Business Technology Transfer programs, or SBIR and STTR programs 
as we call them, have provided a critical source of funding to small 
businesses that engage in research and development.

                              {time}  1615

  The result is higher rates of business formation and job creation, 
something we can all be proud of.
  For the U.S. economy, the SBIR and STTR programs are important to 
employment in scientific and technical fields. Initially, companies 
must hire individuals to carry out the research

[[Page H525]]

and development. If research is commercialized, however, sustainable 
jobs can be created as products are moved to market.
  This ingenuity is what makes America a global economic powerhouse. 
Since its establishment, these programs have helped launch tens of 
thousands of successful research projects in a wide variety of 
industries. Yet, small, high-growth firms often face a disconnect when 
attempting to transfer their SBIR technologies to precision programs.
  Today's measure, H.R. 246, bridges this gap and aids small business 
concerns in commercializing their technology when obtaining government 
contracts. Statutorily amending the role of acquisition personnel to 
assist companies in the SBIR and STTR programs levels the playing field 
for innovative businesses competing in the Federal marketplace.
  Closing this gap doesn't just help our government secure the best 
technologies and ideas; it grows our local communities where many small 
SBIR- and STTR-funded firms operate.
  I applaud the bipartisanship of Ms. Finkenauer, a freshman Member of 
Congress, and Mr. Curtis in their efforts to increase participation of 
small, innovative companies within the Federal marketplace by 
guaranteeing them the same assistance other small firms receive from 
contracting officers.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 246, the Stimulating 
Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019.
  I would like to thank the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis) and the 
gentlewoman from Iowa (Ms. Finkenauer) for their efforts on this 
important legislation.
  This bill continues the committee's longstanding emphasis on the 
commercialization of technologies developed in the Small Business 
Innovation Research, or SBIR program.
  The bill does this by incorporating acquisition personnel into the 
SBIR and the Small Business Technology Transfer, STTR, programs where 
appropriate. Under the bill, procurement center representatives, or 
PCRs, would be required to coordinate and collaborate with Federal 
agency small business advocates and are responsible for providing small 
businesses with technical assistance as they navigate the bidding 
process. Doing so would give small firms a better understanding of the 
government contracting process and increases their chances of success.
  The SBIR and STTR programs are often the first place innovative, 
small firms look in order to contract with the Federal Government. 
Unfortunately, it is often difficult for a firm, particularly a new 
firm, to understand the ins and outs of working with the Federal 
Government. It can be quite complex.
  Providing a new avenue for counseling by utilizing the national 
network of PCRs will help pioneering, small firms better prepare their 
proposals for the SBIR and STTR programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the bill, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Iowa (Ms. Finkenauer), the author of this legislation.
  Ms. FINKENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, H.R. 246, 
the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019.
  My bill helps small businesses compete for government contracts and 
research grants and gives them the opportunity to grow and innovate.
  I grew up in a small town in northeast Iowa, and I am proud to 
represent communities like mine in Congress. The Iowans I know want to 
be able to stay and build a life in the communities that raised them. I 
am proud to introduce legislation that will give the next generation of 
Iowans opportunities to innovate in our State.
  Too often, small businesses, especially rural ones, get locked out of 
the competition for government contracts and grants. This bill ensures 
that agency procurement officers will be more directly involved in this 
process, helping small businesses pursue research that lets them 
compete for these opportunities.
  H.R. 246 requires procurement center representatives and other 
contracting officials to assist small businesses in the Small Business 
Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. 
Making this a statutory mandate levels the playing field for our small 
businesses, ensuring they won't be at a disadvantage during the bidding 
process.
  It means that when a small business owner in Marion or Manly, Iowa 
has a great idea that will create jobs in our communities, our 
government is actually making it easier, not harder, for them to grow 
and innovate. When Congress supports small businesses, it strengthens 
communities like mine in northeast Iowa.
  I thank my colleague and cosponsor, Congressman Curtis, and I thank 
Chairwoman Velazquez for her support and leadership of innovative small 
businesses.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this legislation.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Utah 
(Mr. Curtis), who is our chief sponsor of this legislation.
  Mr. CURTIS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Chabot. I rise in 
support of H.R. 246, the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act 
of 2019. I am pleased to lead as an original coauthor and thank Ms. 
Finkenauer for her collaboration and effort on this important 
legislation.
  Much of the country's success can be attributed to pioneering 
individuals and small companies, folks wh have discovered a problem and 
developed an efficient, cost-effective solution. Innovation, research, 
and advancement in technology are our major drivers in today's 
postmodern world, and it is critical that we continue promoting the 
development of new and advanced technologies.

  I am proud that in my home State of Utah we foster a thriving tech 
hub and innovation marketplace where the tech industry grew last year 
faster than any other State in the Nation. But there is still more work 
to be done in Utah and across the country.
  This bill reinforces my commitment to small business success by 
stimulating technology innovation through the Small Business Innovation 
Research, or SBIR program.
  Through adding critical acquisition personnel into SBIR and Small 
Business Technology Transfer programs, this legislation will ensure 
these small businesses have a voice in the procurement process and can 
compete on a level playing field and have a chance at success. It adds 
zero cost to the taxpayer.
  This bill is a commonsense, forward-leaning bill that protects 
Federal investment into innovation and technology research by small 
businesses and helps these innovators succeed.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Utah again for his 
leadership on this, and thank the gentlewoman from Iowa as well, and, 
as always, thank the chairwoman, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. 
Velazquez).
  This straightforward legislation directs PCRs and senior procurement 
executives in agencies to assist small businesses in the SBIR and STTR 
programs.
  Such assistance could be in the form of researching applicable 
solicitations, providing technical assistance when bidding for 
contracts, or coordinating with appropriate agency procurement 
officials.
  The House passed identical legislation unanimously as part of a 
larger package last Congress, and we recommend passage of this bill 
again this year.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan 
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentlewoman from Iowa (Ms. 
Finkenauer) and the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Curtis) for introducing 
today's bill to spur increased contracting activity in the SBIR and 
STTR programs.
  The SBIR program has helped thousands of small, innovative firms with 
good ideas to compete for Federal research and development awards. 
Their

[[Page H526]]

success has a proven record in a diverse range of fields, including: 
defense, health, energy, and technology.
  H.R. 246, the Stimulating Innovation through Procurement Act of 2019, 
enables more SBIR and STTR businesses to reach their potential. It 
directs procurement center representatives and senior procurement 
executives in agencies to assist small business concerns in the SBIR 
and STTR programs, and coordinates with appropriate agency procurement 
officials.
  This bill will open the Federal marketplace to more small, high-
growth companies through increased technical assistance and advocacy, 
ensuring our country remains a leader in innovation.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 246.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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