[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
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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
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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.
____________________