SBIR/STTR Innovation Workforce Act
Summary
The SBIR/STTR Innovation Workforce Act aims to amend the Small Business Act, specifically section 9, to allow federal agencies to provide grants or awards to small businesses that have received Phase II SBIR or STTR awards. These grants would support fellowship and internship opportunities at various academic levels.
The bill emphasizes enhanced outreach to increase participation of women, socially disadvantaged individuals, and economically disadvantaged individuals in these opportunities. It also allows agencies to partner with nonprofit organizations to facilitate this outreach.
Funding for these fellowships would come from existing SBIR/STTR program funds, with a limit of three percent for agencies not using specific subsection (mm) authority.
Expected Effects
This act will likely increase the availability of fellowships and internships within small businesses that are already engaged in innovative research and development through the SBIR/STTR programs. It will also promote diversity and inclusion within these fields by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups.
Federal agencies will be able to use a portion of their existing SBIR/STTR funds to support these workforce development initiatives. This could lead to a shift in how these funds are allocated, potentially impacting other aspects of the SBIR/STTR programs.
Small businesses may benefit from access to a more diverse and skilled workforce, while students and researchers from underrepresented groups will gain valuable experience and career opportunities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased opportunities for students and researchers, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
- Potential for a more diverse and skilled workforce within small businesses engaged in innovative research.
- Enhanced collaboration between federal agencies, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations.
- Support for fields important to federal agencies, fostering innovation and development.
- Encourages a more inclusive innovation ecosystem.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential shift in funding allocation within SBIR/STTR programs, possibly affecting other research and development activities.
- Administrative burden for federal agencies in managing the fellowship programs and partnerships.
- Risk that the outreach efforts may not be as effective as intended, failing to significantly increase participation from underrepresented groups.
- Limited funding available for fellowships (up to 3% of existing funds) may restrict the scope and impact of the program.
- Possible competition for funding among small businesses, potentially favoring those with more resources or experience in grant applications.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the spirit of promoting the general welfare (Preamble) by supporting education and workforce development. Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8), which includes supporting small businesses and promoting innovation.
The emphasis on outreach to women and socially/economically disadvantaged individuals could be seen as an effort to promote equal opportunity, although the Constitution does not explicitly mandate such programs. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the constitutionality of earmarking funds for specific demographic groups has been debated, though the bill aims to increase participation rather than setting quotas.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).