Five-year extension for innovative federal R&D programs is good news for photonics, say SPIE leaders

A proposed five-year extension for programs strengthening the role of innovative U.S.-owned and operated small businesses in federally funded research and development is welcome news for the photonics community, say leaders of SPIE.

As part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compromise agreement finalized today between the House and Senate, a five-year extension of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at all agencies was included within report language, the Senate Small Business Committee announced today.

“While SBIR and STTR do not expire until Fiscal Year 2017, Congress’ actions now ensure stability for the programs for several years,” said SPIE Government Affairs Director Jennifer Douris.

NDAA is expected to be passed in the House of Representatives and Senate in the coming days, Douris said. Earlier attempts to reauthorize the programs against a deadline had created the threat of a shutdown or a string of stop-gap measures.