SBIR/STTR Application Assistance Act

SBIR/STTR Application Assistance Act would (1) extend the FAST program deadline (allowing it to run through September 30, 2030), and (2) require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide direct assistance to small business concerns in applying to the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs. The bill directs SBA to use this assistance to advance policy directives aimed at increasing participation in SBIR/STTR, including efforts to boost activity in states that historically have received low levels of awards. It also adds explicit outreach requirements to promote participation by researchers at minority institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) in both SBIR and STTR programs, with definitions tied to the Higher Education Act. In short, the bill is about expanding SBA-led help for applicants and strengthening outreach to underrepresented groups and regions.