Rep. Latimer Introduces Legislation to Bolster Small Business Innovators

The BCW is laser-focused on helping small businesses thrive in the county, which aligns our organization with U.S. Congressman George Latimer’s (D-Westchester) proposed legislation to sustain two government programs that are essential drivers of commercialization for small businesses across New York.

The SBIR Administrative Funding Act seeks to secure the long-term viability of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known collectively as “America’s Seed Fund.”

The SBIR and STTR programs require federal agencies to allocate a portion of their research and development budgets to small businesses. However, the statutory authority for these programs expired on September 30.

Rep. Latimer’s bill seeks to bridge this gap by extending the administrative funding allowance through September 30, 2030, and increasing the funding cap from 3% to 3.3%.

“Small businesses in Westchester County and the Bronx are on the cutting edge of research, development, and innovation,” said Congressman Latimer, a member of the House Committee on Small Business. “The SBIR Administrative Funding Act will facilitate long-term agency planning and coordinate shared goals to optimize resources and mitigate duplication.”

Beyond mere extension, the proposed legislation introduces rigorous new requirements for federal agencies. It eliminates the current outreach and technical assistance waiver, mandating that all agencies conduct enhanced outreach to socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses and those in states with historically low award levels. Additionally, the five largest participating agencies, including the Department of Defense and NASA, would be required to transfer at least 10% of their administrative funds to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to centralize program management.

By strengthening the administrative framework, the proposed legislation aims to accelerate award processes and fraud prevention. As Congress moves toward a broader reauthorization of these programs, Latimer’s bill provides the necessary infrastructure to ensure small businesses in sectors from healthcare to aviation continue to lead in global innovation.