As previous
reported both the Senate and House have passed bills reauthorizing both the
SBIR and STTR programs. However, there
are significant differences in the two bills.
Unlike last year, the House appears more willing to compromise with the
Senate. Reports are that “good faith”
negotiations are ongoing. Due to
procedural rules, a deal must be reached by next Tuesday, July 28th,
for the bill to obtain final approval by both the House and the Senate before
the July 31st expiration of the current Continuing Resolution. So we are down to the wire again, but hopeful
that a reasonable bill will be passed and everyone will know what the rules are
going forward. Stay tuned for the final
results!