SBIR Policy Directive 2012
III. Amendments A. Section 1--Purpose [Updated 8/6/12] Section 5144 of the Reauthorization Act requires SBA to issue regulations or guidelines to simplify the application and award process. The Reauthorization Act requires SBA to issue such guidelines or regulations after an opportunity for notice and public comment. The regulations or guidelines must take into consideration the unique needs of each Federal agency, yet ensure that program proposal, selection, contracting, compliance, and audit procedures are simplified and standardized across participating agencies. This includes reducing the paperwork and regulatory compliance burden on small business concerns applying to and participating in the SBIR Program. SBA has amended the directive to fulfill this statutory requirement to simplify and standardize the proposal, selection, contracting, compliance, and audit procedures for the SBIR program to the extent practicable while allowing the SBIR agencies flexibility in the operation of their individual SBIR Programs. Wherever possible, SBA has attempted to reduce the paperwork and regulatory compliance burden on SBCs applying to and participating in the SBIR Program while still meeting the statutory reporting and data collection requirements. For example, as discussed later in this notice, SBA has created a program data management system for collecting and storing application information that will be utilized by all SBIR agencies. SBA requests comments on other ways it can simplify and standardize these requirements. Specifically, SBA requests comments on ways to simplify and improve the application process, including streamlining that process.
unofficial copy annotated by Zyn Systems |