Section 5 of the Policy Directive provides guidance on the program solicitation process. SBA did not make substantive changes to this section. In addition, SBA received few comments on this section. One commenter stated its support for the concept of uniform applications and standards. SBA notes that the Policy Directive provides instructions designed to achieve the maximum consistency practicable among the SBIR agencies.

Another commenter stated that electronic commerce techniques may be utilized for soliciting, receiving, evaluating and awarding SBIR contracts and the Policy Directive should address this. SBA notes that the Policy Directive leaves the identification of and instructions for compliance with these techniques to each agency in the presentation of its solicitation.