To: The Small Business Innovation Research Program Directors.

Subject: Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2000 (Reauthorization Act)--Amendments to the Small Business Innovation Research Program.

1. Purpose. Section 9(j)(3) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(j)(3)) (as amended by Public Law 106-554) requires the Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to modify its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program Policy Directive, issued for the general conduct of the SBIR Program.

2. Authority. This Policy Directive is issued pursuant to 15 U.S.C. 638(j).

3. Procurement Regulations. It is recognized that the Federal Acquisition Regulations may need to be modified to conform to the requirements of the Reauthorization Act and the final Policy Directive. SBA's Administrator or designee must review and concur with any regulatory provisions that pertain to areas of SBA responsibility. SBA's Office of Technology coordinates such regulatory actions.

4. Personnel Concerned. This Policy Directive serves as guidance for all federal government personnel who are involved in the administration of the SBIR Program, issuance and management of funding agreements or contracts pursuant to the SBIR Program, and the establishment of goals for small business concerns in research or research and development acquisition or grants.

5. Originator. SBA's Office of Technology.

6. Date. This Policy Directive is effective upon publication in the Federal Register.

Luz Hopewell,
Associate Administrator for Business Development, Government Contracting/Business Development, Small Business Administration.

Hector V. Barreto,
Administrator, Small Business Administration.