The DOE and SBA Research Act mandates collaboration between the Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration to include small businesses in research and development activities, requiring a report to Congress on these efforts. No additional funds are authorized to carry out the activities in this bill.
Nicolas LaLota
Representative
NY-1
The DOE and SBA Research Act aims to enhance collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) on research and development, ensuring small business involvement. It mandates a formal agreement between the DOE and SBA to coordinate research efforts and requires a report to Congress on the progress and future plans of this collaboration. No additional funds will be allocated to implement this act. All activities must adhere to research security guidelines.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 218 | 215 | 3 | 0 |
Democrat | 215 | 212 | 0 | 3 |
DOE and SBA Team Up on Research: New Bill Aims to Boost Small Business Innovation, But Without Extra Funding
The "DOE and SBA Research Act" directs the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to formally join forces on research and development. The stated goal is to advance both agencies' missions, specifically by bringing small businesses into the DOE's research fold. This collaboration is to be cemented with a memorandum of understanding or similar agreement (SEC. 2).
Teaming Up for Tech
The core of the bill is about getting the DOE and SBA to work together on R&D, boosting opportunities for small businesses in areas that benefit both energy and commerce. Think of a small tech firm in Texas that’s developing new battery technology. Under this Act, they might get a leg up in accessing DOE resources or collaborating on projects, potentially accelerating their innovations and getting products to market faster. The bill also allows both agencies to ink reimbursable agreements and team up with other federal entities, all in the name of more effective research (SEC. 2).
Reporting Back to the Bigwigs
Within two years, the DOE and SBA must report back to Congress. This report will cover how they've coordinated, what research has come out of it, where they see future successes, and how they'll keep the collaboration going. This isn’t just a progress report; it’s also meant to identify opportunities to expand the technical capabilities of small businesses involved in the research (SEC. 2). For instance, if a construction company in Colorado is working on innovative, energy-efficient building materials, this report could highlight their progress and suggest ways to further support their development through DOE-SBA collaboration. All this has to happen under existing research security guidelines, meaning no cutting corners on protecting sensitive information (SEC. 2).
The Budget Tightrope
Here’s the kicker: the bill explicitly states that no new money will be provided to make this happen (SEC. 3). That means the DOE and SBA will have to figure out how to collaborate within their existing budgets. This could be a challenge, potentially limiting how many projects they can take on or how much support they can offer. It’s like being told to cook a bigger meal without being given any extra groceries – you’ll have to get creative with what you already have.