NDIA Urges Reauthorization of SBIR/STTR Programs to Sustain Defense Innovation
ARLINGTON, VA – The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) has released a new white paper calling on Congress to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs—vital pathways for bringing innovative technologies from small businesses into the hands of U.S. warfighters.
Set to expire September 30, 2025, the SBIR/STTR programs have delivered a strong return on investment, spurred over $54 billion in awards, and sustained more than 1.5 million jobs. Within the Department of Defense, the programs have yielded a 22-to-1 return while strengthening national security.
NDIA’s paper outlines key recommendations to improve the programs, including:
- Permanent reauthorization to ensure long-term stability
- Faster, streamlined contracting between SBIR phases
- Greater support for Phase III commercialization
- Improved agency training and accountability
- Dedicated funding pathways to scale successful innovations
With small business participation in the defense industrial base down 40% over the past decade, NDIA warns that further delay or uncertainty could weaken the innovation pipeline and national security.
Read the full paper here.
NDIA Congressional testimony on the SBIR/STTR programs:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fddbTWHJSzw&t=2652s
Rachel Sutherland
NDIA Director of PR & Communications
[email protected]
Topics: Small Business