DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGYPROGRAM
On June 2, 1995, Under Secretary of Defense Paul Kaminski gave final approval
to a comprehensive set of 16 recommendations to improve the DoD's Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The SBIR program is a primary
vehicle through which the Department funds research and development projects at
small technology companies. Program funding is expected to reach $450 million
for Fiscal Year 1995.
The recommendations were developed by a process action team (PAT) comprised of
representatives from the Services, the defense agencies, and the Office of the
Secretary of Defense. The team's objective was to increase the program's
success in converting SBIR research into affordable, high-performance products
which serve the needs of the Department of Defense.
The PAT adopted recommendations that first, will greatly reduce, and in some
cases eliminate, delays in the SBIR evaluation and contracting process. These
recommendations will make it less difficult for small companies to develop
their research into new products serving DoD. Secondly, the recommendations
establish a high-priority, fast-track process for SBIR research projects that
identify outside sources of financing to help develop the SBIR research into
actual products. Finally, the recommendations strengthen communications
between the small companies participating in the program and their customers
within DoD, in order to increase the responsiveness of SBIR research and to
the Department's needs.
In approving the recommendations for implementation, Kaminski said that they
represent "a major step forward in harnessing the innovative talents of small
technology companies for the benefit of both the Department of Defense and the
U.S. economy. I am dedicated to the success of this effort."
