Appendix X--National Academy of Sciences Study

(a) The purpose of the study is to:

(1) Continue the most recent study relating to the following issues:

(i) A review of the value to the Federal research agencies of the research projects being conducted under the SBIR Program, and of the quality of research being conducted by small businesses participating under the program, including a comparison of the value of projects conducted under the SBIR Program to those funded by other Federal research and development expenditures;

(ii) To the extent practicable, an evaluation of the economic benefits achieved by the SBIR Program, including the economic rate of return, and a comparison of the economic benefits, including the economic rate of return, achieved by the SBIR Program with the economic benefits, including the economic rate of return, of other Federal research and development expenditures;

(iii) An evaluation of the noneconomic benefits achieved by the SBIR Program over the life of the program; (iv) An analysis of whether Federal agencies, in fulfilling their procurement needs, are making sufficient effort to use small businesses that have completed a second phase award under the SBIR Program; and

(2) Conduct a comprehensive study of how the STTR program has stimulated technological innovation and technology transfer, including--

(i) A review of the collaborations created between small businesses and research institutions, including an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program in stimulating new collaborations and any obstacles that may prevent or inhibit the creation of such collaborations;

(ii) An evaluation of the effectiveness of the program at transferring technology and capabilities developed through Federal funding;

(iii) To the extent practicable, an evaluation of the economic benefits achieved by the STTR program, including the economic rate of return;

(iv) An analysis of how Federal agencies are using small businesses that have completed Phase II under the STTR program to fulfill their procurement needs;

(v) An analysis of whether additional funds could be employed effectively by the STTR program; and

(vi) An assessment of the systems and minimum performance standards relating to commercialization success established under section 9(qq) of the Small Business Act;

(3) Make recommendations with respect to--

(i) Measures of outcomes for strategic plans submitted under 5 U.S.C. 306 and performance plans submitted under 31 U.S.C. 1115, of each Federal agency participating in the SBIR Program;

(ii) How to increase the use by the Federal Government in its programs and procurements of technology-oriented small businesses;

(iii) Improvements to the SBIR Program, if any are considered appropriate; and

(iv) How the STTR program can further stimulate technological innovation and technology transfer.

(4) Estimate the number of jobs created by the SBIR or STTR program of the agency, to the extent practicable.