(a) Section 9(p) of the Small Business Act (Act) requires that the Small Business Administration (SBA) issue an STTR Program Policy Directive for the general conduct of the STTR Program within the Federal government.

(b) This Policy Directive fulfills SBA's statutory obligation to provide guidance to the participating Federal agencies for the general operation of the STTR Program. Additional or modified instructions may be issued by the SBA as a result of public comment or experience.

(c) The purpose of the STTR Program is to stimulate a partnership of ideas and technologies between innovative small business concerns (SBCs) and research institutions through Federally-funded research or research and development (R/R&D). By providing awards to SBCs for cooperative R/R&D efforts with research institutions, the STTR Program assists the small business and research communities by commercializing innovative technologies.

(d) Federal agencies participating in the STTR Program (STTR agencies) are obligated to follow the guidance provided by this Policy Directive. Each agency is required to review its rules, policies, and guidance on the STTR Program to ensure consistency with this Policy Directive and to make any necessary changes in accordance with each agency's normal procedures. This is consistent with the statutory authority provided to the SBA concerning the STTR Program.