SBA proposes a public Tech-Net Database that is a searchable, up- to-date, electronic database, which includes information on each SBC that has received an STTR or SBIR Phase I or Phase II award from a Federal agency. Specifically, it will include a description of the Phase I or II award; identification of any business concern or subsidiary established for the commercial application of a product or service for which an STTR award is made; and information regarding mentors and mentoring networks.

In addition, the Reauthorization Act specifically requires information pertaining to: whether the SBC or the research institution initiated their collaboration on the project; whether the SBC or the research institution originated any technology relating to the project; the length of time it took to negotiate any licensing agreement between the SBC and the research institution; and the percentage allocated between the SBC and the research institution of the proceeds from commercialization, marketing, or sale of technology resulting from the project. The collection of this information is set forth in section 11(e)(9)(v) of the proposed Policy Directive.

SBA also proposes a government Tech-Net Database that SBA, in consultation with the Federal agencies participating in the STTR and the SBIR Programs, will develop and maintain. The purpose of the government Tech-Net Database is to maintain information useful for evaluating the program. SBA proposes that for each Phase II award, the database contains: information on revenue from the sale of new products or services resulting from the research conducted under each Phase II award; information on additional investment from any source, other than Phase I or Phase II STTR or SBIR awards, to further the research and development conducted under each Phase II award; and any other information received in connection with the award that the Administrator, in conjunction with the STTR Program Managers of the participating agencies, considers relevant and appropriate. Pursuant to an amendment made by the Reauthorization Act, SBA also proposes a paragraph stating that information provided to this government Tech-Net Database is privileged and confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552 and shall not be considered to be publication for purposes of 35 U.S.C. 102 (a) or (b).

SBA proposes revisions to its ``Instructions for STTR Program Solicitation Preparation,'' which are set forth in Appendix I. Currently, the Policy Directive requires that for both Phase I and Phase II, the R/R&D work must be performed in the United States. SBA proposes that based on a rare and unique circumstance, for example, a supply or material or other item or project requirement that is not available in the United States, agencies may allow that particular portion of the R/R&D work to be performed or obtained in a country outside of the United States. The proposal requires approval by the funding agreement officer for such specific conditions to be in writing.

Finally, SBA proposes to list the data fields for the public Tech- Net Database in Appendix II.