RICHMOND: INCREASE INNOVATIVE LOUISIANA PRODUCTS; EXTEND SBIR LONG TERM

Washington, D.C. – Today Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (LA-02), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Healthcare and Technology within the Committee on Small Business, called for a long term reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research grant (SBIR). Congressman Richmond did so in the hearing on the Creating Jobs through Small Business Innovation Act of 2011. Below is an excerpt from his remarks:

“Small businesses have always been our nation’s greatest innovators—developing new products and technologies.  Whether a new computer software or lifesaving medicine, small firms are vital to the technological breakthroughs that keep America competitive. The Small Business Innovation Research program has been an important mechanism for enlisting small firms to meet the U.S. government’s research needs.  

“In my home state of Louisiana, entrepreneurs are receiving SBIR grants from a number of agencies. One has received a NASA grant to work on geographic mapping technologies. Another has received a Homeland Security grant to improve disaster response. Yet another received a grant from the National Science Foundation to improve online distribution of video content.

“Just yesterday, I met with representatives from Tulane University, also in my district. They informed me that there are commercialization efforts currently underway at Tulane thanks to SBIR.

’The discussion draft before the Committee represents an important first step in moving forward to reauthorize this initiative.  How we go about modernizing SBIR will determine whether small firms continue making these kinds of valuable contributions to the American economy. … It is vitally important to reach an agreement that prioritizes a long term reauthorization. The frequent short term reauthorizations are disruptive to the planning efforts of SBIR stakeholders. … It is time to move forward.

“… During the recession, while big companies were downsizing, it is estimated that the SBIR program helped spark the creation of more than 1,300 new enterprises. As the U.S. economy regains it is footing, innovation will be crucial and SBIR grants can be a key ingredient in that equation.  For all these reasons, it is important we taking painstaking care to reauthorize this program in a manner that works for our nation’s small businesses.”

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