Critical
SBIR Program
SBIR Reauthorization Standoff Continues
The SBIR/STTR programs remain unauthorized as Congress returns from recess. The January 30 government funding deadline represents the next realistic vehicle for reauthorization, but negotiations remain stalled.
Key developments:
- Senator Markey introduced compromise bill in late December
- Senator Ernst continues to block any extension without reforms
- NIH has terminated all SBIR/STTR funding opportunities
- Space Force officials publicly warning about acquisition delays
What this means for DefqTel data:
Our 2020-2024 dataset represents the complete "healthy" program years. The 2025 data on SBIR.gov shows only 435 awards (vs. ~6,500/year typical) due to reporting lag and pre-expiration slowdown. We will update when/if the program resumes normal operations.