Congressman Clay Higgins’ (R-LA) amendment to H.R. 2763, “The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017,” passed unanimously during a recent House Science, Space, & Technology Committee hearing.
The amendment identifies cybersecurity as a priority field for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants.
“Small businesses and start-ups are where some of the most innovative ideas and products exist for cyber warfare,” said Rep. Higgins. “We need to harness that expertise through the SBIR and STTR programs, to meet one of the greatest security challenges of the 21st century.”
The bill amends the Small Business Act and makes improvements to the SBIR and STTR program, which is a competitive grant program for U.S. small businesses to engage in federal research and development.
“Cyber criminals and foreign adversaries spend every hour of every day trying to steal our valuable personal and government information,” said Rep. Higgins. “We must use every tool in our arsenal to prevent, mitigate, and defend against these attacks.”
