Review of the SBIR and STTR Programs at NASA

NASA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs support technological innovation by small businesses and support the agency's research, development, and mission needs.

Developed by an expert committee convened by the National Academies, this report finds that NASA's SBIR/STTR programs advance mission-aligned technologies, engage small businesses in NASA's innovation ecosystem, and support early- and intermediate-stage technology development. While the commercial space sector presents new opportunities and challenges, NASA's SBIR/STTR programs play a critical complementary role in its growth by supporting the development of technologies and specialized suppliers that contribute to both NASA missions and emerging commercial applications.

The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining NASA's recent organizational improvements, streamlining application processes, and improving pathways for the commercialization of NASA SBIR/STTR-supported technologies. It also highlights the value of NASA's Technology Portfolio Management System, or TechPort, for tracking technology readiness and recommends strengthening data systems to better assess program outcomes, research partnerships, and long-term impacts.