DOE and SBA Research Act

The bill would direct the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to enter into a memorandum of understanding or other appropriate agreement to carry out cross-cutting, collaborative research and development activities focused on advancing both agencies' mission requirements and priorities. Small business concerns, as defined under the Small Business Act, must be included in those activities as appropriate. The agencies may also enter into reimbursable agreements with outside entities to maximize effectiveness and may bring in other federal agencies as collaborators. All activities must comply with research security requirements under the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act.

The bill would not authorize any new appropriations to fund the work. Within two years of enactment, the two agencies would be required to submit a joint report to Congress covering collaborative research achievements, coordination efforts, potential opportunities to expand technical capabilities, areas of future mutual benefit, and plans for continued coordination.

The Department of Energy and the Small Business Administration would be the primary actors. Small businesses — as defined under the Small Business Act — would be eligible participants in the collaborative R&D activities. Other federal agencies and private entities that might enter reimbursable agreements with DOE and SBA could also be involved.

If enacted, the bill would create a formal, documented channel for DOE and SBA to pool research resources and expertise, and would give small businesses a pathway into federally coordinated R&D work. Because no new funding is authorized, the practical scope of collaboration would depend entirely on existing agency budgets and the priorities the agencies choose to formalize in their agreement.

The Secretary of Energy and the SBA Administrator would jointly negotiate and sign one or more memoranda of understanding defining the scope and structure of their R&D collaboration. They may enter reimbursable agreements with outside entities and invite other federal agencies to participate. Small businesses must be included where appropriate. No rulemaking is required. Within two years of enactment, the agencies must submit a joint report to Congress covering achievements, coordination quality, expansion opportunities, and continuation plans. No new appropriations are authorized, so activities must be funded from existing resources.