DOD Implements New Due Diligence Program Policy for SBIR/STTR Programs

The Department of Defense will implement a new policy related to the Defense Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Due Diligence Program.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, a 2024 Wash100 awardee and a past Potomac Officers Club event speaker, signed a memorandum on the new policy to mitigate security risks in the SBIR/STTR funding application of small businesses with foreign ties, Defense .gov reported.

To ensure the program’s proper rollout, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research is tasked with applying uniform standards across all DOD services and components that award contracts to small businesses. 

Additionally, the new policy now requires proposals to the Defense SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal to include security risk assessment forms to be evaluated.

Gina Sims, director of the Defense SBIR/STTR Program, highlighted the importance of innovations from small businesses in enhancing warfighter capabilities.

Sims assured that collaboration with the USD(R&E) and DOD elements will protect taxpayer funds and small businesses from foreign influence.

An online course on foreign ownership, control or influence is also available to assist small businesses in navigating the new policy requirement.