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Project to be funded out of the SBIR set aside. In the past, 

 this project has been supported by non-SBIR DOE funds. 



The conduct of a high quality SBIR program which serves the small 

 business community requires a significant commitment by the 

 Federal agencies. The provision in the SBIR reauthorization 

 legislation which prevents agencies from using SBIR set aside 

 funds for administrative support is a serious impediment and can 

 hamper the program's operation and the service it provides to 

 small businesses. We recommend that the legislation allow the 

 use of the SBIR set aside funds to support administrative costs 

 of the program. 



SBIR PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS 



I believe that the SBIR program has had a positive impact on the 

 Department's research and development programs. SBIR has 

 effectively broadened the pool of available scientists and 

 engineers now contributing to DOE research, and has enriched the 

 Department's research programs. Also, in many areas, the SBIR 

 efforts have been integrated with the ongoing DOE research in a 

 complementary and effective manner, and technology developed 

 under SBIR support has been transferred to the private sector. 



