66 



action in 1932, 1986 and 1992. We nave anaiyzea all of the 

 reports by C-AO in depth and concur v/ith their findings and their 

 recoiTiinendations for areas of improvement. We stand ready to 

 provide support, guidance, and ■.-.'here required, constructive 

 criticism, to ensure that it continues to be a nallmark of 

 success in the national research community. 



In conclusion, the SBIR program has proven over thirteen years to 

 even its most severe critics that it is based on fundamentally 

 souna policy. It is the .-.ost cost-effective research program in 

 the v/orld, and has been studied by other nation's research 

 organizations to try to emulate it. It has proven its ability to 

 commercialize technology, generate jobs and taxes, and further 

 the research need of the funding agencies with the highest 

 caliber of v;ork. It stimulates the innovation cf the private 

 sector without government intervention. It has created a unique 

 public/private partnership between the federal research community 

 and the business sector. In the process, it has also created a 

 closer working relationship betv;een the various research 

 agencies' staffs to share the results of their funded programs. 



It v/orks well, and deserves continued support. 



