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improved and, if so, take the necessary steps to revise it, (2) 

 develop substantive definitions and guidelines for agencies and 

 companies regarding "duplicate" research, and (3) provide 

 interagency access to current information regarding recent SBIR 

 awards . 



In summary, to date, the quality of research proposals appears 

 to have kept pace with the program's expansion. However, it is 

 somewhat early to make a conclusive judgment about the long-term 

 quality of research proposals because the major increases in 

 program funding have not yet occurred. None of the five major 

 agencies has implemented the technical assistance provision, and 

 future implementation remains uncertain. Duplicate funding has 

 become a problem. We have made three recommendations to SBA that 

 would help in addressing this issue. 



We will conduct a final review of the program in a report 

 mandated by the reauthorization legislation. That report is 

 scheduled for completion in October 1997. 



This concludes my statement. I would be happy to respond to 

 any questions you or Members of the Subcommittee may have. 



o 



