H.R. 2763, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017 authored by Rep. Steve Knight (CA-25), passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support Wednesday.

“H.R 2763 is one step closer towards a more transparent and safe government,” said Knight. “This bill would give the opportunity for America’s small businesses to participate in the national security needs for innovation in our country.”

H.R. 2763, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017 passed the House Small Business Committee and the House Science Space and Technology Committee earlier this year.

The goal of the bipartisan legislation is to help small businesses compete fairly, whether it’s contracting with the federal government or the ability to access capital.

“Small businesses are essential to America’s economic competitiveness and industrial base,” Knight said. “Supporting programs like SBIR and STTR is important for the safety and economic stability of our nation. These programs sponsor developments that allow us to compete in the international marketplace and provide innovative tools supported and created by local entrepreneurs that contribute to American security.”

H.R. 2763 holds the SBA accountable while spurring innovation by requiring that the SBA give a comprehensive report of the SBIR and STTR programs to Congress by December 31 of each year.

Additionally, the legislation will hold the Department of Defense (DOD) accountable to stimulate technological innovation by requiring the DOD include more SBIR and STTR developed technology in larger programs of record.

“I look forward to working with the Senate to make this much-needed bill become law,” Knight said.

“Innovation is a critical component of small business success,” said Chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Rep. Lamar Smith (TX-21). “The SBIR and STTR programs, through their $3 billion in annual awards to small businesses, spur many innovations and create thousands of jobs. This legislation updates these crucial programs. I thank Congressman Knight for taking the initiative on this issue.”

“I commend Subcommittee Chairman Knight and the Subcommittee on Contracting and Workforce for their hard work on this vital piece of legislation,” said House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot (OH-1). “Small innovators often lead the way in high-tech research and innovation and today’s legislation improves these programs and provides certainty and clarity to thousands of small businesses.”

Knight, who was chosen last year by House Speaker Paul Ryan to negotiate the SBIR and STTR portion of the National Defense Authorization Act of FY17, continued his work this year and held a joint hearing with the House Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology to collaborate on legislation to improve the SBIR and STTR programs.