US SB3971

Extends SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs from September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2031, along with related pilot programs and activities

Strengthens research security by requiring federal agencies to evaluate small business applicants for security risks, including connections to entities on restricted lists such as the UFLPA Entity List, Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, and Commerce Department Entity List

Creates a "strategic breakthrough allocation" allowing federal agencies with over $100 million in required SBIR expenditures to award up to $30 million to small businesses that have prior Phase II awards, demonstrate 100% matching funds, and meet other eligibility criteria

Requires federal agencies to set proposal limits on the number of SBIR/STTR submissions per small business concern per fiscal year, with waivers available for time-sensitive topics (limited to 5% of topics annually)

Improves technical and business assistance by increasing authorized funding to $6,500 for Phase I and $50,000 for Phase II awards, adding cybersecurity assistance as an eligible service, and requiring training for contracting officers on Phase III awards