U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert is stressing the importance of staying on the cutting edge of technology and innovation this month when it comes to small business and supporting technology.
In a press release, Calvert said, "America's innovations are driven by our leaders in small business. I've been a strong supporter of the SBIR and STTR programs because I believe they are tools that can help our country maintain its technological edge. That advantage is especially important for our national security and ensuring that when our men and women in uniform step onto a battlefield they do so with a technical advantage."
Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer (S. 4900) is reauthorized until FY 2025 and modified to enable small, domestic businesses to participate in federal research and development with the possibility of commercialization through the SBIR and STTR Extension Act (S. 4900).
SBIR and STTR programs must evaluate security risks from applicants with financial ties, and they may not award grants to businesses with certain relationships to foreign entities.
In California's 41st district, Calvert is running for re-election as the ranking Republican on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, according to the Desert Sun. Calvert will face three Democrats and fellow Republican State Sen. Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore).