FAST Grants Get a Data Overhaul—Here’s What That Means for Small Business Innovators
Big changes are coming to a critical program that helps small businesses tap into federal innovation funding. On July 14, 2025, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced new reporting requirements for its Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program—and while this may seem like paperwork for grant recipients, it could have ripple effects across the entire small business innovation ecosystem.
For any small business looking to win SBIR or STTR funding—or those who help them—this is a development worth watching.
At its core, the FAST program awards grants to state and regional organizations (think SBDCs, state agencies, accelerators) to help small businesses succeed in SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs. Now, SBA is reinstating a quarterly reporting requirement, with more detailed data demands and broader performance tracking.
Specifically:
FAST recipients must submit quarterly reports under an updated system—up from about 96 annual reports to 200, reflecting growth from 24 to 50 grantees.
The reporting focuses on key performance metrics: number of SBIR/STTR proposals submitted, success rates, and commercialization outcomes like follow-on funding and job creation.
While small businesses don’t report directly to SBA, expect more follow-up requests from your local FAST partner asking about your proposal submissions and award progress.
This isn’t just administrative housekeeping. It signals a push for more accountability and better tracking of how federal dollars support innovation-driven small businesses. SBA wants clearer data to show Congress the FAST program works—and justify future funding increases.
If you’re a small business seeking SBIR/STTR awards, here’s why this matters:
More Targeted Support: With deeper insights, SBA can identify which outreach tactics and technical assistance programs actually help firms win awards. Over time, this could mean better, more tailored help for you.
Stronger Case for FAST Funding: Positive data on small business success helps keep the program funded and possibly expanded—ensuring continued free or low-cost proposal assistance.
Potential Data Requests: Your FAST partner might ask for more frequent updates on your wins, losses, and commercialization efforts. Be prepared to track and share basic metrics about your progress.
Here’s how you can stay ahead of these changes:
Start tracking your own SBIR/STTR milestones (even informal ones) like proposals submitted, awards received, and commercialization wins. This makes it easier to respond to partner inquiries—and strengthens your own pipeline visibility.
Build relationships with your local FAST organizations. With more data being gathered, engaged firms are more likely to be seen as “success stories,” which can open doors to further assistance, visibility, and even pilot programs.
Evaluate if you qualify for FAST-supported resources. Many FAST grantees offer free proposal reviews, pitch coaching, and even matching funds for SBIR/STTR applicants. This is a great opportunity to reduce proposal costs while increasing your win rate.
Ask your proposal writers and grant consultants about their data collection practices. If you use external consultants, ensure they can help you compile the reporting metrics increasingly demanded by FAST grantees.
For state agencies and nonprofits offering 8a certification assistance, women business certification, or disabled veteran government contracts support, this also means adjusting internal processes. The Government Contract Proposal Writing game just got more data-driven, especially if you offer SBIR Grant Assistance as part of your services.
Overall, this shift aligns with a broader federal move toward outcome-focused spending. Agencies are doubling down on evidence that programs work—not just activity metrics. For FAST, the bet is clear: stronger data will secure its place as a backbone resource in the government contracting business.
Expect these new requirements to kick in for the reporting cycle starting late 2025. If you’re planning to pursue 8a contracts services or women owned small business certification alongside SBIR/STTR efforts, now’s a good time to get your internal reporting house in order.
Looking for more insights on how government reporting changes affect small businesses? Check out our related post: States Are Expanding Small Business Set-Asides: What It Means for Federal Contractors.
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