SBIR Scrutiny Is Rising—Here’s What Contractors Need to Know About Foreign Influence Risk
The SBIR/STTR programs have long been a lifeline for tech-focused small businesses looking to fund innovation and bring new products to market. But in 2025, these “America’s Seed Fund” programs are under intense scrutiny—not for how much they fund, but who they fund. If you’re a small business eyeing these grants, or already holding one, foreign affiliations are now a make-or-break factor. And agencies aren’t treating these risks equally.
Understanding the SBIR/STTR Due Diligence Policy
The newly established SBIR/STTR Due Diligence Policy and Implementation Guidance are designed to mitigate security risks and protect the innovations and technologies that small businesses bring to the defense sector.