CLEAR Feedback Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mejia, Analilia [D-NJ-11]
- Committees
- Science, Space, and Technology Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 10, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to improve transparency and feedback for small businesses applying for federal research and development grants, potentially increasing their success rates in future applications.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Small Business Act to mandate that Federal agencies provide enhanced debriefing materials to small businesses denied awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This new process includes an evaluation of significant deficiencies, an overall ranking of the proposal, a summary of the rationale for denial, and an opportunity for the concern to submit additional questions with specified agency response times.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that providing more detailed feedback to small businesses after an SBIR/STTR award denial will help them understand weaknesses in their proposals, refine their approaches, and ultimately improve their chances of securing future federal contracts. This enhanced transparency fosters a more equitable and effective innovation ecosystem by empowering small businesses to learn and adapt, thereby strengthening the overall federal research and development pipeline.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that implementing a more extensive debriefing process could place an undue administrative burden on federal agencies, requiring significant resources and personnel to provide detailed, individualized feedback for a large volume of denied proposals. This could potentially slow down the award process or divert resources from other critical agency functions, without a guaranteed return on investment in terms of improved small business success.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2, amending Section 9(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(g))
Enhanced Debriefing Materials for SBIR Award Denials
This provision requires federal agencies to establish a process for providing more detailed feedback to small businesses that are denied Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III awards under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. Upon request within 14 business days of denial, agencies must provide an evaluation of significant proposal deficiencies, an overall ranking, and the rationale for denial. The small business then gets 7 business days to submit additional questions, which the agency must answer within 14 business days.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that this provision is crucial for fostering a more transparent and supportive environment for small businesses in the highly competitive SBIR program. By providing specific, actionable feedback, it enables businesses to learn from their rejections, improve future proposals, and ultimately contribute more effectively to federal research and development goals.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that the detailed debriefing requirements, including a Q&A period with specific response timelines, could significantly strain the resources of federal agencies, particularly those with high volumes of applications. This increased administrative load might divert personnel and funding from other program priorities, potentially slowing down the overall award process.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for increased transparency and support for small businesses with the potential for increased administrative burden and resource allocation challenges for federal agencies.
Section 3, amending Section 9(o) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(o))
Enhanced Debriefing Materials for STTR Award Denials
This provision mirrors Section 2, extending the requirement for enhanced debriefing materials to small businesses denied awards under the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. It establishes the same process: upon request, agencies must provide an evaluation of significant proposal deficiencies, an overall ranking, and the rationale for denial, followed by an opportunity for the small business to submit additional questions, which the agency must answer within specified timeframes.