USDA Seeks Public Comment on New Lifecycle Certification Form for SBIR and STTR Programs

On November 5, 2026, the Department of Agriculture published a notice in the Federal Register outlining a proposal to introduce a new Lifecycle Certification form for its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The notice stems from regulatory requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public comment period is open until December 7, 2026, giving stakeholders an opportunity to weigh in on the necessity and burden of the proposed information collection.

Background on the Programs and the New Form

The Small Business Innovation Research Grants Program was originally authorized in 1982 via Public Law 97-219. More recently, the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer Extension Act of 2022 reauthorized both programs through September 30, 2025. These programs award competitive grants to qualified small businesses. The grants support advanced concepts research aimed at addressing significant scientific problems and opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Under the new proposal, the Department of Agriculture's SBIR and STTR Program Office will require Phase I and Phase II awardees to submit a Lifecycle Certification form. This form will be integrated into interim and final reports. The requirement aligns with the Small Business Administration SBIR and STTR Policy Directive issued on October 1, 2020.

Purpose and Scope of Information Collection

The primary utility of the Lifecycle Certification form is to verify that participating small businesses maintain compliance with specific program requirements throughout the duration of their funding agreement. Agency officials use the form to document grantee eligibility during project lifecycles and as a mandatory component of agency close-out procedures.

Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer Rachelle Ragland-Greene noted that the request targets approximately 180 individual respondents. The reporting frequency is categorized as on occasion. The agency estimates the total annual burden hours associated with this new collection to be 90 hours.

Public Participation and Next Steps

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, federal agencies must invite public feedback on whether proposed information collections are necessary and whether the associated burden estimates are accurate. Comments are specifically welcomed regarding ways to enhance data quality and minimize respondent burden.

Stakeholders wishing to submit recommendations must do so within 30 days of the November 5 notice. Submissions should be directed to the official federal website designated for public comments on information collections. Following the close of the comment period on December 7, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget will review the submission alongside public feedback before making a final determination on clearance.