GAO Analyzes DOD's Space-Related Small Business Innovation Research Efforts
The Department of Defense (DOD) has little insight into the effectiveness of its attempts to commercialize space-related technologies developed through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Although DOD has invested “about 11 percent of its fiscal years 2005-2009 R&D funds through its SBIR program to address space-related technology needs,” department officials could not tell GAO how many of the technologies resulting from the nearly 500 space-related contracts during that period had transitioned into acquisition programs or the commercial sector. GAO also stated that DOD officials acknowledge that the department does not have “overarching guidance” for the SBIR program.
GAO recommended that DOD collect data so the program’s effectiveness can be determined, issue guidance, and review challenges identified by small businesses in the course of the GAO study on challenges they face in developing technologies for the space sector. DOD agreed with the first two, but not the third, according to the report.
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