SBIR/STTR Panic?

Over the past few weeks, my messages have been flooded with dozens of founders reaching out in full panic mode. They're freaking out, wondering what's happening with the situation and if SBIR and STTR opportunities are going to vanish overnight. It's pure chaos, and I totally understand. But take a deep breath because here's the truth. You're okay for another year. So in mid-September 2025, Congress finally stepped in and passed a short technical bill quietly but critically called HR. This is why it matters. This bill gives founders one year on clarity to submit agency confidence, solicit any awards, and investors enough certainty to continue pushing deals forward. So I know you're asking, what should founders do now? And here's what we've been saying. Double down on submission. Treat this year as your window of opportunity. So if you have been holding off applying, this is the time to get your proposal in the system. Because during times of uncertainty, we find that everyone's holding back, but that means that's your competition. Position and window of opportunity to get ahead. Also, this might be a great time to also diversify your funding. If you're focused on submitting SBIR applications in one agency, this is a great time to look across different agencies and see if you are a fit. Keep an eye on the policy shifts coming up in 2026, which could change how the entire ecosystem operates.