# GAO Flags SBIR Commercialization Data Gaps

The Government Accountability Office found that incomplete commercialization reporting prevents the federal government from reliably assessing outcomes from **$4.4 billion** in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards issued in FY2024. The findings affect awards made by 11 federal agencies. Agencies are expected to improve communication with participants and compliance checks, while the Small Business Administration is directed to strengthen data reliability through a legislative proposal or other actions.

- SBIR/STTR participants should ensure they submit required commercialization data so award outcomes can be assessed accurately.
- Agencies administering these awards are expected to improve reporting communications and compliance checks, which may affect how they oversee program participants.
- SBA’s work to strengthen data reliability could influence future reporting practices; the signal does not specify a timeline or particular changes.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)

### Sources
- [Federal Agencies Lack Data to Track Small Business Research Awards | Legis1](https://legis1.com/news/sbir-awards-small-business-programs-hampered-by) - Legis1