Council extends SBIR/STTR matching grant law but rejects expanded survey amendment

The Montgomery County Council voted on July 21 to repeal the sunset for the SBIR/STTR matching-grant program (Bill 22-26), codifying a program to support local companies in medicine, biotechnology and life sciences and adding a formal 'phase 0' $5,000 grant to reimburse early-stage applicants.

Councilmember Sales proposed an amendment that would convert an existing report requirement into an annual optional survey of applicants and awardees to collect demographic information, workforce-development activities, and procurement-partnership details. Sales argued the survey would help evaluate outcomes and expand access: "Better data will help us evaluate outcomes, identify barriers, and ensure this program is actually expanding opportunity for all." Executive branch staff said much of the requested information is already collected in quarterly progress reports and that some items (H and I) may be inapplicable to very early-stage R&D projects. After discussion and several members urging a broader fall work session on grants, the amendment failed on a voice vote (4 in favor, 7 opposed). The underlying bill passed on roll call.

County staff noted two committee amendments adopted earlier: clarifying the timing window for federal SBIR grant receipt and codifying the small, existing $5,000 phase-0 grant while requiring only bona fide documentation of expenditures. The executive said the program had relatively minor fiscal impacts and that some modifications could increase administrative burdens if expanded across the entire economic development fund.