Application assistance to broaden participation

(a) In general Section 9(mm)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(mm)(1)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (J), by striking and at the end; (2) in subparagraph (K), by striking the period at the end and inserting; and; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (L) providing small business concerns with assistance applying to the SBIR program or STTR program of the Federal agency, including providing such assistance to carry out the policy directives required under paragraphs (2)(F) and (5) of subsection (j) and subsection (p)(2)(H) to increase the participation of States with respect to which a low level of SBIR or STTR awards have historically been awarded.. (b) Enhanced minority institution participation (1) SBIR Section 9(j) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(j)), is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) Increased outreach requirements Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administration shall modify the policy directives issued pursuant to this subsection to require enhanced outreach efforts to increase the participation of individuals conducting research at minority institutions (as defined in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k)) and Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 502(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a))) in SBIR programs.. (2) STTR Section 9(p)(2) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(p)(2)) is amended— (A) in subparagraph (F), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (G)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting; and; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (H) procedures for outreach efforts to increase the participation of individuals conducting research at minority institutions (as defined in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067k)) and Hispanic-serving institutions (as defined in section 16 502(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1101a(a))) in STTR programs..