Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Comments are requested regarding: whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; the accuracy of the agency's estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments regarding this information collection received by November 2, 2026 will be considered. Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/​public/​do/​PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function

An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Title: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs to Request a New Lifecycle Certification Form.

OMB Control Number: 0524-0052.

Summary of Collection: The USDA SBIR/STTR Programs are administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of the USDA. NIFA exercises overall oversight for the policies and procedures governing SBIR/STTR grants awarded to the U.S. small business community. In 1982, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Grants Program (Pub. L. 97-219, 96 stat. 217), 15 U.S.C. 638, was authorized. In 1992, the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grants Program was authorized by the Small Business Research and Development Enhancement Act (15 U.S.C. 638). In 2026, the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act reauthorized the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031.

Need and Use of the Information: USDA uses the SBIR/STTR Funding Agreement Certification form to ensure SBCs meet specific eligibility requirements for a Small Business Innovation and Research or Small Business Technology Transfer award. The form asks applicants to certify a series of ten statements in order to ensure the grantee is complying with specific program requirements during the life of the funding agreement. If SBC is majority-owned by venture capital companies, hedge funds, or private equity firms, then they will be required to fill out an eight-question form in addition to the SBIR/STTR Funding Agreement Certification. The small business concern may be required to update the SBIR/STTR Funding Agreement Certification form to assure continued eligibility and compliance when changes in the SBC apply.

Description of Respondents: Individuals/Business-for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 180.

Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion.

Total Burden Hours: 93.