15 U.S.C. § 657e : US Code - Section 657E: Mentoring Networks

Search 15 U.S.C. § 657e : US Code - Section 657E: Mentoring Networks

(a) Findings
Congress finds that -
(1) the SBIR and STTR programs create jobs, increase capacity
for technological innovation, and boost international
competitiveness;
(2) increasing the quantity of applications from all States to
the SBIR and STTR programs would enhance competition for such
awards and the quality of the completed projects; and
(3) mentoring is a natural complement to the FAST program of
reaching out to new companies regarding the SBIR and STTR
programs as an effective and low-cost way to improve the
likelihood that such companies will succeed in such programs in
developing and commercializing their research.
(b) Authorization for Mentoring Networks
The recipient of an award or participant in a cooperative
agreement under section 657d of this title may use a reasonable
amount of such assistance for the establishment of a Mentoring
Network under this section.
(c) Criteria for Mentoring Networks
A Mentoring Network established using assistance under section
657d of this title shall -
(1) provide business advice and counseling to high technology
small business concerns located in the State or region served by
the Mentoring Network and identified under section
657d(c)(1)(E)(ii) of this title as potential candidates for the
SBIR or STTR programs;
(2) identify volunteer mentors who -
(A) are persons associated with a small business concern that
has successfully completed one or more SBIR or STTR funding
agreements; and
(B) have agreed to guide small business concerns through all
stages of the SBIR or STTR program process, including providing
assistance relating to -
(i) proposal writing;
(ii) marketing;
(iii) Government accounting;
(iv) Government audits;
(v) project facilities and equipment;
(vi) human resources;
(vii) third phase partners;
(viii) commercialization;
(ix) venture capital networking; and
(x) other matters relevant to the SBIR and STTR programs;
(3) have experience working with small business concerns
participating in the SBIR and STTR programs;
(4) contribute information to the national database referred to
in subsection (d) of this section; and
(5) agree to reimburse volunteer mentors for out-of-pocket
expenses related to service as a mentor under this section.
(d) Mentoring database
The Administrator shall -
(1) include in the database required by section 638(k)(1) of
this title, in cooperation with the SBIR, STTR, and FAST
programs, information on Mentoring Networks and mentors
participating under this section, including a description of
their areas of expertise;
(2) work cooperatively with Mentoring Networks to maintain and
update the database;
(3) take such action as may be necessary to aggressively
promote Mentoring Networks under this section; and
(4) fulfill the requirements of this subsection either directly
or by contract.