USDA Extends Paperwork for Farm Tech Grant Program
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA’s Small Business Innovation Research program is extending and updating its info collection for three more years to keep supporting small businesses with cool agricultural tech ideas. If you’re a small business involved in this program, you might see some changes in the paperwork. Make sure to share your thoughts by August 21, 2026, so your voice counts!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
SBIR/STTR Reauthorized Through 2031
The notice states the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act, enacted April 14, 2026, reauthorized the SBIR and STTR programs through September 30, 2031.
SBIR/STTR Info Collection Extended Three Years
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture intends to extend and revise the SBIR/STTR “Lifecycle Certification” information collection for three years. The current OMB approval expires on 2026-10-31 and NIFA is soliciting comments by August 21, 2026.
Estimated Paperwork Burden: 1 Hour Each
NIFA estimates the annual public reporting burden for this collection averages one (1) hour per response. The agency estimates 180 respondents, 2 annual responses per respondent, and total burden hours of 360 hours per year.
Lifecycle Certification Ensures Eligibility
The Lifecycle Certification form is used by USDA to ensure Small Business Concerns continue to meet specific SBIR/STTR program requirements during the life of the Funding Agreement. The form is based on Small Business Administration model language.
Public Comment Deadline: Aug 21, 2026
NIFA invites written comments on the proposed extension and revision; comments must be received by August 21, 2026 to be assured of consideration. Comments may be submitted at http://www.regulations.gov.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12477, Notice of Intent To Revise a Currently Approved Information Collection
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is updating the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program forms and moving the application process online to make things smoother. This affects vets applying for loan help and means changes to how info is collected and stored. If you want to share your thoughts, send comments by August 21, 2026—no cost changes, just a tech and form refresh!
Next: 2026-12483, Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Technical Evaluation Surveys; Agency Information Collection Activities: Technical Evaluation Surveys
The Office of Surface Mining wants to keep using surveys that ask for feedback on their technical help and outreach efforts. These surveys help them improve services and meet government goals. If you have thoughts, you can share them by August 21, 2026—no cost or big changes, just a smooth renewal!