1. (a) The rules of this Chapter have been adopted for the purpose of complying with the provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act, 75 O.S., Sections 250 et seq. The OCAST STTR Matching Funds Program has been created as a support program which meets the highest current standards for state matching support to federal Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant proposals by Oklahoma entities. This program will help increase Oklahoma's share of federal STTR program grants, 74 O.S., Section 5060.19(D). The primary goal of the program is to increase the potential for bringing more federal dollars into Oklahoma to fund private-sector research through increased submission of STTR Phase II proposals. Providing matching funds from the State will:

   1. (1) act as an incentive to firms to apply for a federal STTR Phase II, and
   2. (2) assist qualifying firms to sustain their research and operations during the "funding gap" that occurs between the end of federal STTR Phase I and the notification of the federal STTR Phase II award.
2. (b) The three-phased federal STTR program was initiated in the Small Business Innovation Development Act of 1992, PL 102-564, Title II, to stimulate technological innovation; to require certain federal agencies to contract with small business concerns and their nonprofit research institute partners for a portion of their external research requirements; to encourage small, innovative firms to partner with research institutions for the purpose of participating in government research; and to facilitate commercialization of research results.

Added at 24 Ok Reg 2666, eff 7-12-07