Comment on FR Doc # 2012-11586

I am writing to state our opposition to any amendment to the SBIR/STTR program that would include participants that are majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, private equity firms or hedge funds. For ElectroDynamic Applications, Inc., our business was first founded in a response to a SBIR solicitation. Since then, we have received 15 SBIR awards, totaling about $4 million. With this support, we have been able to grow; hiring 15 new, well-qualified engineers, and expand into the Space System market and Materials Processing market, where we are now selling our proven ideas and concepts to both the private and government sectors. Without the SBIR program, I do not believe that we would have been able to enter this market, or contribute as much to our local and state economy or even have started this company at all. It is disappointing to hear that it is being considered to allow participants that are majority owned by multiple venture capital operating companies, private equity firms or hedge funds to compete for these awards. While those companies are already well funded, new start up and established small business are in desperate need of the seed funds that are provided by this program. Thank you for your time, and please do not hesitate to contact me if I can answer any questions you might have.