Are federal contracting opportunities too complex to understand? There's a bill for it.
Rep. Nick Larota (RN.Y.) and Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) say the clear language of contract law is intended to ensure federal contracting opportunities for small businesses. states. The proposal, introduced last Monday, would require government agencies to use plain language in certain procurement communications related to small businesses, such as proposals and requests.
“It shouldn't be as difficult for America's small businesses to apply for and win federal contracts as the federal government makes them,” Larota told the House Small Business Committee last week.
Although the government exceeded its SME contract targets for fiscal 2022, the number of SMEs awarded prime contracts is still at its lowest level in 10 years. The administration is also paying particular attention to disadvantaged small businesses, with the Office of Management and Budget setting a goal for the federal government to give 13% of contract spending to these businesses in fiscal year 2024.
“We hear from many small business owners who end up being turned away from business because of the complexity of the bidding process for government contracts,” Larota said. “Preparing a bid is difficult enough, but when there is ambiguity about what the government wants, the process becomes even more difficult.”
Mr Thanedar said contract notices are “often complex and inaccessible” and there is an “urgent need to eliminate bureaucratic jargon and provide clear, concise and easily accessible information to our nation's small business owners”. ” he pointed out.
The House Small Business Committee reported the proposal out of committee last week. If the law is passed, the Small Business Administration will be required to issue regulations to implement its provisions.
