Small Business Committee Advances Congressman Tran’s Bipartisan Bill to Streamline Federal Contracting
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45), Ranking Member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, released the following statement after the bipartisan Plain Language in Contracting Act passed the Small Business Committee. The bill, co-led by Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI) and Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), aims to ensure that federal contracting opportunities are written in plain language, making it easier for small businesses to secure government contracts.
“I grew up working in a community-based small business and I believe that community-based businesses drive our economy and support working people. I’m proud to bring that experience to Congress,” said Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45). “The Plain Language in Contracting Act expands critical opportunities for small business owners, especially veterans and immigrant entrepreneurs, by requiring contract solicitations for small businesses be written in clear and concise language, free from complex government jargon. I know firsthand the challenges of starting a small business and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to empower local businesses, support our economy, and ensure that every entrepreneur has the opportunity to succeed.”
“The Small Business Committee has taken a critical step in advancing my Plain Language in Contracting Act, a bipartisan bill designed to make federal contracts accessible and understandable for small businesses. A small business shouldn’t have to hire a lawyer or a team of accountants to apply for a simple federal contract. By cutting through the government jargon, we’re leveling the playing field, ensuring that small businesses have the same opportunity to compete as large corporations,” said LaLota. “I’m proud to lead this effort alongside my colleagues, Rep. Thanedar and Rep. Tran, as we work to empower small businesses and strengthen our local economies, including those on Long Island. This bill is a win for small business owners, veterans, and entrepreneurs across the country.”
“Having experienced the challenges of running a small business, I recognize the urgent need to cut through the jargon and bureaucracy to provide clear, concise, and accessible information to our nation's small business owners,” said Rep. Thanedar. “The Plain Language in Contracting Act will break down barriers and level the playing field, ensuring that small businesses finally have equal access to federal contracting opportunities. I helped lead the Plain Language in Contracting Act last Congress, and I'm proud to once again join my colleagues Rep. LaLota and Rep. Tran in supporting this critical legislation.”
Background:
The Plain Language in Contracting Act ensures that federal contracting notices for small businesses are clear and accessible. Specifically, the bill requires all federal notices related to small business concerns to be written in plain language that is clear, concise, and accessible. It also specifies that notices must be written in a manner that small businesses can easily understand the intent. Additionally, such notices must include relevant keywords to help small businesses easily identify and understand contracting opportunities through the federal government’s online portal.
Small businesses generally do not have access to the teams of lawyers and specialists that large companies employ when seeking federal contracts. The number of small businesses awarded government contracts continues to decrease, and the burdensome contracting process discourages many successful small businesses from even bidding. The smaller number of small businesses participating in contracting is, in part, exacerbated by the extremely difficult-to-understand language in government contract solicitations. While existing contractors have been forced to adapt to this language, the barrier it creates significantly harms small businesses considering competing for a government contract for the first time.