By Hank Russell
The House of Representatives passed a bill that would make it easier for both parties to understand the language of business contracts before signing on the dotted line.
The bill, introduced by Nick LaLota (R-Rocky Point), would ensure that federal contracting notices for small businesses are clear and accessible. Specifically, the bill requires all federal notices related to small business concerns be written in plain language, and specifies that notices must be written in a manner in which a small business can easily understand the intent. Additionally, such notices must include relevant keywords to help small businesses easily identify and understand contracting opportunities using the federal government’s online portal.
LaLota said small businesses generally do not have access to the armies of lawyers and specialists that large companies employ when seeking federal contracts. The number of small businesses awarded government contracts continues to decrease. 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 become accustomed to this language, the barrier it creates significantly hurts small businesses deciding to compete for a government contract for the very first time.
“Today, the House passed my bipartisan Plain Language in Contracting Act to make it easier for small businesses to compete for federal contracts. Small business owners shouldn’t need a law degree to do business with their own government,” said LaLota. “This commonsense bill cuts red tape, opens doors, and passed with strong support from both parties—now it’s time for the Senate to act.”
The Act now heads to the Senate for a vote.