Plain Language in Contracting Act
Sponsored By: Representative LaLota
Passed House
Summary
Plain language for small-business contract notices is required so small firms can find and understand opportunities. The bill sets clarity and keyword standards for notices on the government-wide procurement portal and directs the Small Business Administration to write rules.
Show full summary
- Small businesses: Notices about small business contracting must be clear, concise, and well organized so a small business can easily understand the notice's intent. Descriptions should include keywords to help firms identify relevant opportunities.
- Federal agencies: Covered notices posted on the single Government-wide point of entry must, to the maximum extent practicable, follow best practices appropriate to the subject and audience.
- Small Business Administration: The SBA must issue rules to implement these standards within 90 days after enactment and will carry out the Act's implementation responsibilities.
- Funding: The Act expressly does not authorize additional funds to carry out its requirements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer contracting notices for small businesses
If enacted, small businesses would get clearer federal notices about contracting opportunities on the government-wide entry site. Covered notices would have to be clear, concise, well-organized, and include helpful keywords to make opportunities easier to find. The Small Business Administration would have to issue rules within 90 days after enactment, and the requirements would take effect upon enactment.
No new money for implementation
If enacted, the bill would not authorize any new money to carry out these rules. Agencies would need to use existing funds to follow the plain-language notice requirements. That could limit how fully agencies implement the changes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
LaLota
NY • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45]
CA • D
Sponsored 1/28/2025
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 1/28/2025
Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]
NH • D
Sponsored 3/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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