WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Jim Risch today introduced the Simplifying Subcontracting Act to reduce complexity in federal government contracting in order to help more small businesses and entrepreneurs pursue contracts. U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) joined Risch in introducing the bill.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, yet many are left out when it comes to federal government subcontracting due to excessively complicated language,” said Risch. “Congress can easily fix this with the Simplifying Subcontracting Act. My legislation would require the federal government to communicate in plain language, not bureaucrat, in order to open the door for more small businesses to compete for these contracts.”
“Small businesses and the American people miss out when government bureaucrats overcomplicate language, discouraging companies from pursuing contracts,” said Crapo. “This plain language requirement would make government contracting more approachable to smaller companies as it avoids overly technical and specialized jargon that could be daunting for those without unlimited resources.”
“Small businesses deserve an equal playing field to work as government subcontractors,” said Hickenlooper. “Plain, readable language will help more small businesses compete for these contracts.”
“Small businesses benefit from federal contracts, but, when the government uses confusing words, it discourages small businesses from applying for them. The Simplifying Subcontracting Act would make federal contracts use clear language so that more businesses can take advantage of contracting opportunities,” said Kennedy.
“Small businesses drive innovation, enhance government operations, and advance our national security. However, many are sidelined in federal subcontracting due to complex contracts. The Simplifying Subcontracting Act streamlines communication and levels the playing field so smaller firms can compete for government contracts,”said Rubio.
The Simplifying Subcontracting Act, true to its name, is a simple, one-page bill that would require the federal government to similarly operate in simple terms when it engages in subcontracting work with small businesses. This legislation mirrors the Plain Writing Act of 2010.
The Idaho Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Idaho Veteran Entrepreneurship Alliance, and American Subcontractors Association support Senator Risch’s bill.
