WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) today introduced the Simplifying Subcontracting Act to reduce complexity in federal government contracting and help more small businesses and entrepreneurs pursue contracts.

“Small businesses are vital to our economy but are often left out in federal government contracting due to overly complicated, bureaucratic language,” said Risch. “The Simplifying Subcontracting Act requires certain federal government contracts to use plain language, enabling more small businesses to compete for these contracts.”

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act, true to its name, is a simple, one-page bill that would require federal government contracts use straightforward language when subcontracting work is given to small businesses. This legislation mirrors the Plain Writing Act of 2010. 

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) joined Risch in introducing the bill.

“Qualified small businesses and entrepreneurs deserve the same access to federal government contracts as larger entities that currently dominate the contracting market,” said Crapo. “Simplified, clearer language will improve their access to the federal contracting application process.”

“Our bill will make government subcontracting agreements easier to understand, opening up more opportunities for Hoosier small businesses to compete for these contracts,” said Young.

“Dense and technical language discourages small businesses from competing for government contracts,” said Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill helps even the playing field.”

The Idaho Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Idaho Veteran Entrepreneurship Alliance, and American Subcontractors Association support Risch’s bill.