Plain Language in Contracting Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues, Representatives LaLota and Tran, for their work on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, the complexity of the government's procurement process and requirements can be overwhelming to small businesses, including those seeking a Federal contract for the first time.

This government-speak, words we only find in government contracting documents like requests for proposals or solicitations, compound the complexity and may disincentivize firms from bidding.

This bill attempts to add clarity by requiring documents to be written in a plain way that helps firms more easily understand what the government is buying.

Small firms should not be put off from working with the government because available opportunities are not communicated clearly. We need more small businesses to bring their talent and innovation into Federal agencies, and I am hopeful this bill will contribute to that effort.

Mr. Speaker, we will put this in really plain words, since that is what the bill does. Small businesses need to be able to understand what is happening in these contracts. Having language that is easy to understand will enable them to apply for these contracts, which enables them to bring their talents and their innovation to bear in our Federal Government.

Over the last decade, small businesses have been leaving at an alarming rate. Nothing we are doing is working to reverse that trend. In fact, the number of small business vendors in the government's ecosystem has been cut nearly in half.

Having this bill will make it easier for small business owners, people who are already working around the clock, to make their business successful for themselves, their communities, and their employees. They will now have an easier chance of applying for a contract with the Federal Government.

I am hopeful when this legislation is implemented, it will contribute to that goal. I thank the bill's sponsors.

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