Lafayette Reporter

Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and James Risch (R-Idaho) have recently introduced the Simplifying Subcontracting Act, a bill aimed at making it easier for small businesses to apply for federal contracts. The bill seeks to clarify federal contracts and make them more accessible to small businesses by using clear, plain language.

According to Senator Kennedy, "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."

Senator Risch emphasized the importance of including small businesses in federal government subcontracting, stating, "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. 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."

The Simplifying Subcontracting Act includes several provisions to simplify federal contracts and improve access for small businesses. These provisions include requiring prime contractors to write applications in plain, clear language and addressing the government's use of overly technical language that many find difficult to understand.

In addition to Senators Kennedy and Risch, Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have also cosponsored the bill.

The full text of the Simplifying Subcontracting Act can be found [here](link).

This bill aims to address the barriers that small businesses face when applying for federal contracts by simplifying the language used in these contracts. By using clear, plain language, the government can ensure that more small businesses are able to compete for contracting opportunities and contribute to the economy.