East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Jim Risch has introduced the Simplifying Subcontracting Act in an effort to make federal government contracting more accessible to small businesses. The legislation aims to reduce complexity by requiring certain federal contracts to use plain language, which is expected to help small businesses and entrepreneurs compete for these contracts.

Risch stated, "Small businesses are vital to our economy but are often left out in federal government contracting due to overly complicated, bureaucratic language." He emphasized that the act would enable more small businesses to engage with federal contracts.

The bill, concise at just one page, mandates the use of straightforward language in federal contracts when subcontracting work is directed towards small businesses. This approach aligns with the principles of the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

Senators Mike Crapo, John Kennedy, Todd Young, and John Hickenlooper have co-sponsored the bill. Crapo remarked on the necessity for qualified small businesses and entrepreneurs to have equal access as larger entities: "Simplified, clearer language will improve their access to the federal contracting application process."

Young highlighted that their proposal would simplify government subcontracting agreements: "Our bill will make government subcontracting agreements easier to understand, opening up more opportunities for Hoosier small businesses."

Hickenlooper added that dense and technical language often deters small business participation in government contracts: "Our bipartisan bill helps even the playing field."

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