The Plain Language in Contracting Act requires federal agencies to use clear, concise language in notices to small businesses, ensuring they are easily understood and identifiable.
Nicolas LaLota
Representative
NY-1
The Plain Language in Contracting Act requires federal agencies to ensure that notices to small businesses are clear, concise, and easily understandable, using plain language best practices. It directs the Small Business Administration to issue rules for implementation within 90 days. The act specifies that no additional funds will be allocated for these changes.
Plain Language in Contracting Act: Feds to Simplify Notices for Small Businesses - Effective Immediately
The "Plain Language in Contracting Act" mandates that federal agencies use clear, concise language in all contracting notices aimed at small businesses. This isn't about dumbing things down; it's about making sure opportunities are accessible to everyone, not just those who can navigate government jargon.
Cutting Through the Red Tape
The core of the bill is straightforward: any notice a federal agency posts on the Government-wide point of entry (that's where contracts are listed) has to be written in a way that's easy to understand. Think clear sentences, common words, and well-organized information. The bill specifically calls for using "relevant keywords," which should make it easier for small businesses to find the opportunities that actually apply to them. For example, imagine a local bakery searching for catering contracts. Instead of wading through dense legal text, they'll be able to quickly identify relevant opportunities using plain-language terms. This is great for a small business owner who's already juggling a million things.
No New Money, Just Better Communication
One important detail: the bill explicitly states that no additional funds can be used to implement this. This means agencies have to work within their existing budgets to make these changes. Whether that's a realistic expectation or a potential roadblock remains to be seen. It might mean slower implementation or a reliance on existing resources, which could be a challenge for some agencies.
The 90-Day Dash
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is tasked with issuing the rules to make this happen, and they have a tight deadline – 90 days from the bill's enactment (Sec. 2). That's a quick turnaround, and it means the SBA will need to move fast to define what "plain language" actually means in practice. This part is crucial because it will set the standard for how agencies communicate. A clear, concise definition will help ensure consistency across all federal agencies. A landscaping business in Ohio should be able to understand a notice just as easily as a tech startup in California, for example. The language of the bill, by referencing the Small Business Act (15 U.S. Code 632), is meant to ensure that the definitions are consistent with existing law.
Real-World Impact
This bill is all about cutting through the bureaucratic noise and making it easier for small businesses to compete for government contracts. It means less time deciphering complicated notices and more time focusing on actually running a business. Whether you're a construction company bidding on a building project or a catering service looking to provide meals for a government event, this change is supposed to make the process more transparent and accessible. It's about leveling the playing field and giving smaller players a fair shot.