Common Repository for Small Businesses Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5977
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-25T18:55:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Common Repository for Small Businesses Act" (H.R. 5977) aims to simplify the process for potential suppliers, particularly small businesses, to qualify for contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD). It creates a centralized system to store and share basic information needed for initial vetting, reducing repetitive paperwork and efforts when suppliers apply to multiple DoD projects.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of Repository: Within 90 days of the bill's enactment, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy must create a digital repository containing standard information required for DoD's initial review of contractors seeking to provide products or services.
- Coordination with Existing Programs: The repository must be developed alongside or integrated into efforts by the DoD's Office of Small Business Programs. These efforts include providing tools for market research, strengthening supply chains, improving cybersecurity, and offering secure cloud services to organizations that assist with procurement technical assistance (under chapter 388 of title 10, U.S. Code) and small manufacturers.
- Public-Private Partnerships: The Assistant Secretary may form cooperative agreements or partnerships with private DoD contractors to build the repository, but only if it demonstrably reduces duplicate work, saves time for suppliers submitting the same information to various prime contractors (main DoD suppliers), or lowers costs for prime contractors in qualifying new suppliers.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandate for the DoD to build and maintain a centralized supplier information repository, which does not exist in current law. It builds on existing small business support programs but adds a specific requirement for a shared vetting database, potentially amending or expanding authorities under title 10 of the U.S. Code related to procurement assistance without directly altering other statutes.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DoD, particularly the Office of Industrial Base Policy and Small Business Programs, will face initial setup costs and administrative responsibilities but could see long-term efficiency gains by streamlining supplier onboarding and reducing redundant reviews across departments.
- On Citizens and Businesses: Small businesses and potential suppliers will benefit from faster, less burdensome qualification processes, encouraging greater participation in DoD contracts and potentially boosting local economies through increased opportunities for American manufacturers. Prime contractors may experience reduced qualification costs, leading to smoother supply chains.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base by prioritizing domestic small suppliers, potentially reducing reliance on foreign sources for critical products and services.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Defense Agencies: Including the Assistant Secretary for Industrial Base Policy and the Office of Small Business Programs, responsible for implementation.
- Small Businesses and Suppliers: Primary beneficiaries, as the repository eases entry into DoD contracting.
- Prime Contractors: DoD's main suppliers, who may collaborate via partnerships and gain from streamlined subcontractor vetting.
- Procurement Assistance Providers: Organizations under chapter 388 of title 10, U.S. Code, that support small manufacturers and will integrate with the new tools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: The bill promotes efficiency in federal procurement without raising privacy concerns, as it focuses on standard vetting data; however, it may require safeguards for sensitive supplier information under existing federal data protection laws like the Federal Information Security Modernization Act.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to regulate commerce and provide for the common defense, supporting small business involvement in government contracts as encouraged by the Small Business Act.
- Political Implications: Reinforces bipartisan priorities for bolstering the defense industrial base and aiding small businesses, potentially increasing economic resilience amid supply chain vulnerabilities, though implementation success depends on adequate funding in future defense budgets.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Common Repository for Small Businesses Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (3 pages)