Plain Language in Contracting Act

Bill Number

H.R. 787

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Commerce

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-06-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T11:13:28Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Plain Language in Contracting Act aims to improve the accessibility and clarity of government notices related to small business contracting opportunities. It ensures that these notices are written in simple, understandable language to help small businesses more easily identify and pursue federal contracts.

Key Provisions

• Plain Language Requirement: All "covered notices" (notices about small business opportunities published by federal agencies on the government's single online portal for contract opportunities, known as the System for Award Management or SAM.gov) must be written so that small businesses can easily understand them. This includes being clear, concise, well-organized, and following best practices for the topic and audience.
• Inclusion of Key Words: Covered notices must include relevant key words in their descriptions, where possible, to make them easier for small businesses to search and find on the online portal.
• Rulemaking Deadline: The Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) must issue rules to implement these requirements within 90 days of the Act's enactment.
• Definitions:
• Covered notice: A notice related to small businesses posted on the federal contract portal.
• Federal agency and small business concern: Defined under the Small Business Act (a federal law that supports small businesses, where "small business concern" generally means a business that meets size standards set by the SBA based on industry).
• Funding Limitation: No new funds are authorized to carry out the Act, meaning implementation must use existing resources.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This Act introduces new standards for the language and structure of small business contracting notices, which were not previously mandated by law. It builds on existing requirements under the Small Business Act and federal procurement laws (like those in Title 41 of the U.S. Code) by adding specific plain language and searchability rules, but it does not alter core contracting processes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Federal agencies will need to revise how they draft and publish notices, potentially increasing administrative time but improving efficiency in small business engagement. Since no extra funds are provided, agencies must absorb these costs within current budgets.
• On Citizens (Small Businesses): Small business owners will benefit from easier-to-understand notices, reducing barriers to entering federal contracting and potentially increasing their participation in government opportunities worth billions annually.
• On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though clearer notices could indirectly aid U.S. small businesses competing for contracts with international elements, such as defense or trade-related procurements.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Small Business Concerns: Primary beneficiaries, as the Act directly targets improving their access to federal contracting information.
• Federal Agencies: Responsible for complying with the new writing and keyword standards when posting notices.
• Small Business Administration (SBA): Tasked with issuing implementing rules and overseeing compliance.
• Government-Wide Procurement System: The online portal (SAM.gov) will see more searchable, user-friendly content.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The Act enforces plain language without creating new enforcement mechanisms beyond SBA rulemaking, aligning with broader federal efforts (like the Plain Writing Act of 2010) to make government communications accessible. It could lead to fewer misunderstandings in contracting disputes.
• Constitutional Implications: None significant; it supports equal access to government opportunities without infringing on free speech or due process, and it operates within Congress's authority to regulate federal procurement.
• Political Implications: The Act promotes small business growth, a bipartisan priority, by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Its no-new-funds clause reflects fiscal conservatism, potentially limiting its scope but ensuring quicker implementation without budget debates.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-04: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
• 2025-06-03: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-06-03: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2395)
• 2025-06-03: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2395)
• 2025-06-03: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 787.
• 2025-06-03: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2395-2396)
• 2025-06-03: Mr. Williams (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-03-24: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 23.
• 2025-03-24: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-34.
• 2025-03-24: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Small Business. H. Rept. 119-34.
• 2025-03-05: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 0.
• 2025-03-05: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-01-28: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
• 2025-01-28: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-28: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Plain Language in Contracting Act — issued 2025-06-03 — PDF (4 pages)
• Plain Language in Contracting Act — issued 2025-01-28 — PDF (3 pages)
• Plain Language in Contracting Act — issued 2025-06-04 — PDF (3 pages)
• Plain Language in Contracting Act — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (6 pages)