118 HR 7987 IH: Plain Language in Contracting Act U.S. House of Representatives 2024-04-15 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I118th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 7987IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESApril 15, 2024Mr. LaLota (for himself and Mr. Thanedar) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small BusinessA BILLTo require plain language and the inclusion of key words in covered notices that are clear, concise, and accessible to small business concerns, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Plain Language in Contracting Act.

2.

Accessibility and clarity in covered notices for small business concerns

(a)

In general

Each covered notice shall be written—(1)in a manner that is clear, concise, and accessible to a small business concern; and(2)in a manner consistent, to the extent practicable, with the Federal plain language guidelines established pursuant to the Plain Writing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note).(b)

Inclusion of key words in covered notices

Each covered notice shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include key words in the description of the covered notice such that a small business concern seeking contract opportunities using the single governmentwide point of entry described under section 1708 of title 41, United States Code, can easily identify and understand such covered notice.(c)

Rulemaking

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall issue rules to carry out this section.(d)

Definitions

In this section:(1)

Covered notice

The term covered notice means a notice pertaining to small business concerns published by a Federal agency on the single Government-wide point of entry described under section 1708 of title 41, United States Code.(2)

Small Business Act definitions

The terms Federal agency and small business concern have the meanings given those terms, respectively, in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).

3.

Compliance with CUTGO

No additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act or the amendments made by this Act.