117 HR 6923 IH: Accelerating Small Business Growth Act U.S. House of Representatives 2022-03-03 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.

I117th CONGRESS2d SessionH. R. 6923IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESMarch 3, 2022Mr. Gomez (for himself, Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Barragán, and Ms. Bass) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedA BILLTo establish a program so that small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in Department of Transportation projects, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Accelerating Small Business Growth Act.

2.

Accelerating business growth program

(a)

Definitions

In this section: (1)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Transportation.(2)

Small business concern

The term small business concern has the meaning given the term in section 11101(e)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58). (3)

Socially and economically disadvantaged individuals

The term socially and economically disadvantaged individuals has the meaning given the term in section 11101(e)(2) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58). (b)

Establishment

The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant program to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to establish and carry out innovative programs so that small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals may achieve proficiency to compete, on an equal basis, for contracts and subcontracts in projects carried out with financial assistance from the Secretary. (c)

Eligible entities

An entity eligible to receive financial assistance under this section is—(1)a State or territory;(2)a political subdivision of a State or local government; (3)a Tribal government;(4)a special purpose district or public authority with a transit function;(5)a port authority;(6)a metropolitan planning organization; or(7)a group of entities described in paragraphs (1) through (6). (d)

Applications

To be eligible to participate in the program under this section, an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require.(e)

Partnerships

In carrying out activities with a grant under this section, an eligible entity may partner with—(1)1 or more nonprofit organizations; and(2)1 or more institutions of higher education.(f)

Required report

(1)

In general

Not later than 2 years after an eligible entity is awarded a grant under this section, the eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary a report that includes—(A)a description of the activities carried out with the grant; and (B)an evaluation of the effectiveness of those activities in meeting the objectives described in subsection (b).(2)

Public availability

Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall be made available on a public internet website managed by the Secretary.(g)

Report to Congress

Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report that evaluates the program under this section, including—(1)a description of the number of grants awarded;(2)the amount of each grant;(3)the activities carried out with grants under this section; and(4)the effectiveness of those activities in meeting the objectives described in subsection (b). (h)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2026.