HR 787119th CongressIntroduced

Plain Language in Contracting Act

Introduced: Jan 28, 2025

Economy & TaxesTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 787, the Plain Language in Contracting Act, would require federal agencies to publish certain notices to small business concerns on the government-wide procurement portal (the single Government-wide point of entry described in 41 U.S.C. 1708) in plain language that is clear, concise, and well-organized. In addition, these notices would need to include key words to help small businesses quickly identify and understand contract opportunities. The Small Business Administration (SBA) would have 90 days after enactment to issue implementing rules. Importantly, the bill does not authorize new funds to carry out these requirements; agencies would have to manage within existing resources.

Key Points

1Each covered notice must be written so a small business can easily understand the notice’s intent, and must be clear, concise, and well-organized, following best practices appropriate to the subject and audience.
2Each covered notice must, to the maximum extent practicable, include key words to help small businesses find and understand the notice when using the government-wide entry point.
3The SBA Administrator must issue implementing rules within 90 days after enactment to carry out these provisions.
4Definitions: “covered notice” refers to notices about small business concerns published by a federal agency on the government-wide entry point (SAM.gov); “federal agency” and “small business concern” have the meanings in the Small Business Act.
5No additional funds are authorized to carry out the Act’s requirements; implementation would rely on existing resources.

Impact Areas

Primary: Small business concerns seeking federal contracting opportunities, who would benefit from clearer notices and easier keyword-based discovery.Secondary: Federal agencies and procurement personnel, who would need to adjust notices to meet plain-language and keyword requirements; SBA and the federal procurement ecosystem as a whole.Additional impacts: Potential administrative workload to rewrite or revise existing notices and to implement new rulemaking guidance; potential improved efficiency and transparency in federal contracting for small businesses.

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