The Small Business Representation in Contracting Rulemaking Act
The Small Business Representation in Contracting Rulemaking Act would add the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) as a member of the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) and require the SBA Administrator to submit a report within 90 days of enactment. The goal is to ensure better small business input in federal procurement rulemaking and to assess the resources needed for SBA to participate effectively in FAR Council activities, along with recommendations for any necessary legal or policy changes. If enacted, the bill would formalize SBA’s involvement in shaping federal acquisition regulations, potentially influencing how rules affect small businesses, including access to federal contracting opportunities and the design of small-business-focused programs.
Key Points
- 1Adds the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council as a voting member (expands FAR Council membership).
- 2Makes a conforming amendment to 41 U.S.C. § 1302 to recognize the SBA Administrator among the listed members.
- 3Requires the SBA Administrator, within 90 days after enactment, to submit a report to the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 4The report must assess the personnel and resources needed for SBA to participate as a FAR Council member and propose changes to laws, policies, or regulations to facilitate that participation.
- 5The bill is titled and framed to enhance small business representation in federal contracting rulemaking and oversight.