H.R.1586 - WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1586, the WOSB Certification Expansion and Opportunity Act, aims to refine the certification process for small businesses owned and controlled by women (WOSBs). It seeks to exclude self-certified WOSBs from government-wide and agency goals, emphasizing the importance of formal certification. The bill mandates rulemaking and quarterly briefings to ensure effective implementation and oversight.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a more rigorous certification process for WOSBs seeking to participate in federal contracting programs. This could result in a more accurate representation of certified WOSBs in government contracting goals. It may also create a temporary bottleneck as businesses seek formal certification.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures that government contracting goals related to WOSBs are based on verified certifications, potentially leading to more effective allocation of resources.
- Provides a transition period for self-certified WOSBs to obtain formal certification, minimizing disruption.
- Mandates transparency through quarterly briefings to Congress, allowing for oversight and adjustments to the implementation process.
- Could lead to increased confidence in the WOSB program among federal agencies and other stakeholders.
- May encourage more women-owned businesses to seek formal certification, enhancing their competitiveness.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could create additional administrative burden for both WOSBs seeking certification and the Small Business Administration (SBA).
- May temporarily exclude some self-certified WOSBs from benefiting from government contracting goals until they obtain formal certification.
- The rulemaking process could be lengthy, delaying the full implementation of the Act.
- Increased certification requirements could disproportionately affect smaller WOSBs with limited resources.
- The Act does not authorize additional appropriations, potentially straining the SBA's existing resources.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating businesses involved in interstate commerce through federal contracting. It also aligns with Congress's power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18). The emphasis on due process in certification aligns with the Fifth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).