H.R.789 - Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.789, the "Transparency and Predictability in Small Business Opportunities Act," aims to improve transparency and assistance for small businesses when federal solicitations are cancelled. It requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue rules for disclosing information about cancelled solicitations and mandates Directors of Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization to assist small businesses in identifying similar contracting opportunities. The bill emphasizes compliance with existing budget constraints, indicating no new appropriations are authorized.
Expected Effects
This bill will likely increase transparency in federal contracting processes, specifically regarding cancelled solicitations. Small businesses may receive better support in finding alternative opportunities when a solicitation they bid on is cancelled. The act could also lead to more efficient use of resources by both the government and small businesses by reducing wasted effort on solicitations that are ultimately cancelled.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Transparency: Requires disclosure of reasons for cancellation and plans for reissuance.
- Improved Assistance: Mandates assistance for small businesses in finding alternative opportunities.
- Better Resource Allocation: Reduces wasted effort on cancelled solicitations.
- Enhanced Predictability: Provides small businesses with more predictable contracting environment.
- Level Playing Field: Promotes fair competition by ensuring small businesses are informed.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Scope: Focuses solely on cancelled solicitations, potentially overlooking other challenges faced by small businesses.
- No Additional Funding: Relies on existing resources, which may strain current SBA capabilities.
- Potential Bureaucracy: New rules could create additional administrative burden for agencies.
- Uncertain Impact: The actual effectiveness depends on the quality and implementation of the new rules.
- Delayed Implementation: Requires the SBA to issue rules within 180 days, which could delay immediate benefits.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the spirit of promoting the general welfare, as outlined in the Preamble of the US Constitution, by supporting small businesses. Congress's authority to regulate commerce and provide for the common defense (Article I, Section 8) provides a basis for legislation affecting federal procurement and small business assistance. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).