Congresswoman Simon Introduces Bill to Ensure Small Businesses Have a Voice

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12) recently introduced the “Small Business Representation in Contracting Rulemaking Act,” which would add the Small Business Administrator to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council. 

As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, the Congresswoman knows that well-intended reforms may often have harmful unintended consequences on small business government contractors. This bill would give small business government contractors a formal voice in the contracting rulemaking process so that when changes are made to contracting rules – the statutory direction is clear and small businesses have a seat at the table. 

“It is essential that the federal government prioritize small businesses in its procurement and contracting to stimulate economic growth, drive innovation, and ensure opportunity is available to all–not just large and well-established corporations,” said Congresswoman Simon. “My bill to add the Small Business Administration to the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council is an important step towards ensuring small businesses have a voice at the table when the federal government considers a government-wide procurement policy.”

“The representation, input, and visibility of small firms as procurement policies are developed is critical to ensure that they have a level playing field and the maximum opportunity to compete, as required by the Small Business Act,” said Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee Nydia Velázquez. “I am pleased to join Rep. Simon and give small businesses a seat at the decision-making table when the rules impacting their companies and their contracts are written.”

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