Coordinating Our Local Liaisons And Bringing Out Related Agency Technical Expertise Act COLLABORATE Act
Impact
The implementation of HB 986 is anticipated to significantly impact how small businesses access contracting opportunities with the federal government. By requiring an interagency agreement, the bill aims to ensure that assistance from small business development centers is delivered efficiently and without duplication of services. It outlines the responsibilities of both small business development centers and APEX Accelerators, providing clarity and direction for these agencies in their work with small businesses. Additionally, the bill includes a requirement for the small business administration to report back to Congress on the agreement's establishment, thereby enhancing accountability.
Summary
House Bill 986, known as the Coordinating Our Local Liaisons And Bringing Out Related Agency Technical Expertise Act or the COLLABORATE Act, seeks to enhance the coordination of government contracting and procurement assistance for small businesses. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Secretary of Defense and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration enter into an interagency agreement aimed at streamlining assistance provided by small business development centers and APEX Accelerators. This coordination is expected to improve the resources and support available to small businesses navigating government contracts.
Contention
While the bill appears to have widespread support among lawmakers focused on enhancing small business growth, potential concerns may arise regarding the clarity of roles between small business development centers and APEX Accelerators. Critics could argue that further regulations or guidelines might be necessary to prevent any overlap in services or confusion for small business clients. Moreover, the effectiveness of interagency coordination in practice may be scrutinized, particularly if issues of bureaucracy hinder the intended benefits of streamlined assistance.