Us Congress Senate Bill SB1407

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/23
• Refer: 5/2/23

Caption

A bill to amend the Small Business Act to eliminate certain requirements relating to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State of performance.

Impact

The impact of SB1407 on state laws could be significant as it removes mandated qualifications for subcontracting that require local performance. This shift could decrease the barriers for small businesses not only in their home states but also in neighboring states and regions. Moreover, it may encourage small contractors to bid on a wider variety of projects, potentially boosting local economies. However, the change might also impose risks of undercutting local businesses that traditionally rely on local subcontractors for their contracts.

Summary

SB1407 aims to amend the Small Business Act by eliminating existing requirements related to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or state of performance. This legislative change is intended to streamline the process for small businesses seeking subcontracts, allowing greater flexibility in their operations and potentially enhancing their competitive edge in securing federal contracts. By removing these geographic limitations, supporters argue that the bill would enable small businesses to engage in a broader range of projects without being restricted to local subcontracting laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential displacement of local businesses and the loss of economic benefits tied to local subcontracting practices. Opponents may argue that abolishing these requirements could dilute the incentives for federal funds to spur local economic development. They express concerns that large out-of-state firms might dominate the contracting landscape, sidelining local companies and reducing the overall economic benefits that typically accompany local subcontracting initiatives.