Rep. Scholten Introduces Bill to Increase Opportunities for Small Businesses
This legislation would clarify and expand the benefits of the Small Business Administration’s HUBZone program for businesses in economically underutilized regions
Today, U.S. Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee’s Contracting and Infrastructure Subcommittee, introduced the Enhancing Competition in Contracting Orders Act, with Republican Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27). This bill would clarify when federal agencies should apply a critical pricing tool that allows HUBZone small businesses to better compete for work in the federal marketplace.
The HUBZone program grants a 10 percent price preference to qualifying businesses, ensuring that businesses in economically underdeveloped regions can remain competitive and obtain government contracts. This bill would clarify the parameters of the program to ensure that federal agencies are providing this price preference to businesses under a task order, in addition to contracts.
“Many small businesses are unable to competitively bid on contracts against large companies. The 10% price preference granted by the HUBZone program has been game-changing for HUBZone small businesses’ ability to participate in the contracting marketplace,” said Congresswoman Scholten. “Clarifying HUBZone benefits would ensure that even more businesses in West Michigan can compete for government contracts.”
“The HUBZone program is critical for small business survival and growth in historically underutilized business zones,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “The Hubzone Price Evaluation Preference Clarification Act will strengthen the program by clarifying that HUBZone-certified small businesses qualify for certain federal contracts. This clarification is necessary to help level the playing field and provide more opportunities for these small businesses.”
“As the government continues to procure goods and services through large contracting vehicles, we need to make sure every tool is available to small HUBZone companies to win federal work,” said Michelle Burnett, Executive Director of the HUBZone Contractors National Council. “This legislation is critical to ensuring HUBZone companies can take advantage of the pricing strategy contained in the law.”