# What This Bill Does

This bill makes it easier for small businesses located in economically struggling areas to win government contracts. Right now, the federal government gives these businesses a price advantage when bidding on certain types of contracts—basically, the government can choose them even if another company bids slightly lower. This bill expands when that advantage applies.

Specifically, the bill extends this price preference to two new situations: when the government issues orders under large, multi-company contracts, and when the government opens part of a contract to competition among small businesses. Previously, these types of contracts didn't get the same preference treatment. Now, small businesses in designated "HUBZone" areas (historically underutilized business zones, which are economically disadvantaged communities) will have a better shot at winning these government orders.

The practical effect is that small businesses in struggling neighborhoods and rural areas get a better chance to compete for federal spending. This could help these businesses grow and create jobs in their communities. The bill also requires the Small Business Administration to update its rules within 90 days to make sure this new preference is actually implemented. For most people, this won't have a direct impact, but it's designed to help level the playing field for small business owners trying to build their companies in areas that need economic development.

To amend the Small Business Act to modify the application of price evaluation preference for qualified HUBZone small business concerns to certain contracts, and for other purposes.

Scholten, Hillary J.

<html><body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><p><strong></strong>This bill revises the standards applicable to small businesses participating in the HUBZone program, a Small Business Administration program that provides federal contracting assistance to small business concerns. Specifically, the bill revises the circumstances under which a small business concern is granted certain price evaluation preferences.</p></body></html>