Bills/H.R. 787

Plain Language in Contracting Act

Plain Language in Contracting Act

Passed HouseEconomyHouseHouse Bill · 119th Congress
Bill Progress · House
Introduced
Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Passed Both
Signed

Plain Language Summary

# Plain Language in Contracting Act (HR 787) Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill requires the federal government to write notices about government contracts in clear, simple language that's easy to understand. Currently, government contract notices can be filled with jargon and complex language that makes it hard for small businesses to figure out if they're eligible to bid. The bill would ensure these notices follow existing "plain language" standards already required for other federal documents. The Small Business Administration would be responsible for creating and enforcing the rules. **Who It Affects** Small business owners and entrepreneurs are the primary beneficiaries. By making contract opportunity notices easier to read and understand, more small businesses might discover and successfully bid on government contracts.

This could help them grow and create jobs. The bill also affects federal agencies that post these notices, as they would need to follow the new clearer writing standards. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. There are no major opposing provisions—the bill essentially applies existing plain language requirements specifically to small business contract notices, building on standards already in the Plain Writing Act of 2010.

CRS Official Summary

Plain Language in Contracting ActThis bill requires that notices of contracting opportunities for small businesses are written in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.Each notice also must comply with the requirements of the Plain Writing Act of 2010, which are applicable to publications and notices by federal agencies.The Small Business Administration must issue rules to implement these requirements.

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Latest Action

June 4, 2025

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

Subjects

Public contracts and procurementSmall business

Sponsor

R
3 cosponsors

Key Dates

Introduced
January 28, 2025
Last Updated
June 4, 2025
Read Full Text on Congress.gov →
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