Bipartisan Bill Would Boost Small Businesses, Save Taxpayer Dollars

Press Release

Today the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee passed bipartisan legislation that would allow small businesses to more successfully compete for larger government contracts. The Small Business Fairness Act, led by Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Bob Casey, D-Pa., would help small businesses better compete for contracts typically out of their reach, while saving the federal government money through increased competition.

"While Republicans and Democrats may not agree on certain things, we both know the importance of small business to the economy," said Enzi. "This bill is a win-win. Small businesses will be in better shape to successfully team together and the federal government will get a better return on dollars spent for goods and services."

"This legislation is about helping our small businesses compete on a level playing field," Senator Casey said "Pennsylvania's small businesses are the backbone of our economy and should have the same opportunity to compete for federal contracts as larger businesses have. I'm pleased that this bipartisan effort is moving forward and am hopeful that it will be signed by President Obama this year."

The federal government is required to fulfill a percentage of contracts by small businesses. However, as contracts become ever larger, it is often difficult for small businesses to handle these oversized projects, especially when their small business qualifications and past experience isn't counted by federal agencies. The Small Business Fairness Act requires agencies to give due consideration to the capabilities and past performance of the small businesses working together, while allowing agencies to count small businesses in teams and joint ventures toward their small business contracting goals.

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