To amend the Small Business Act to eliminate certain requirements relating to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State of performance.
Summary
HB3485 amends the Small Business Act by repealing paragraph (11) of section 8(a). The bill’s stated purpose is to eliminate a requirement tied to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State where the work is performed. In practical terms, it would remove a geographic preference or locality-based condition that currently applies to certain construction subcontracting decisions under the 8(a) small business program.
By striking this provision, the bill would change how construction subcontracts are awarded under federal small business contracting rules, likely giving prime contractors and participating businesses more flexibility in selecting subcontractors without regard to county or state boundaries. The measure affects the federal Small Business Act and the administration of the 8(a) program, which is designed to support socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
Impact
The bill would amend federal law by repealing a specific subsection of 15 U.S.C. 637(a), thereby removing a statutory requirement related to local award preferences for construction subcontracts. Its effect would be to preempt the existing county- or state-based limitation in the 8(a) program for construction work, potentially broadening the pool of eligible subcontractors and altering procurement practices for federal construction projects involving small businesses.
Sentiment
There is limited recorded debate or voting history available for HB3485, so overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee action or floor votes. The bill’s introduction by a bipartisan group of sponsors suggests at least some cross-party support or interest in simplifying subcontracting rules. Because it was referred to the House Committee on Small Business and no transcripts or votes are provided, the public record here does not show organized opposition or endorsement beyond the bill’s sponsorship.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely whether removing county- or state-based subcontracting requirements would help efficiency and competition or instead weaken opportunities for local small businesses. Supporters may view the change as reducing administrative barriers and expanding contractor choice, while critics could argue it diminishes geographic protections intended to keep work and economic benefits closer to the project location. No specific committee objections are available in the provided materials, so these concerns are inferred from the bill’s subject matter rather than documented debate.
Same As
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.